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Hebrews 12:7
Verse
Context
God Disciplines His Sons
6For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.”7Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?8If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If ye endure chastening - If ye submit to his authority, humble yourselves under his hand, and pray for his blessing, you will find that he deals with you as beloved children, correcting you that he may make you partakers of his holiness. God dealeth with you as with sons - He acknowledges by this that you belong to the family, and that he, as your Father, has you under proper discipline. It is a maxim among the Jewish rabbins that "the love which is not conjoined with reproof is not genuine."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In Heb 12:7-8 the need of "chastening" or "discipline" is inculcated; in Heb 12:9, the duty of those to whom it is administered. If--The oldest manuscripts read, "With a view to chastening (that is, since God's chastisement is with a view to your chastening, that is, disciplinary amelioration) endure patiently"; so Vulgate. ALFORD translates it as indicative, not so well, "It is for chastisement that ye are enduring." dealeth with you--"beareth Himself toward you" in the very act of chastening. what son is he--"What son is there" even in ordinary life? Much more God as to His sons (Isa 48:10; Act 14:22). The most eminent of God's saints were the most afflicted. God leads them by a way they know not (Isa 42:16). We too much look at each trial by itself, instead of taking it in connection with the whole plan of our salvation, as if a traveller were to complain of the steepness and roughness of one turn in the path, without considering that it led him into green pastures, on the direct road to the city of habitation. The New Testament alone uses the Greek term for education (paideia), to express "discipline" or correction, as of a child by a wise father.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If ye endure chastening,.... In faith, with patience, with courage and constancy, with humility and reverence: there are many things which may encourage and animate the saints to endure it in such a manner; as that it is but a chastening, and the chastening of a father; it should be considered from whence it comes, and for what ends; that it comes from the Lord, and is for his glory, and their good; the example of Christ, and of other saints, should excite unto it. The Jews have a saying (q), that "the doctrine of chastisements is silence;'' that is, they are to be patiently bore, and not murmured at. The Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions, read the words as an exhortation; the former of these renders it, "persevere in discipline"; the Syriac version, "endure correction"; the Arabic version, "be ye patient in chastisement"; and the Ethiopic version, "endure your chastening": but then the word, "for", should be supplied in the next clause, as it is in the Syriac and Ethiopic versions, making that to be a reason, enforcing this, for God dealeth with you as with sons: chastening is owning of them for his children, and it discovers them to be so, and shows that they continue such; he does not chasten them but when it is necessary; and whenever he does, it is in love and mercy, and for good, and in the best time, seasonably, and in measure: for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? no one can be named, not the Son of God himself; he had the chastisement of our peace upon him; nor the more eminent among the children of God, as Abraham, David, and others; nor any in any catalogue, or list of them, such as in the preceding chapter; not one in any age or period of time whatever, in any bodies, societies, or communities of them, either under the Old or New Testament. (q) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 62. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:7-8 disciplined by its father: Fathers from Greco-Roman as well as Jewish families were involved in day-to-day aspects of raising their children. Discipline was seen as a necessary, healthy, and important component of preparing the child for adulthood. A lack of fatherly discipline—in this case, a lack of hardships in life—is a mark of illegitimacy, not a blessing.
Hebrews 12:7
God Disciplines His Sons
6For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.”7Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?8If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
True Gospel - Pt3 - Conversion
By Paul Washer3.2K1:30:38GEN 1:1EZK 36:26MAT 6:33JHN 1:1JHN 3:3HEB 12:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for discipline and authority in the lives of believers. He uses the analogy of a child being told to take a bath after playing in the mud to illustrate the importance of obedience. The preacher then discusses the power of God to save and transform individuals, highlighting the supernatural nature of salvation. He challenges the idea that salvation is simply a human decision, emphasizing that it is a work of God. The sermon concludes with the preacher explaining that every person is born with a heart of stone, but through salvation, God gives them a new heart.
(Saved Through the Fire) 11 - the Hope of the Promise
By Milton Green1.3K26:28HEB 12:7HEB 12:111PE 1:3In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal testimony of going through tough times and relying on God's faithfulness. He emphasizes the importance of walking with God and holding onto His promises. The speaker highlights the significance of faith and belief in Jesus, as well as the joy and salvation that come from trusting in Him. He also discusses the concept of discipline from God, explaining that it is a sign of being a legitimate child of God and leads to righteousness.
Perseverance
By Paris Reidhead1.1K37:36PerseveranceMAT 6:33MRK 4:14HEB 12:1HEB 12:7In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of endurance in the Christian life. He highlights three words in Hebrews chapter 12 that are attributed to Jesus Christ: endure. The speaker explains that Jesus came into a world that was hostile towards him and knew that he would face opposition and ultimately be crucified. He emphasizes that believers are also called to endure and references several scriptures that encourage endurance. The speaker suggests that listeners take note of these words and reflect on their meaning in their own lives.
Being Balanced in the Christian Life
By Zac Poonen8941:15:11MRK 13:34ACT 13:2ACT 20:28ROM 11:22EPH 6:4HEB 12:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of balance in various aspects of the Christian life, highlighting the need for both kindness and severity, individual connection with Christ and submission to church leadership, evangelism and discipleship, and other key areas. It stresses the beauty that comes from maintaining a balanced approach in all areas of life, drawing examples from Scripture to illustrate the significance of finding harmony in different aspects of Christian living.
A Son That Brings Shame
By Keith Daniel8021:39:25Christian LifeEXO 20:12LEV 19:3DEU 5:16PRO 19:13MAT 6:33HEB 12:7HEB 12:9In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences of preaching the word of God and traveling across the nation. He recalls a powerful encounter with a man who commended him for fearlessly preaching the unadulterated word of God. The speaker also mentions witnessing the devastation of families who have lost their children and how they turn to the words of Job in their grief. He shares a story of a man who wrote a heartfelt letter to his parents, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation, and how his parents had been praying for him daily, not knowing if he was alive or dead.
God's Ways of Discipline
By Basilea Schlink61004:35Radio ShowMAT 5:44MAT 10:22ROM 12:14HEB 12:7HEB 12:11JAS 1:21PE 2:23In this sermon, Basile Schlink discusses the ways in which God disciplines His children. She emphasizes that God's discipline is a sign of His love and care for us. Most of the time, God disciplines us through other people and the troubles and difficulties they bring into our lives. The goal of this discipline is to show us our sins and lead us to repentance. Schlink encourages listeners to endure and be thankful for the discipline, as it is a means for God to transform us into His image.
How to Raise Godly Children
By Zac Poonen5011:34:23PRO 22:6ECC 4:9EPH 6:4HEB 12:7JAS 1:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of parents taking an active role in raising godly children, highlighting the need for both fathers and mothers to be involved in teaching, disciplining, and instructing their children in the ways of the Lord. It addresses various aspects of parenting, including avoiding partiality, teaching simplicity, guiding children in church conduct, and instilling values of obedience, truthfulness, and faith from a young age.
God Chose to Be a Father to Me
By David Wilkerson0Identity in ChristFatherhood Of GodPSA 68:5ISA 64:8MAT 7:11JHN 17:21ROM 8:152CO 6:18GAL 4:6EPH 1:5HEB 12:71JN 3:1David Wilkerson emphasizes that God has chosen to be a loving Father to us, inviting us to see Him in this intimate role. He highlights that while God is the Almighty ruler, in these last days, He desires a personal relationship with us as our Father. Jesus exemplified this relationship, living in the assurance of His Father's presence and love, which empowered Him to face trials without fear. Wilkerson encourages believers to embrace their identity as children of God, adopted into His family, and to recognize the protective and nurturing nature of the Father. Ultimately, God desires us to cry out to Him as 'Abba,' affirming our unique relationship with Him.
Love the Supreme Test of the Church
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Church's CallingDivine LoveJER 2:2JHN 2:24ACT 9:11CO 8:12CO 4:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:4HEB 12:7REV 1:5REV 2:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that love is the supreme test of the Church, drawing from Ephesians 2:4 to illustrate God's great love for humanity. He explores the messages to the seven churches in Revelation, highlighting that the essence of their challenges revolves around love—specifically, the loss of first love, which encompasses suffering, discernment, and steadfastness. Sparks argues that true love is not merely sentimental but requires a deep commitment and discernment, urging the Church to return to this foundational love as it approaches the end times. He concludes that love must be the driving force behind all actions and teachings within the Church, as it is the key to understanding God's purpose.
'As With Sons'
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Parental GuidanceDivine DisciplineHEB 12:7Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the significance of divine discipline in the life of believers, drawing parallels between parental guidance and God's loving chastening. He illustrates how discipline, though often painful, is essential for growth and maturity, much like a child's experience with their parents. Brengle encourages the understanding that God's corrections are expressions of His love, aimed at shaping us into better individuals. He reflects on personal experiences of discipline, highlighting the lasting impact of a parent's love and guidance. Ultimately, he concludes that through life's challenges and chastisements, we are being prepared for a deeper relationship with God.
Adoption
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0God's LoveAdoptionJER 3:19MAT 5:44JHN 1:12ROM 8:17ROM 9:16GAL 4:6EPH 1:5HEB 12:71JN 3:1REV 21:7Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the profound love of God in the doctrine of adoption, explaining that by nature, we are children of Satan, but through God's will and mercy, we can become sons of God. He highlights that this transformation is solely the work of God, who has the power to regenerate and adopt us into His family, and that our adoption is a humbling gift that should lead us to gratitude and faith. M'Cheyne outlines the steps of regeneration and faith as essential to becoming children of God, and he describes the immense blessings that come with this status, including the love of the Father, the indwelling of the Spirit, and the promise of inheritance as heirs of God. He urges listeners to recognize their need for God’s grace and to embrace their identity as children of God, encouraging them to seek a relationship with Him.
Running the Race Carefully
By Phil Beach Jr.0HEB 12:1HEB 12:7HEB 12:11HEB 12:15HEB 12:25HEB 12:28Phil Beach Jr. preaches about the spiritual race we are in, likening it to running a physical race, emphasizing the importance of following God's Word and listening to His voice to avoid serious spiritual injury. He highlights the need to lay aside weights and sins that hinder us, to run with patience and endurance, and to keep our focus solely on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Additionally, he discusses the significance of not despising or becoming weary of the Lord's correction and child-training, as they are meant for our growth and maturity in Christ.
The Guilt and Consequences of Parental Unfaithfulness.
By Edward Payson0DEU 6:61SA 3:13PSA 127:3PRO 13:24PRO 22:6PRO 29:15EPH 6:4COL 3:21HEB 12:7Edward Payson preaches on the consequences of neglecting the moral and religious education of children, using the story of Eli and his sons as a warning. He emphasizes the importance of parents restraining their children from sinful behaviors and providing proper guidance to prevent future ruin. Payson highlights the severe punishments God inflicted on Eli's house for this neglect, including premature death, familial strife, poverty, and eternal damnation. He urges parents to repent for their failures and seek forgiveness through Christ's atoning blood, while warning children of the dire consequences of disobedience and sinful living.
Overcoming
By John Follette0ROM 12:21CO 10:13HEB 12:7JAS 1:2REV 3:21John Follette emphasizes the importance of truly overcoming challenges rather than avoiding them, highlighting the necessity of facing difficulties head-on to grow in faith and strength. He explains that God allows certain trials to teach us how to overcome and become stronger Christians. Through the school of the Spirit, believers are trained and disciplined to learn how to overcome even the smallest obstacles, preparing them for a deep relationship with God.
Viii. to John Kennedy, on His Deliverance From Shipwreck
By Samuel Rutherford0DEU 32:391SA 2:6HEB 12:7REV 1:18REV 3:19Samuel Rutherford preaches a heartfelt letter to a brother in Christ, expressing joy at his deliverance from a perilous sea journey and encouraging him to be steadfast in the face of trials. Rutherford reminds the brother of the constant spiritual battle against Satan's schemes and the need to cling to the Rock, Jesus Christ, for stability. He emphasizes the brevity of life and the importance of being prepared for the inevitable journey through death, urging the brother to fulfill his purpose with joy and a clear conscience. Rutherford encourages unwavering faith in Christ, who disciplines His children for their growth and eventual inheritance in heaven.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If ye endure chastening - If ye submit to his authority, humble yourselves under his hand, and pray for his blessing, you will find that he deals with you as beloved children, correcting you that he may make you partakers of his holiness. God dealeth with you as with sons - He acknowledges by this that you belong to the family, and that he, as your Father, has you under proper discipline. It is a maxim among the Jewish rabbins that "the love which is not conjoined with reproof is not genuine."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In Heb 12:7-8 the need of "chastening" or "discipline" is inculcated; in Heb 12:9, the duty of those to whom it is administered. If--The oldest manuscripts read, "With a view to chastening (that is, since God's chastisement is with a view to your chastening, that is, disciplinary amelioration) endure patiently"; so Vulgate. ALFORD translates it as indicative, not so well, "It is for chastisement that ye are enduring." dealeth with you--"beareth Himself toward you" in the very act of chastening. what son is he--"What son is there" even in ordinary life? Much more God as to His sons (Isa 48:10; Act 14:22). The most eminent of God's saints were the most afflicted. God leads them by a way they know not (Isa 42:16). We too much look at each trial by itself, instead of taking it in connection with the whole plan of our salvation, as if a traveller were to complain of the steepness and roughness of one turn in the path, without considering that it led him into green pastures, on the direct road to the city of habitation. The New Testament alone uses the Greek term for education (paideia), to express "discipline" or correction, as of a child by a wise father.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If ye endure chastening,.... In faith, with patience, with courage and constancy, with humility and reverence: there are many things which may encourage and animate the saints to endure it in such a manner; as that it is but a chastening, and the chastening of a father; it should be considered from whence it comes, and for what ends; that it comes from the Lord, and is for his glory, and their good; the example of Christ, and of other saints, should excite unto it. The Jews have a saying (q), that "the doctrine of chastisements is silence;'' that is, they are to be patiently bore, and not murmured at. The Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions, read the words as an exhortation; the former of these renders it, "persevere in discipline"; the Syriac version, "endure correction"; the Arabic version, "be ye patient in chastisement"; and the Ethiopic version, "endure your chastening": but then the word, "for", should be supplied in the next clause, as it is in the Syriac and Ethiopic versions, making that to be a reason, enforcing this, for God dealeth with you as with sons: chastening is owning of them for his children, and it discovers them to be so, and shows that they continue such; he does not chasten them but when it is necessary; and whenever he does, it is in love and mercy, and for good, and in the best time, seasonably, and in measure: for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? no one can be named, not the Son of God himself; he had the chastisement of our peace upon him; nor the more eminent among the children of God, as Abraham, David, and others; nor any in any catalogue, or list of them, such as in the preceding chapter; not one in any age or period of time whatever, in any bodies, societies, or communities of them, either under the Old or New Testament. (q) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 62. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:7-8 disciplined by its father: Fathers from Greco-Roman as well as Jewish families were involved in day-to-day aspects of raising their children. Discipline was seen as a necessary, healthy, and important component of preparing the child for adulthood. A lack of fatherly discipline—in this case, a lack of hardships in life—is a mark of illegitimacy, not a blessing.