• Hebrews 12:7-11
• Discipline is necessary and unpleasant – Proverbs 19:18; Hebrews 12:11
• Discipline has a purpose and goal
  • Purges evil and purifies the heart – Proverbs 20:30
  • Drives out folly and foolishness – Proverbs 22:15
  • Corrects condemning behavior – Proverbs 23:13-14
    • Exodus 21:20 – Compare the word “rod” here. The rod of discipline is painful!
  • Imparts wisdom and prevents shame – Proverbs 29:15-17; 17:25
    • Discipline early while there is hope! Proverbs 19:18
  • The goal is holiness and righteousness – Hebrews 12:7-11
• Discipline MUST be motivated by love – Proverbs 3:11-12
• Discipline and love linked – Proverbs 13:24
• Unloving punishment is destruction – Ephesians 6:4
• The Bible and discipline

Child abuse

Godly discipline

Unfair, unexpected

Fair, expected

Degrading, demoralizing

Balanced, reasonable

Leaves permanent damage, scars

Painful, no permanent damage

Motivated by hatred, emotional damage

Motivated by love, emotional security

• Administering discipline
  • Start early – Proverbs 19:18
  • Stay balanced – Proverbs 29:15
    • Use the rod and reproof – Proverbs 3:11-12
    • Verbal (not shouting, Galatians 5:20)
    • Sometimes it is sufficient – Proverbs 17:10
  • Corporal (the rod)
    • Never to vent anger (Ephesians 4:26)
    • Distinguish immaturity vs defiance
    • Be consistent, avoid extremes
    • Administer privately
    • Don’t delay – Ecclesiastes 8:11
    • Decide with your spouse
    • Pray for wisdom – Proverbs 2:6
    • Discipline by the Word of God – Ephesians 6:4
    • Seek godly counsel – Proverbs 15:22
  • The naysayers
    • Apply God’s pattern, expect ridicule – II Timothy 3:12
    • “Spanking is abuse, ya know”
    • “Your kids are just learning to hit others” – Colossians 3:20
  • Discipline’s reward
    • Discipline will be well worth the effort – Proverbs 10:1; 29:17
      • Eli’s regret – II Samuel 2:17, 24; 3:13
      • Lasting righteousness, holiness – Proverbs 22:6