April 24 – Proof Through Reproof

“My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord Or loathe His reproof, For whom the Lord loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.” – Proverbs 3:11-12 (NASB)

As children we certainly did not enjoy the reproof our parents gave to us when we misbehaved. As adults do we like it any better? Probably not but we can know from our verse today the reproof is a promise affirming that God loves us and He intends the very best for us. Since even the wisest of God’s children are subject to sin, there is necessity of God’s fatherly discipline. He disciplines us to increase wisdom and blessing in our lives. We should not resist such correction but instead receive it with thankfulness because it is for our benefit. Some think discipline is punishment but the two are not quite the same. Discipline, or reproof is not exactly a pay-back for wrong deeds but it is a consequence when we fail to observe the law of God and His commandments.. Hebrews 12:8 teaches us that if we are not being disciplined by God, then we are but illegitimate children and not adopted children of God. Like our verse says, God allows and does what is necessary to correct us because He delights in us and He wants us to know better what His will is for our lives.

197

April 17 – Discipline Builds Discipline

“It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?”  - Hebrews 12:7  (NASB)

Discipline is a two-way street. Every true believer in Jesus receives opportunity to grow through the discipline God sends our way and thrive in spiritual growth, stronger faith, and increasing knowledge of God.  Other’s buck against it and end up going the other way. They refuse to learn the lessons God gives them, causing them to miss the blessing and benefit. In times of adversity, says the author of Hebrews, keep in mind that all our setbacks come from God; He is training us in godliness because He has accepted us as sons and daughters in His eternal family. He wants the very best for us. The difficulties we encounter are blessings in disguise, for behind our difficulties stands a loving Father who is giving us what is best. As God’s children, then, we must always look beyond our trials and realize that God himself is at work in their lives training us to trust Him. Discipline that reproves teaches us to have character that is disciplined. It is a sign of God’s parentage of us. It is a confirmation God really loves us for whom He loves, He reproves and discipline. When disciplined, let’s repent and be zealous. 

199

October 28 –Receiving Righteous Reproof

“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:11-12 (ESV)

Our verse selected today has both an instruction and a promise from God. It was written by King Solomon and is the inspired Word of God given to us for guidance and training. The writer of the Book of Hebrews included these same words when he quoted them (Hebrews 12:5-6) in his letter. It is easy for us, when we are facing trials to overestimate their severity in our lives. We might use the old “the devil made me do it” ploy to avoid responsibility for things we have done. The writer of Proverbs 3 knew the value of discipline from God our Father. Solomon reminds his own son that God reproves us for attitudes and actions which are not honoring to God. Discipline in our lives may well come as a trial and brings us to examine our lives. This is because discipline and reproof is confirmation of God’s love for us. Our fathers are or were not perfect in all this as God is perfect but we can understand the standard set here. Just as our earthly father might have corrected our behavior out of love for us, so God our Father does for us as well.

- 199 -

April 23 –Needs More Apparent?

“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”  - 2 Timothy 1:7  (NASB)

The Apostle Paul was in his last months or days.  He knew the time was finally coming when God would be calling him home.  His dear friend and disciple Timothy was facing life as a preacher pastor without Paul as his close friend.  Even though Timothy is in Ephesus and Paul is in Rome in chains, his departure will be a blow to Timothy.  So this letter begins with encouragement about the future based on past experience. No matter whatever is ahead for Timothy, Paul wants him to remain unashamed and strong in the faith.  This promise is given to Timothy and to us that God does not give us a timid spirit.  God has given us Himself as the Holy Spirit. So, we have a Spirit of power, love and discipline.  We need that every day but these days our need may be a bit more acute, a bit more apparent.  When in the most difficult of times, God provides us with power, with love, with discipline so that our forward movement in Christ will be a testimony to God’s promises.  Let’s live today in the strength, power of God practicing love and discipline in all our choices.  

-199-