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“But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. “
Hebrew 12.8
Chastisement in the Christian life is crucial. If we are not chastised by God it is a sign that we may not be true children of God. A loving and caring father will always rebuke his child when in error. A loving father is concerned with the matters of his children. The same applies to our Heavenly Father. God will convict us of sin and error for our own good. This is a loving rebuke, designed to encourage us to walk on the path of holiness. The purpose of rebuke is not to condemn, but to make us aware of areas where spiritual growth is needed.
You may be wondering why I have used the word “bastard” in the title of this devotional. In our society and culture, the word bastard means something quite different from its original meaning. The modern definition is used to describe an unpleasant person in the context of an insult. However, in Scripture, the word “bastard” means something else. The biblical meaning is one who is born to parents who are not married. Some modern versions of Scripture will replace the word “bastard” with “illegitimate”
We ought not to be embarrassed or ashamed to use such a word as “bastard”. If used in the correct context and meaning the word is appropriate. After all “bastard” is a biblical word and is meant in the correct context in the Authorised Version of the Bible. Discipline is a good thing for the Christian, as it is proof of God working within us. Discipline is God’s loving care of his children and should always be taken seriously.
The children of God ought not to be a burden to Him. We ought to be a faithful people that God is delighted with. May we as the people of God be a blessing to one another. May we not grieve God’s spirit. Today, the question we must consider is this. How do we respond to God’s discipline in our Christian walk?
Hebrew 12.8
Chastisement in the Christian life is crucial. If we are not chastised by God it is a sign that we may not be true children of God. A loving and caring father will always rebuke his child when in error. A loving father is concerned with the matters of his children. The same applies to our Heavenly Father. God will convict us of sin and error for our own good. This is a loving rebuke, designed to encourage us to walk on the path of holiness. The purpose of rebuke is not to condemn, but to make us aware of areas where spiritual growth is needed.
You may be wondering why I have used the word “bastard” in the title of this devotional. In our society and culture, the word bastard means something quite different from its original meaning. The modern definition is used to describe an unpleasant person in the context of an insult. However, in Scripture, the word “bastard” means something else. The biblical meaning is one who is born to parents who are not married. Some modern versions of Scripture will replace the word “bastard” with “illegitimate”
We ought not to be embarrassed or ashamed to use such a word as “bastard”. If used in the correct context and meaning the word is appropriate. After all “bastard” is a biblical word and is meant in the correct context in the Authorised Version of the Bible. Discipline is a good thing for the Christian, as it is proof of God working within us. Discipline is God’s loving care of his children and should always be taken seriously.
The children of God ought not to be a burden to Him. We ought to be a faithful people that God is delighted with. May we as the people of God be a blessing to one another. May we not grieve God’s spirit. Today, the question we must consider is this. How do we respond to God’s discipline in our Christian walk?
