Highlight: 

Hebrews 12:7-8

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Explanation:

This text points to a clear practical experience that relates to our relationship with God. A good father corrects his kids. A good father disciplines his kids. A good father uses a little stinging of the backside to keep his children from permanent damage. This is not abuse. In fact, it is abuse not to utilize some form of discipline. If a father does not correct his kids, then he is not being loving to them. God is a loving father, so God must correct his kids. Verse 8 tells us that if we never experience correction, then we are kids without a father. 

Paul gives fathers further instructions in Ephesians 6:4.

4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

This instruction given to fathers is exemplified by our Father. God does not ask us to do something as Fathers that He is not doing as our heavenly father. He admonishes and nurtures His kids. If you are not experiencing that, then you may not be his kid.

Application:

What is needed when I experience chastening?

Prayer and Introspection

It is so important to learn from the chastening of the Lord. If you are experiencing difficulty, the question that you need to be praying is, “Lord, what are you trying to teach me?” Psalm 51 is particularly helpful in this sense.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Psalm 51:10-12

Repentance and Submission

When sin is pointed out by the Holy Spirit, then repentance and obedience are what is necessary. Again, Psalm 51 is helpful.

For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Psalm 51:16-17

Response:

God, please give me the strength today to obey. Give me the awareness of my own walk with you to respond the way you would have me to respond. I don’t want to waste the time trying to serve you and be effective for you and doing it apart from you because of sin in my life. Without you I can do nothing. Amen