Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
5/20/2021
How does God discipline an Adult Child?
Do you remember as kids getting the rod of instruction? Or maybe being grounded or punished in some manner. As an adult that doesn’t really happen anymore. Sometimes our spouse or even an older child will call us out on something we said or did. But as adults, instruction doesn’t come the same way anymore. We get to… kind of do what we want. Even if its wrong we can at times do it anyway. Why? because we want to.
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.
(Hebrews 12:5–6; Proverbs 3:11–12)
Reproved? Disciplined? By God himself? How does that happen? Webster’s defines rebuke as, “To criticize or reprove sharply; reprimand.”
Whom does Jesus rebuke? According to this Scripture, he rebukes those he loves. He rebukes you with 100 percent accuracy. He knows all things—all potential harm, all who would do you evil, all your weaknesses and sins.
Jesus said, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline” (Revelation 3:19).
Jesus rebukes those he loves.
How does God discipline us as adults? New converts need to be taught in the pure milk of the Word and to see holy lives on display in their congregation. In a church groups setting, we talk about more sensitive issues. We hear and see how others deal with similar issues/sins/attacks. And for me, the Holy Spirit will prick my soul and bring about this conviction that causes me to want to change my ways. It is a critical reason we need each other. We need real accountability. How can you grow at anything without reading God’s instruction manual? The Bible. It isn’t just about going and listening to the general feel-good message on Sunday morning once a month so we can check that box off with God.
With regards to the corrective aspect, discipline starts when a church member/christian friend rebukes/talks to another for his/ her sin, one-on-one. Lovingly, respectfully…showing them a better way. God’s way.
What does God say?
Revelation 3: 15-19 “15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot! 16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth! 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich and have acquired great wealth, and need nothing,’ but do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, 18 take my advice and buy gold from me refined by fire so you can become rich! Buy from me white clothing so you can be clothed and your shameful nakedness will not be exposed, and buy eye salve to put on your eyes so you can see! 19 All those I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent!” (NET)
This is a harsh rebuke and warning to the Church in Laodicea. It might have been said of a church you have attended at one time in your life. We are so used to receiving uplifting words of encouragement. I will never leave or forsake you… don’t worry…I am here with you. But what about, “I feel like vomiting you out of my mouth? “ Can I ask you, who would you take that from in the natural?
Look we often confuse correction as rejection. We want acceptance. We don’t want you or anyone in our face about our faults. We think and we feel inside: YOU MUST be accepting of me…as I am. For who I am. That is the new world church’s view on acceptance. Grace covers…Grace covers a multitude of sins. Its true, but it doesn’t mean what we do doesn’t matter. What we believe doesn’t matter. Frankly just talking about these negative sin matters is negative and a bit shameful, so let’s not do that. Yes, I believe in God but I don’t expect anyone to discipline me at my age for doing it my way. Are you listening? Are you buying this? Do you think God is selling this?
Yes, we have a loving God but a Fathers disciplines the children that he loves for their own good.
Tomorrow we will take on Part II How does God discipline an Adult Child?
Will you not stop and pray with me one hours this week with your family for Pastor and those who are suffering emotionally or physically?
Oceans Where Feet may Fall
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga3DmPRPAQQ
