Scripture

4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, 

and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Sermon Summary

Pastor’s Closing Questions

• How has your view of suffering changed as a believer in Christ?
• What is God teaching you right now?

Pointed Questions from the Sermon

Pastor Vince used the example of boxing to help explain why we need to keep our defenses up against the world and against our sinful nature. Why do you think it is easy for us to drop our defenses and fall into sin?

• In what specific ways do you think that you could be “counter punched” in your walk with Christ?

• Can you point to any specific things this past week where something you did might have helped keep your defenses up, or perhaps lowered them?
• Read Ephesians 6:11-18. What specific ways are we able to guard ourselves against sin?

In his sermon, Pastor Vince mentioned that there’s no growth without tension. What do you think he meant by that?

• Why do you think it can be painful to grow?
• Why do you think growth is good even though there will be tension?
• How do you think this discipline helps us to pursue holiness?

Read Hebrews 12:7-8. It is easy, when going through hardships, to want to question God. Why might it be easier to not question God knowing that He allows hardships to come into our lives?

• Read Hebrews 12:6.  What do you think the motive behind God’s discipline is, and why?
• What other Bible verses can you think of that help support this?

What specific areas of your life do you think God is causing you to grow in this week and how will you respond to this discipline?

Next Week’s Sermon Preview

Sam Karlovich will be preaching about the importance of pursuing the peace of Christ and holiness. He will also explain the example of Esau and the implications of selling our birthright for our fleeting desires.