The Purpose of Chastening

Hebrews 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

Earthly parents sometimes chasten their children according to their own pleasure, but the Lord chastens His children ONLY for their profiting. In addition, earthly parents will sometimes err by disciplining their children for convenience to end the child’s inconvenience brought upon the parent. The end goal turns out to be the satisfaction of the parent rather than the sole good of the child. However, in God’s dealings with His children, He chastens for the benefit of the one receiving the chastening. He uses His chastening to help make His children partakers of His holiness. When they have done wrong, He wants them to repent (Revelation 3:19). When they have gone astray, He wants them to find correction (Job 5:17). God, as a Father, always chooses to do what is best for His children. It is always exclusively for their profit!

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):God had to chasten Jonah for his disobedience. Jonah then repented and obeyed (Jonah 1:1-3, 17; Jonah 2:1-2; Jonah 3:1-3). Zacharias was chastised for not believing God’s promise (Luke 1:13, 18-20, 57-64). God chastens us so we will learn to keep His word (Psalm 94:12; Psalm 119:67).

(For everyone):What are some reasons your earthly father had for chastening you in the past? What was his motive? How is this different from God’s chastening?

(For everyone):How does God’s chastening make you better? How can His chastening be profitable for you? What happens if He refuses to chasten you?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask God to teach you the benefits of chastening.

Ask God to help you see how chastening is an act of love.

SONG

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

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