Wisdom Study #7
The Wisdom of Welcoming my Father’s Discipline
Proverbs 3:11-12
“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 3:1-12 is a bite-sized package of supernaturally revealed wisdom to inform navigating the years of our walk with God and with one another. More comprehensively, over 31 chapters in some 916 verses, an abundance of both positive and negative guidelines – truths, principles and practices to eagerly embrace, other warnings to “avoid like the plague.” Finishing this smaller wisdom package, Solomon urges his sons/daughter to embed this reality:
Because my Father (God) delights in me, with love my Father disciplines me
Get STARTED – When you think about your life and the kinds of “discipline” you’ve been through, what stories do you have? Share yours with your group…and what PURPOSE was behind your experience (see examples below) –
- how did your parents discipline you? to what end?
- did you go through any educational or professional/vocational training? the result?
- were you on a sports team that demanded physical discipline? what did that look like?
- have you served in the military? what discipline was required? for what?
- other example:
How would you complete this sentence?
Discipline is
… for the purpose of
Explore in the WORD – Perhaps the most direct passage which speaks of the Lord’s intentional discipline in the lives of His children is found in Hebrews 12. Answer the following questions from 12:1-17.
- What are we called to do? Hebrews 12:1-2 (how difficult is running a long distance?)
- Who is our model, and why? Hebrews 12:3-4
- What are the things (even) we as God’s sons/daughters easily forget? Hebrews 12:5-11 (p.s. from where do vss.5-6 come?)
- What’s our responsibility with others in the experience of the Lord’s discipline? Hebrews 12:12-17; * what happened with Esau? (cf. Genesis 25:29-34 and Genesis 27:14-40); * what does Esau illustrate for us? If we are “driven by our flesh,” what is it possible for us to lose?Do you think there is a special blessing from God for the one who welcomes the Lord’s discipline into his/her life?
Prioritize APPLICATION – Are you experiencing any of your Father’s discipline currently? What’s difficult about it? What do you anticipate your Father is doing in your life through His current discipline? Share with your group…and pray!
The BEYOND THE SERMON Video Podcast is available each week on the CCC Facebook page or on the CCC App. It posts on Monday evening, 8:00 PM. Check it out!
