"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S CHASTENING"

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S CHASTENING"

Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. The writer is dealing with the subject of our Father's love for us, in that He would chasten us.
The word chasten, means to instruct, teach, correct, admonish, to train, and to punish. God chastens those He loves, those who are His children. ( In fact, though it's true that God does not chasten those who are not yet saved. They are without God, and without Christ. They are in darkness ) But, He does deal with His own children, thus, it's a sign of our relationship with God.

2. The writer tells us several things about chastening.

(1) No chastening when it's taking place seems joyful, or enjoyable. While it's happening to us, we do not find it to be joyful.

(2) But rather, when we are being chastened by the Lord, it's painful. Or, sorrowful, it's a grievous time. It's painful, its like an affliction, and the word chastened is sometimes used of people who are mourning. So, it's not a joyful time, but rather a painful time.

(3) However, though it's not joyful, but painful, here's the next truth. "nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Heb 12:11

Nevertheless, afterwards, simply means, "afterward" After the chastening is over, there is something wonderful that it yields in the life of the one who was chastened. And, it's called, "the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

Here's how this reads in the NLT "But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way"

(4) Isn't that wonderful to know, and blessing to consider. Simply put, as You place yourself in subjection to God in the time of chastening, or you cooperate with Him, You don't take it lightly, nor do you get discouraged, but You believe Him, and You wait on Him, and You let Him teach you, and You learn what it is that God is teaching You, You will reap this wonderful crop. Here it is again.

Heb 12:11b But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Notice please, it's not a matter of if, but rather of when. You can count on the faithfulness of God to do just as He has stated in this verse. There will be this quiet peaceable time in your life. It's called a "Harvest of right living" In other words, all the instruction, and teaching will have led you to the path that God has for you, and it's the right way to live, because it's His way. And there is absolutely nothing better in all the world then to live in God's way, and go in His paths.

3. So, what a great verse. What a great encouragement to realize afresh, the Love of God for you, as His child. And, to realize that what you may be going through today, though it's not pleasant, but painful, is eventually bring about a real blessing. You will be sharing in God's holiness, His moral perfection and goodness. You will grow in Christ. And, there is no greater blessing. May I encourage You to keep the big picture in mind.

4. Here's what God says about his thoughts and plans for you.

Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jer 29:12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

Jer 29:13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

A prayer:

Father, there was a time when we did not know You as Father, only as God. We were not Your children, we were without You, but You Lord in Your mercy, even when we were dead in our sins, have made us alive together with Christ. We are Your Children now. And, we want to say "thank You" for the times in our lives when You chasten us, thank You, that's it's for our profit, and thank You that You are faithful. How many of us reading this today, can say, "Amen" to the truth of Heb 12:11. We have gone through these times, and You have trained us, and we are reaping that wonderful peaceful harvest of Your righteousness. We Love You Lord.
In Jesus name

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia