Hebrews 12:3-11

Zepheniah 3:2, “No one can tell it anything; it refuses all correction. It does not trust in the Lord or draw near to its God.” (NLT)

Hebrews 4:11-13, “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (NKJV)

Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (NKJV)

1 John 4:18-19, “We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly; his perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what he might do to us. If we are afraid, it is for fear of what he might to do us and shows that we are not fully convinced that he really loves us. So you see, our love for him comes as a result of him loving us first.” (TLB)

1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (NLT)

Ephesians 3:17-20, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…” (NKJV)

• According to Hebrews 12:3-11, why is it important for us to receive the discipline of the Lord?
• God is both holy and perfect and kind and compassionate. Has your perspective of God leaned on one part of His character above the other? If so, where do you think you need to receive more revelation?
• 1 John 4:18-19 says that, “We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly…” Ask yourself if you really trust that His love for you is perfect. Write down your answer.

This week, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you how you see Him as your heavenly Father. If you have seen Him as a harsh man who punishes bad behavior with shame or who demands more of you than you can give–ask Him for forgiveness and to show you what He’s really like.

If you’re feeling brave, ask Him to correct you in areas where you’re not living up to your full potential in Him. Remember that He is a good and kind Father who loves you, He is Jesus who understands your weakness, and He is Holy Spirit within you helping you, comforting you, and empowering you every single step of the way.