QT 8/5/2026 Heb 12:4-6, The privilege of being true children of God

Hebrews 12:4–6 (ESV) —

4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,

nor be weary when reproved by him.

6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,

and chastises every son whom he receives.”

 

NOTE: A couple of very important thoughts emerge from this passage. One, God is our father and deals with us as a good father would. I should clarify and say that God is NOT everyone's father. We are created by him, but unlike what popular opinion might say, we are not God's children by virtue of existence. The bible is very clear, that we are adopted into God's family upon belief in the savior Jesus Christ. For those who know the Lord, God IS our father, for everyone else, the bible states that we are children of the evil one.

 

1 John 3:10 (ESV) — By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

1 John 5:19 (ESV) — We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

John 8:41–47 (ESV) — 41 You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

Romans 8:15–17 (ESV) — 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

 

There are many other verses upon this subject. It is a great source of comfort to one who has believed in Jesus Christ for salvation. Our Father is God of the universe and creator of all that is. He is infinitely wise. He promises to bring good of all the world throws at us.

 

The second thought is to "not regard lightly God's discipline." In my words, I need to be evaluating things in my life to see if God is allowing it to discipline me for some reason. I should not regard hard things lightly. We all should seek to learn. That requires some inner searching and some deep prayer. If our struggles are God's fatherly discipline, then we need the Lord's help to understand and change.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I seeking God during hard times?
2. Am I trusting my Father to care for me in all things?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for my adoption into your family. I am undeserving of such a privilege except for the blood of Jesus my savior. I pray for families going through difficult times. You know them. I pray for grace and mercy, and if there is something you are teaching, that they would slow down and listen to your voice.