Discipline that Produces Confidence

Hebrews 12: 4-11
Dr. Roger Ferguson, Sr. Pastor
May 6, 2007

Theme: As strange as it seems, healthy discipline is a mark of love. Some kids wish they weren't loved so much! The purpose of discipline is not punishment but change of heart leading to a change of action that honors God and helps people. Are you willing to receive discipline from your loving heavenly Father? Only when you are wiling to receive it, parents, can you give it to your child effectively.

I. Good discipline teaches a child to make good choices and learn from poor choices. (Hebrews 12:5-6)

1. Boundaries produce security.

2. Security breeds clarity and consistency.

3. Parents must display unity.

"Do not be deceived., God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." Galatians 6:7 & 9 (NASB)

II. A disciplined life follows instruction promptly and cheerfully . (Hebrews 12:7)

"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."
Colossians 3:20

1. Never discipline in anger.

2. Parents model apology and appreciation.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing,"
Philippians 2:14

3. Discipline privately and with instruction and reconciliation. (Hebrews 12:11)

4. Good discipline spares your child a lot of pain.
(Hebrews 4:11)

"Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death." Proverbs 19:18



Do your homework:

If something is only heard, it will be forgotten within 48 hours. If you act on what you've heard within 24 hours, it becomes part of your lifestyle.

1. Are the boundaries clear in your family or do they change?
2. When you are wrong, don't wait to be "caught" but apologize upfront.
3. What one thing has God convicted you about that you need to obey promptly and cheerfully.
4. When you are wrong, if you've never received God's discipline, perhaps it is because you are not His child. (Hebrews 12:8) Ask Christ to forgive your sin and be the Leader of your life.

For further study.....

1. John MacArthur, Hebrews, Moody Press 1983
2. James Dobson, The New Strong Willed Child, Zandervan
3. Henry Cloud & John Townsend, Boundaries with Kids, Zandervan 2005
4. Kevin Leman, Making Children Mind without Losing Yours,
Revel 1984