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Hebrews 12:5
Verse
Context
God Disciplines His Sons
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. 6For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And ye have forgotten - Or, have ye forgotten the exhortation? This quotation is made from Pro 3:11, Pro 3:12, and shows that the address there, which at first sight appears to be from Solomon to his son, or from some fatherly man to a person in affliction, is properly from God himself to any person in persecution, affliction, or distress. Despise not thou the chastening - Μη ολιγωρει παιδειας Κυριου· Do not neglect the correction of the Lord. That man neglects correction, and profits not by it, who does not see the hand of God in it; or, in other words, does not fear the rod and him who hath appointed it, and, consequently, does not humble himself under the mighty hand of God, deplore his sin, deprecate Divine judgment, and pray for mercy. Nor faint - Do not be discouraged nor despair, for the reasons immediately alleged.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
forgotten--"utterly," so the Greek. Compare Heb 12:15-17, in which he implies how utterly some of them had forgotten God's word. His exhortation ought to have more effect on you than the cheers and exhortations of the spectators have on the competitors striving in the games. which--Greek, "the which," of which the following is a specimen [ALFORD]. speaketh unto you--as in a dialogue or discourse, so the Greek, implying God's loving condescension (compare Isa 1:18). despise not--literally, "Do not hold of little account." Betraying a contumacious spirit of unbelief (Heb 3:12), as "faint" implies a broken-down, weak, and desponding spirit. "Chastening" is to be borne with "subjection" (Heb 12:9); "rebuke" (more severe than chastening) is to be borne with endurance (Heb 12:7). "Some in adversity kick against God's will, others despond; neither is to be done by the Christian, who is peculiarly the child of God. To him such adverse things occur only by the decree of God, and that designed in kindness, namely, to remove the defilements adhering to the believer, and to exercise his patience" [GROTIUS].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And ye have forgotten the exhortation,.... Or consolation, the consolatory word or doctrine, in Pro 3:11. This, by their conduct, the apostle feared they had forgotten, and therefore puts them in mind of it; or it may be read by way of question, "and have ye forgotten?", &c. do not ye remember? it would be right to call it to mind: which speaketh unto you as unto children; not as the children of Solomon, but as the children of God, or of Christ, the wisdom of God: here, by a prosopopeia, the word of exhortation is introduced as a person speaking, my son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord; by which is meant, not vindictive punishment; this would not be speaking to them, nor dealing with them as children, and would be contrary to the love of God towards them; besides, chastisement in this sense has been upon Christ for them, and it would be unjust to lay it on them again; but a fatherly correction is designed, and which is given in love by God, as a Father, and for the instruction of his children, as the word used signifies: and it is called not the chastening of men, but of the Lord; every chastening, or afflictive providence, is appointed by God, and is looked upon by believers, when grace is in exercise, as coming from him; and it is directed, and governed, and limited by him, and is overruled by him for his own glory, and their good: and this is not to be despised, as something nauseous and loathsome, or as not useful and unprofitable, or as insignificant and unworthy of notice, but should be esteemed for the good ends, which are sometimes answered, by it: nor faint when thou art rebuked of him; God has various ways of rebuking, reproving, and convincing, sometimes by his Spirit, sometimes by his word and ministers, and sometimes by afflictive providences; by these he rebukes his people for their sins, convinces them of them, and brings them to acknowledgment and confession; he makes them hereby sensible of their duty, in which they have been remiss, and brings them to a more constant and fervent discharge of it; he reproves them for, and convinces of their folly in trusting in the creature, or loving it too much, and of every wrong way they have been walking in; and these rebukes are not in a way of wrath, but love, and therefore saints should not faint at them: there are two extremes they are apt to run into, under such a dispensation; either to take no notice, and make light of an affliction, or else to be overwhelmed by it, and sink under it; both are guarded against in this exhortation.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:5-6 In these verses, the encouraging words are quoted from Prov 3:11-12, a passage that regards hardship as the Lord’s loving discipline for his children. God can turn a wide variety of trials and difficulties to our good, training us in righteousness and holy character.
Hebrews 12:5
God Disciplines His Sons
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. 6For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christ Lives in Me
By Elisabeth Elliot13K30:32Crucified With ChristHEB 12:5In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of a woman who had turned away from the Lord and sought worldly pleasures. She became consumed by alcohol and lived a life of despair and selfishness. However, one day she found the strength to break free from the bottle and began a journey of redemption. Through repentance and surrendering everything to God, she experienced a transformation and found peace. The preacher emphasizes the importance of discipleship and the need to let go of worldly attachments in order to fully embrace the priceless treasure that God offers.
Blessed Discipline
By Elisabeth Elliot8.1K45:53DisciplineHEB 12:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discipline and obedience in the context of God's love for his children. He shares a personal story of his father's discipline when he disobeyed his grandfather's rule against using firecrackers. The preacher also gives an example of a mother struggling to discipline her young daughter in a public setting. He concludes by reminding the audience that God's discipline is a sign of his love and urges them to embrace it with gratitude. The sermon references the Bible verse that compares God's discipline to a father disciplining his son.
(Hebrews - Part 17): Faithful in Truth and Love
By A.W. Tozer5.1K35:29ExpositionalHEB 6:10HEB 6:18HEB 10:23HEB 12:5HEB 12:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians actively engaging in their faith. He criticizes those who are hesitant to put effort into their Christianity, comparing them to chickens running away from their responsibilities. The preacher urges believers to be diligent and pour themselves into their faith, as the world is growing old and judgment is approaching. He highlights the need for Christians to seek the excellent riches of heavenly gifts and not settle for mere scraps, encouraging them to have faith and patience in inheriting God's promises.
How to Have a Personal Revival
By A.W. Tozer4.8K27:40Personal RevivalEXO 23:1EXO 23:22LEV 13:45PRO 28:13MAT 16:24LUK 18:38HEB 12:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a personal revival. He encourages listeners to set their faces like flint, meaning to have a determined and unwavering commitment to living a godly life. The preacher also emphasizes the need to set one's heart on Jesus Christ and to go to Him in all circumstances. He shares a powerful story of a man who spent his last day with God in prayer and was ready to go to heaven. The preacher urges listeners to expose their lives to Jesus' examination, being open and honest in prayer, scripture study, obedience, confession, and restitution. Finally, he encourages the congregation to make holy vows before God as a commitment to living a revived and dedicated life.
The Devil Is Out to Destroy Your Faith
By David Wilkerson3.3K1:00:36PSA 16:10PSA 27:5PSA 112:4PSA 121:7MAT 6:33HEB 12:5In this sermon, the preacher describes a dream he had where he walked through the streets of New York and saw a scene of darkness and ugliness. He came across young people lying in the gutters, seemingly dead but still alive and stoned. The preacher emphasizes the need for people to have a hearing heart and open spiritual eyes and ears to receive the message of Jesus. He warns that the current week will mark the end of the prosperity message and the beginning of the last days of the American lifestyle. The preacher expresses concern for the impact of these events on young people and calls for surrendering doubts and fears to God.
Sailing on the High Seas of the Love of God
By J. Vernon McGee3.1K44:46JOB 5:17PRO 3:11MAT 8:23HEB 12:5In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a sculptor shaping a piece of art to illustrate how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. The Holy Spirit's goal is to conform us to be like Christ, and he uses the Word of God and correction to shape us. The preacher emphasizes the importance of courage in facing our sins and confessing them to God. He also highlights the need for conformity to Christ and the assurance that God is with us in times of trouble. The sermon references various Bible verses, including Psalm 23 and Matthew 8:23-26, to support these points.
Gotta Be Clean Haggai - Part 4
By Francis Chan2.6K30:10HEB 12:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning from sin to receive God's blessings. It highlights the need to prioritize God's agenda above our own desires, drawing parallels between the discipline of God in the Old Testament and the concept of discipline in the New Testament. The message encourages self-reflection and seeking God's forgiveness before offering worship or service.
(Through the Bible) Proverbs 1-5
By Chuck Smith2.2K1:01:55PRO 1:1PRO 3:1HEB 12:5In this sermon, Solomon speaks to his son, exhorting him to cherish the gift of marriage and to avoid being enticed by other women. He emphasizes that God is watching and pondering all of our actions. Solomon then provides a series of couplets, highlighting the positive outcomes of following God's commandments, such as granting long life and peace, finding favor and understanding, and receiving direction from God. He also emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord, not relying on our own understanding, and acknowledging Him in all our ways. The sermon concludes with the exhortation to fear the Lord, depart from evil, honor God with our possessions, and keep our hearts diligently, as they are the source of life.
(The Missing Messages in Today's Christianity) Being Godly Parents
By Zac Poonen2.1K55:49ChristianityEXO 25:2ISA 54:13ISA 59:21ISA 61:8HEB 12:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the husband-wife relationship in churches, particularly in India. The devil seeks to attack the Christian home because he knows that by destroying the home, he can destroy the church. The foundation of the church is built on the individual Christians' walk with God, which is built on God's perfect love. The speaker also highlights the need for fathers in the church and in the home, who will sacrifice time and energy for the sake of their flock and discipline them. The sermon encourages parents not to neglect their children and emphasizes the importance of fathers leading their children in teaching them the scriptures. The speaker also shares a progression of how children perceive their fathers as they grow older. The sermon references Malachi 4:6, which speaks about the restoration of the hearts of fathers to their children and vice versa.
(Genesis) - Part 16
By Zac Poonen2.1K1:00:24IshmaelGEN 16:16MAT 6:33JHN 15:5HEB 12:5REV 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of coming to a point of brokenness before God. He uses the example of Jacob's journey, where Jacob initially relied on his own cleverness and worldly pursuits. However, after 20 years, God breaks Jacob and humbles him, allowing him to become a prince of God. The speaker highlights the lesson that when we are broken and humble ourselves, God can do a mighty work through us. The sermon encourages listeners to seek this brokenness and surrender to God's will.
(Suffering in the Christian Life) 2. the Chastening of the Lord
By Roy Hession1.9K45:26ChasteningPSA 94:12MAT 6:331CO 11:29HEB 12:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God and seeking His guidance directly. He warns against relying solely on the opinions and experiences of others. The preacher also discusses the role of suffering in the Christian life, urging listeners not to waste their sorrows but to allow them to deepen their understanding of God's will. He encourages the congregation to have fresh courage and not to fear the challenges they may face. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's guidance and a reminder to trust in His grace.
(2006 Heart-Cry) Prayer and Revivel Through History
By Bob Jennings1.7K48:23Revival PrayingHEB 2:3HEB 3:8HEB 4:12HEB 5:12HEB 10:26HEB 12:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the word of God, describing it as living, powerful, and able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The preacher shares a personal experience of daily prayer and seeking fresh portions of grace. The sermon also highlights several warnings and problems faced by the audience, including being hardened by sin, immaturity in their faith, deliberate sinning, and not responding properly to discipline. The preacher concludes with two exhortations: to hold fast and to draw near to God.
Power of True Religion: Power Over Us
By J. Glyn Owen1.5K55:24True ReligionISA 1:11ACT 8:29ACT 15:28ACT 16:7HEB 12:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of true religion and the power it holds. He discusses the three ways in which the power of true religion manifests itself: the power of God over us, the power of God in us, and the power of God through us. The speaker urges believers to not only believe in God but to also experience the power of God in their lives and exemplify it to the world. He encourages listeners to remove anything in their lives that hinders the expression of God's power in salvation.
Why Live a Holy Life?
By Koshy Mathew1.3K00:00Holy LivingHEB 12:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a holy life as a demonstration of the power of the gospel. He shares a personal testimony of a man who was once a hot-tempered weightlifter but was completely transformed after believing in Jesus. The preacher highlights that simply telling people about the Lord's saving power is not enough; our lives must be a model of holiness for others to see the change. He also mentions the story of Elijah, who lost courage and faith when faced with opposition, emphasizing the need to react in a positive and faithful manner during times of suffering. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel and the importance of living a holy life to lead others to Christ.
(The Church Needs to Know) 7. the Road Is Narrow
By Miki Hardy1.2K1:08:58Narrow RoadMAT 7:13HEB 12:1HEB 12:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the message of the gospel and having the heart of Jesus. He highlights that following Jesus is not always easy and comfortable, but it requires sacrifice and perseverance. The preacher mentions biblical figures like Noah, Moses, Abraham, and Abel who found favor with God by walking through the narrow gate and difficult path. He concludes by stating that regardless of personal preferences, the message of the gospel remains unchanged and it is necessary to fully commit and surrender to God's will.
Significance of Wilderness
By Reuben Walter1.1K39:27WildernessHEB 12:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that there is a purpose and plan in the challenges and obstacles we face in life. While we may only see the immediate difficulties, God sees the bigger picture and the fruits of righteousness that will come from our trials. The speaker uses the example of Moses, who was meek and humble, to illustrate how God prepares us for service through the wilderness experiences. The sermon also highlights the joy that comes from being delivered by God, but cautions that this joy is often short-lived as we quickly find ourselves in new challenges and periods of exposure.
Job #3: The Spirit's Interpretation
By Stephen Kaung1.0K57:51JOB 19:25JOB 26:14JOB 33:29JOB 36:26JOB 37:232CO 7:1HEB 12:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of Job in the book of Job, specifically focusing on chapters 29 to 31. The speaker highlights how Job's life was initially filled with fellowship with God and righteous acts. However, in chapter 30, Job experiences a reversal where he becomes despised and his soul is poured out like water. Despite this, the speaker emphasizes that even in the midst of Job's suffering, there are flashes of divine light that enter his soul, such as Job's declaration that he knows his Redeemer lives. The speaker also mentions Elihu's attempt to interpret God's ways and encourage Job to appreciate God's discipline. However, the speaker concludes that neither mysticism, traditionalism, nor dogmaticism can truly help in a spiritual crisis, as it ultimately requires soul searching. Despite this, the speaker notes that soul searching alone cannot solve spiritual problems, and one ends up where they began.
Blows of Love
By Basilea Schlink84404:30Radio ShowHEB 12:5In this sermon, Basilia Schlink discusses the concept of God's love in His chastening. She shares the story of two friends who experienced severe chastening from God, which initially seemed like God was against them. However, after going through tears and suffering, they were showered with three times as much goodness. Schlink emphasizes that chastening alone does not bring happiness, but only when one fully commits to God's will and humbles themselves beneath His mighty hand. She explains that the ways of chastening purify and bring us closer to Jesus, leading to eternal joy and happiness.
17. Train Up a Child
By Denny Kenaston75944:41PRO 22:6EPH 6:4HEB 12:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of training children in godly character through positive, hands-on involvement, responsibility, and diligence. It highlights the need for parents to actively guide, teach, and nurture their children in the ways of the Lord, using real-life experiences to instill virtues and prepare them for a life of service to God. The speaker illustrates how training children involves more than just teaching, but requires active participation, discipline, and positive reinforcement to shape their character and behavior.
Correction and Reproof
By David Wilkerson75137:57CorrectionPSA 6:1JER 10:10HEB 12:5HEB 12:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not trying to force others into salvation but instead praying for them and showing kindness and meekness. The speaker also highlights the significance of having a Christ-like spirit in the workplace, responding to mistreatment with kindness and not reacting in anger. The sermon then shifts to discussing the concept of chastening from the Lord and how it can be difficult to endure. The speaker encourages the congregation to be a source of encouragement and love to one another, especially during times of grief and failure. The sermon references verses from Hebrews and Psalms to support these teachings.
The Holy Anger of Faith
By Randy Jones68252:00FaithPSA 7:11MAT 6:33MAT 24:12JHN 11:43HEB 12:5REV 12:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of being prepared for Jesus' return. He believes in the rapture and encourages the audience to be ready for it. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to Jesus and getting rid of anything that is not pleasing to him. He encourages the audience to actively engage in building the local church, casting out demons, and winning souls for Christ. The speaker also mentions the shaking that will happen in the last days, as mentioned in the book of Hebrews, and encourages the audience to remain steadfast in their faith.
The Beauty and Blessing of Fatherhood
By Paul Lloyd6531:18:58FatherhoodGEN 5:24GEN 6:9JOS 24:15MAT 6:33HEB 12:51PE 2:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a good father and the effort it takes to become knowledgeable and skilled in this role. He references a study called the Grant study, conducted at Harvard University over 75 years, which aimed to understand the lives of men. The speaker encourages fathers to invest intentionally in the lives of their young children, setting up regular patterns of life that include activities like greetings, reading together, family devotions, and loving interactions with their wives. He highlights that the richness of life comes from the quality of relationships, and being a good father provides an opportunity to create close and rewarding relationships.
The Tragedy of Solomons Life
By Keith Daniel59300:00GEN 8:211KI 3:141KI 11:1ECC 12:13JHN 8:34COL 3:21TI 6:52TI 3:4HEB 12:51JN 2:15This sermon delves into the tragic life of Solomon, highlighting his initial pursuit of God, the blessings he received, and the subsequent downfall due to pursuing self-glory, wealth, and sensual pleasures. It emphasizes the importance of total surrender to God, maintaining integrity in the pursuit of God, and the consequences of straying from His will. The sermon urges listeners to fear God, keep His commandments, and avoid the pitfalls that led to Solomon's downfall.
So Great Salvation: The Fear of the Lord
By Paris Reidhead12345:09Fear Of GodDEU 10:12JOS 24:14PRO 8:13ECC 12:13ISA 8:13HEB 2:3HEB 12:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not just memorizing and reciting the word of God, but truly experiencing and living it. He criticizes the idea of being like a tape recorder that simply plays back information without any personal connection or understanding. The speaker believes that it is crucial for believers to have a deep and vibrant relationship with the truth they profess and the salvation they embrace. He warns against the danger of becoming professional or mechanical in handling the things of God, and instead encourages a genuine and heartfelt approach. The sermon also touches on the need for missionaries to effectively communicate the message of God by connecting with their audience and using their material in a compelling way.
Exposing the Sin of Entitlement
By Phil Beach Jr.1EPH 1:16PHP 2:5HEB 12:52PE 1:11JN 4:7Phil Beach Jr. preaches on the importance of surrendering our sense of entitlement to God, using the story of Naaman to illustrate how entitlement can lead to bitterness, anger, and a lack of submission to God's will. He emphasizes the need to humble ourselves, repent, and embrace God's ways without conditions, just as Jesus and Paul did, who did not possess a sense of personal entitlement. The sermon highlights the transformation that occurs when we let go of entitlement, allowing God to work in our lives, correct us, and mold us into the image of Christ, free from pride and self-seeking.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And ye have forgotten - Or, have ye forgotten the exhortation? This quotation is made from Pro 3:11, Pro 3:12, and shows that the address there, which at first sight appears to be from Solomon to his son, or from some fatherly man to a person in affliction, is properly from God himself to any person in persecution, affliction, or distress. Despise not thou the chastening - Μη ολιγωρει παιδειας Κυριου· Do not neglect the correction of the Lord. That man neglects correction, and profits not by it, who does not see the hand of God in it; or, in other words, does not fear the rod and him who hath appointed it, and, consequently, does not humble himself under the mighty hand of God, deplore his sin, deprecate Divine judgment, and pray for mercy. Nor faint - Do not be discouraged nor despair, for the reasons immediately alleged.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
forgotten--"utterly," so the Greek. Compare Heb 12:15-17, in which he implies how utterly some of them had forgotten God's word. His exhortation ought to have more effect on you than the cheers and exhortations of the spectators have on the competitors striving in the games. which--Greek, "the which," of which the following is a specimen [ALFORD]. speaketh unto you--as in a dialogue or discourse, so the Greek, implying God's loving condescension (compare Isa 1:18). despise not--literally, "Do not hold of little account." Betraying a contumacious spirit of unbelief (Heb 3:12), as "faint" implies a broken-down, weak, and desponding spirit. "Chastening" is to be borne with "subjection" (Heb 12:9); "rebuke" (more severe than chastening) is to be borne with endurance (Heb 12:7). "Some in adversity kick against God's will, others despond; neither is to be done by the Christian, who is peculiarly the child of God. To him such adverse things occur only by the decree of God, and that designed in kindness, namely, to remove the defilements adhering to the believer, and to exercise his patience" [GROTIUS].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And ye have forgotten the exhortation,.... Or consolation, the consolatory word or doctrine, in Pro 3:11. This, by their conduct, the apostle feared they had forgotten, and therefore puts them in mind of it; or it may be read by way of question, "and have ye forgotten?", &c. do not ye remember? it would be right to call it to mind: which speaketh unto you as unto children; not as the children of Solomon, but as the children of God, or of Christ, the wisdom of God: here, by a prosopopeia, the word of exhortation is introduced as a person speaking, my son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord; by which is meant, not vindictive punishment; this would not be speaking to them, nor dealing with them as children, and would be contrary to the love of God towards them; besides, chastisement in this sense has been upon Christ for them, and it would be unjust to lay it on them again; but a fatherly correction is designed, and which is given in love by God, as a Father, and for the instruction of his children, as the word used signifies: and it is called not the chastening of men, but of the Lord; every chastening, or afflictive providence, is appointed by God, and is looked upon by believers, when grace is in exercise, as coming from him; and it is directed, and governed, and limited by him, and is overruled by him for his own glory, and their good: and this is not to be despised, as something nauseous and loathsome, or as not useful and unprofitable, or as insignificant and unworthy of notice, but should be esteemed for the good ends, which are sometimes answered, by it: nor faint when thou art rebuked of him; God has various ways of rebuking, reproving, and convincing, sometimes by his Spirit, sometimes by his word and ministers, and sometimes by afflictive providences; by these he rebukes his people for their sins, convinces them of them, and brings them to acknowledgment and confession; he makes them hereby sensible of their duty, in which they have been remiss, and brings them to a more constant and fervent discharge of it; he reproves them for, and convinces of their folly in trusting in the creature, or loving it too much, and of every wrong way they have been walking in; and these rebukes are not in a way of wrath, but love, and therefore saints should not faint at them: there are two extremes they are apt to run into, under such a dispensation; either to take no notice, and make light of an affliction, or else to be overwhelmed by it, and sink under it; both are guarded against in this exhortation.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:5-6 In these verses, the encouraging words are quoted from Prov 3:11-12, a passage that regards hardship as the Lord’s loving discipline for his children. God can turn a wide variety of trials and difficulties to our good, training us in righteousness and holy character.