More On Chastisement

THE PURPOSE OF THE LORD’S CHASTISEMENT
Heb 12:6.
because theLord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.

God doesn’t chastise everybody, but He especially chastises his children. What is our expectation of the Christian life? Do we realize that we are in a new family, with a new head and that the Head wants to lead the others in submission? A father does not scourge other people’s sons. Discipline is a proof of sonship! Chastisement has to do with love. God loves you enough to correct you. We should not despise the discipline of the Lord. For The Lord has a purpose in them. This purpose is to correct us. To teach us. It is instructional. It is not just a punishment for the past but it is instruction with an eye toward the future.

John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

1 Cor 11:3232 When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.NIV

It is a sad thing to see so many in the church receive the chastisement of the Lord and yet they are never trained by it. It is like seeing someone continue to put his hand in the fire time after time and expecting a different result! We need to wake up and ask God about our circumstances. We need to submit to God’s correction and know what He is doing in us!

James 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

God actively resists the proud. Is God resisting you, servant of God?

1 Pet 4:17-19 (Phi)
The time has evidently arrived for God's judgment to begin, and it is beginning at his own household. And if it starts with us, what is it going to mean for those who refuse to obey the gospel of God? If even the good man is only just saved, what will be the fate of the wicked and the sinner?... Therefore those who suffer according to God's will can safely commit their souls to their faithful Creator, and go on doing all the good they can.

THE CONTENT OF CHASTISEMENT
God can use anything at his disposal to chastise. He can and does use sickness and even death, as a last resort. It could be any circumstance, opposition, conflict, or persecution. But his desire is for you to be healed through repentant faith.

DISCERNING CHASTISEMENT
Prov 3:11 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

Some Christian groups assume Satan is behind every kind of problem. This is a dangerous view, as it comes close to blaspheming the work of the Holy Spirit when God rebukes us. Yet other groups focus on God's discipline to the point of not recognizing mere tribulation or the active work of Satan. So the next time some "trouble" comes in life, is there a way of discerning the meaning? What instruction has God given us?

If we are facing temptation we should resist it. If we are going through a trial we should persevere. But if we are being chastised, we need to repent and be healed and learn.