Introductory Thoughts
Chastening is not merely a means of judgment implemented by the Lord for wrongdoing, but also serves as a proof of sonship. According to Hebrews 12:6, at some point in every child of God’s life, he will experience the chastening hand of the Lord. Any individual able to freely do wrong without God’s chastening should examine whether or not he is in the faith. The absence of chastening suggests that a person is not a son of God (Hebrews 12:8). Just as any good father will not allow his son to get away with wrongdoing, God the Father does not allow His children to do wrong without suffering the consequences of such actions. Chastisement may be delayed, but it is inevitable.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): When we get saved, we become sons of God (John 1:12). God chastens us out of love because we are sons (Proverbs 3:11-12).
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(For everyone): How can someone become a son of God? What is the eternal destination of someone who is born again? Why is it a blessing that the Lord offers proofs of sonship for the believer?
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Upon what is Gods chastening based (Revelation 3:19)? What should we gather from the fact that God chastens us when we sin against His law?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to show you His love through chastening.
- Thank God for caring enough to correct you when wrong.
Song
BREAK FORTH, O JOYFUL HEART
