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Enduring Discipline - Hebrews 12:7
Enduring Discipline - Hebrews 12:7
“It is for discipline that you endure” (Heb. 12:7). Discipline? In the words of Inigo Montoya: "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." “Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride, on Vizzini's use of the word "inconceivable". Such can often be said of the word ‘discipline’. Notice that here in Hebrews 12 the word is used 8 times.
My experience is that most discussions concerning ‘discipline’, quickly turn to a discussion of punishment. Discipline, however, is not restricted to punishment, and in fact, punishment seems to be the last tool of such training. It must also be said that discipline does not EXCLUDE punishment! Even then, such punishment can be found in many different ways and means.
Notice that in trying to define the underlying Greek word, (read Strong’s definitions below), many different words are used: train, instruct, teach, chastise, castigate, mold, reprove, admonish, cultivate, command, correcting, curbing, and punish.
There is a GOAL in such training. True wisdom involves the choosing of the BEST means to accomplish the BEST ends. Such is in conflict with the ‘easiest’ means and the ‘tolerable’ result. Such takes into account the abilities of each child individually: age, intellect, level of learning, situation, circumstance.
Looking back at my efforts at such parenting, I think I would do things differently. Someone pointed out that such probably means I would make different mistakes! Be that as it may, I would spend more time thinking about what lesson I am really trying to impart.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the purpose of this discussion is so that WE as God’s children will endure such discipline from God our father. The purpose as stated here: “for our good, so that we may share His holiness” (Heb. 12:10). In verse 12 the writer continues by saying that for “those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. How is your training from God coming along? What training have you received in you growing up in a mature disciple of Jesus?
Hugh DeLong
3809 παιδεία [paideia /pahee·di·ah/] n f. From 3811; TDNT 5:596; TDNTA 753; GK 4082; Six occurrences; AV translates as “chastening” three times, “nurture” once, “instruction” once, and “chastisement” once. 1 the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment) It also includes the training and care of the body. 2 whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, esp. by correcting mistakes and curbing passions. 2a instruction which aims at increasing virtue. 2b chastisement, chastening, (of the evils with which God visits men for their amendment).
3811 παιδεύω [paideuo /pahee·dyoo·o/] v. From 3816; TDNT 5:596; TDNTA 753; GK 4084; 13 occurrences; AV translates as “chasten” six times, “chastise” twice, “learn” twice, “teach” twice, and “instruct” once. 1 to train children. 1a to be instructed or taught or learn. 1b to cause one to learn. 2 to chastise. 2a to chastise or castigate with words, to correct. 2a1 of those who are moulding the character of others by reproof and admonition. 2b of God. 2b1 to chasten by the affliction of evils and calamities. 2c to chastise with blows, to scourge. 2c1 of a father punishing his son. 2c2 of a judge ordering one to be scourged.
