When, how, and why does the Lord God discipline us when we sin?

Answer

The Lord’s discipline is often overlooked by believers. The Bible teaches that, as our loving Heavenly Father, God disciplines us. His discipline is not questionable; it is certain:

“My son, do not take lightly the Lord’s discipline,

and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,

and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son” (Hebrews 12:5-6;quoting Proverbs 3:11-12).

God’s “discipline” (“chastisement” in the NKJV) and “rebuke” come to “everyone.” His correction is, indeed, a sign of His love for His children, and we are to “not lose heart” when we experience it.

Human fathers have a responsibility to train their children (see Ephesians 6:4), and part of that training is to administer discipline. Just as human fathers wisely discipline their children, so does God: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined— and everyone undergoes discipline— then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:7-8). As we undergo God’s discipline, we can rejoice in at least one fact: God is treating us as true children of His (see Deuteronomy 8:5)!

Discipline is not the same as condemnation. God disciplines His children, but He does not condemn them. Romans 8:1 makes this clear: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” <a href="https://www.bibliatodo.com/en/search-bible?s=cf%3A+Romans+

(cf: Romans 8:33-34). Discipline is related to training and growth; condemnation is related to punishment and guilt.

When does God discipline us? Discipline involves training, which includes both positive and negative aspects. Part of discipline is guiding someone to follow specific rules or behaviors. Another part involves reproof to correct disobedience. Both aspects of discipline can be challenging. The trials Job faced were not a punishment for sin (see Job 1:8), but they were training in righteousness (see Job 42:3,6), and Job emerged from his trial as a better man.

God’s discipline begins when we are born again into His family. We immediately start learning and understanding the Word of God and adjusting our lives accordingly. This is a blessing in our lives:

“Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord,

the one you teach from your law;

you grant them relief from days of trouble” (Psalm 94:12-13).

This type of discipline is more preventive than corrective. Troubled days are approaching, and the Lord would spare us.

God’s discipline also occurs when we sin. In such cases, the chastisement is intended to be corrective. David, in one of his penitential psalms, expresses his desire for God to moderate the severity of the punishment:

“Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger

or discipline me in your wrath.

Your arrows have pierced me,
and your hand has come down on me.

Because of your wrath, there is no health in my body;

there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin.

My guilt has overwhelmed me

like a burden too heavy to bear” (Psalm 38:1-4).

In this psalm, David admits his guilt and acknowledges that God’s punishment is just; at the same time, the sharp and crushing nature of the discipline seems more than.

He can bear, and he asks for help.

Charles Spurgeon’s note on Psalm 38 includes a paraphrase of David’s plea: “Rebuked I must be, for I am an erring child and thou a careful Father, but do not inject too much anger into the tones of your voice; deal gently even though I have sinned grievously. The anger of others I can endure, but not yours. . . . Chasten me if you will, it is a Father’s prerogative, and to endure it obediently is a child’s duty; but, O do not turn the rod into a sword, do not strike so as to kill. Yes, my sins might well provoke you, but let your mercy and long-suffering extinguish the burning coals of your wrath. O do not treat me as an enemy or handle me as a rebel. Remember your covenant, your fatherhood, and my weakness, and spare your servant” (Treasury of David, Volume II, Funk & Wagnalls, 1885, p. 220).

How does God discipline us? God can and does employ various forms of discipline. He may use trouble at work, hardship at home, or struggles in the ministry; Paul faced many challenges in life (2 Corinthians 11:23-29). God may permit us to undergo loss, as David did (2 Samuel 12:13-18). God may send physical ailments or even death, as the church of Corinth experienced (1 Corinthians 11:17-22, 30-32). Often, God will simply allow the natural consequences of our sin to take their course. We are forgiven, but we are corrected “so that we will not be finally condemned with the world” «But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. », (1 Corinthians 11:32).

Why does God discipline us? He is a good Father who desires what is best for His children. In human terms, no child will receive the same benefits from a father who does not discipline them.

Each individual can achieve their full potential through training and discipline. The talented violinist would not have made it to the concert hall without discipline. The athlete who set records would not have excelled in any sport without discipline. Following this principle, here are some reasons why we encounter God’s discipline:

• God disciplines His children because He loves them.

• God disciplines His children to help them mature.

• God disciplines His children to enhance their capacity for virtue.

• God disciplines His children to guide them on the right path.

• God disciplines His children to strengthen their faith.

• God disciplines His children to cleanse them from sin.

The outcome of God’s discipline is holiness and maturity: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). The Lord continues to mold us, like a potter shapes clay, and His discipline is for our benefit and His glory.