Dear Friends,
There’s no such thing as an undisciplined disciple.
The word discipline is multi-layered word. Its meaning is determined by the context in which it is used. A disciplined person might be someone who is able to self-regulate or practice self-control. It might be a person who has been chastened or admonished for bad behavior. A field of study is sometimes referred to as a discipline.
What all three meanings have in common is learning.
In fact, the Latin word disciplīna means instruction, teaching or learning. And the shares its meaning with another Latin word, discipulus, from which we get the word disciple. The two words fit together.
A disciple is also measured by both his life and his learning. Discipline isn’t about what you know. It’s about you do – or don’t do.
So how does a word that means instruction or learning come to carry with it the idea of punishment?
“For the moment,” the writer of Hebrews says, “all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant” (Heb. 12:11). The word for discipline in this verse originally meant instruction – specifically, the instruction of children. But according to Greek scholars, the word evolved to mean chastening “because all effectual instruction for the sinful children of men includes and implies chastening and correction.”
In other words, rebels don’t like being told how to act when the instruction doesn’t affirm their opinions or support their passions. Rebels find instruction – discipline – painful rather than pleasant.
But when God softens a rebel’s heart, the sting that accompanies discipline is followed by something precious and sweet. After a time, “it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).
When our hearts are open to God’s instruction, the initial sting that comes with correction gives way over time to “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” God’s discipline steers us away from the sinful patterns and habits of our heart. God graciously teaches us to say no to unrighteousness (Titus 2:12). And as we learn to walk rightly before Him, we begin to experience the peace of God which transcends our circumstances and passes all understanding.
“It is for discipline that you have to endure,” the writer of Hebrews says. When God brings discipline – painful correction – in our lives, He is treating us as sons. “For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Hebrews 12:7).
It is for our good that God corrects us when we reject or wander away from His instruction. It’s because He loves us that He brings us back to the narrow way. We resist. We groan. We may even kick against the goads.
But God will not stop discipling us. Because He knows that walking in righteousness is what brings us peace.
A wise child will heed his Father’s instruction and in the process, avoid the sting of discipline. And when that child, prone to wander, experiences the pain that comes with correction, he or she will embrace the loving reproof as evidence of God’s love and care.MEN'S SUMMER FORGE GROUPS
Men – if you haven’t yet reached out to join with a group of men in our church for a handful of summer get togethers, now’s the time.
Here are the group leaders for our Summer Men’s Forge Groups, along with their focus.
Alex Brown – Courage
Chad Donley – Faith over fear
Mason Harper – Christ centered work
Mike Cantrell – Thoughts for young men (JC Ryle)
Kevin Wang – Finding the right hills to die on
Kip Weaver – Developing a servant’s heart
Matt Gurney – Humility Project for Men
Does one of those look interesting to you? Click this link (https://us.list-manage.com/QICpzWdfVf0?e=fbb0a4052b&c2id=0759b7131ae0096a8daaedb620a7ee89) to find out more and to sign up. Once you’re signed up, your group leader will contact you to schedule meeting times that work for everyone in the group.
ROOTS SUMMER FUNOur Roots Students are headed to Memphis again this summer for our Street Reach outreach to kids in the Brady Heights neighborhood.
Once they’re back, there are a handful of special events on the schedule for them this summer. Parents, make sure these dates are on your calendars.READY FOR SUNDAYHere is the preview (https://us.list-manage.com/11O_egJozGN?e=fbb0a4052b&c2id=0759b7131ae0096a8daaedb620a7ee89) of the songs we’ll be singing together this weekend.
Over and over again in the Book of Judges we see God rescue His people from their enemies, raising up flawed men and women to deliver them. This Sunday and the following Sunday, we’ll see how God worked through a timid, fearful and reluctant man to accomplish His purposes as we learn the story of Gideon.
See you in church!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Bob
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