Divine Discipline

God’s Story:
My Son came to earth to save my people from sin and the devil, but he did not remove every hardship that comes during a lifetime. My children cannot go through life doing whatever they please. What kind of father would I be if I allowed that to happen? Hardship is a form of discipline that increases faith and strengthens character. The difficulties my children face will draw them closer to me and my holiness and equip them for life in the eternal community I am building.

Read Hebrews 12:1-13

Your Story:
Why me? Have you ever asked that question? Living through difficulties, hardships or disappointments is never easy. And at the time, it’s often impossible to get a correct perspective on the situation. Only time will make that possible. Look back on some hardship you have endured in the distant past. Can you see the good that God was working through it? Why or why not? How has that experience strengthened you and your faith?

Ancient Heroes

Backstory:
The author of Hebrews spent the majority of the book trying to help the Jews understand the differences between Judaism and Christianity as well as clarifying the implications of putting one’s faith in Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews selected some of the heroes of the Old Testament to illustrate how faith motivated them and led them forward as God’s people.

God’s Story:
Faith is the basis of all that it means to be my child. It is what makes my people strong and enables them to endure their transitory time on earth until they are able to settle into their eternal home. Throughout history, some of my children have shown exceptional faith in me and my plan. My plan, of course, has always been to have a wonderfully close relationship with my children. Sin, however, broke us apart, and I have been trying to get them back ever since. This select group of children worked with me in this task. They believed in what they could not see. They trusted and obeyed, and they are examples for all who hope and have faith in me.

Read Hebrews 11:1-40

Your Story:
Hebrews 11 contains quite a list of Old Testament people who demonstrated extraordinary faith in God throughout their lifetime. Although circumstances are much different today than they were in ancient Israel, how would you measure up to those on this list? If your family or your church were to gather a similar list of contemporary names, what would you be commended for?

As Human As You Are

Backstory:
The letter to the Hebrews, written by an unknown author, specifically addresses Jews who had become Jesus’ followers but were being tempted — at least in part because of persecution — to go back to Judaism. The letter was written to convince them that Jesus is God’s full and complete revelation to his people.

God’s Story:
I sent my Son to earth on a rescue mission — to save my children from sin so they could be close to me again. He did not die to gain recognition or political power, nor did he die to save himself. The suffering he experienced as a sinless human, tasting death for every human being, made him the perfect sacrifice. He knows the pain of his brothers and sisters, but because of him they will overcome it.

Read Hebrews 2:1-18

Your Story:
Have you ever had a hangnail that caused your whole hand to throb with pain? Ever been walking barefoot, only to be brought to the ground whimpering after stubbing your toe? Well, guess what? Jesus probably experienced those same things during his time on earth. And you can be sure he experienced unimaginable suffering before his death — pain much worse than you will ever experience. It’s because of his humanity that you can trust Jesus. He knows exactly what it’s like to be you because he’s been through it.

A Faithful Farewell

Backstory:
After Paul’s release from prison in Rome, he went on a 4th missionary journey, during which time he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus. The apostle was then imprisoned again, this time under Emperor Nero. Nero was in control of the Roman Empire and openly opposed the growing religious group called Christians. Unlike Paul’s 1st imprisonment, when he lived in a rented house, he now suffered in a dark dungeon, shackled like a common criminal. Knowing that his work was finished and his death was imminent, Paul penned this 2nd letter to Timothy to encourage him to carry on the ministry and faithfully guard the gospel.

God’s Story:
World rulers will constantly threaten, persecute and kill members of my church. But my Word and the gospel message will go forth and bear fruit in spite of evil attempts to blot them out. I have conquered death for my people. They may die to the life they live on earth, but they will live eternally with me. This news is too good for my people not to share with others.

Read 2 Timothy 3:10 – 4:22

Your Story:
Paul endured much persecution and suffering for the sake of the gospel. The message he was taking to the world was difficult for many to hear and believe. And who could blame them? Paul was trying to convince people that God had come down to earth and walked among them! As a result, Paul lived out the last months of his life as a chained prisoner. But that’s the beauty of God’s plan: Through both the good and the bad, God’s Word is still being spread around the world and is transforming lives. You probably have seen this happen many times throughout your lifetime. In the moment, it may be difficult to discern, but don’t be afraid to examine a situation a 2nd or 3rd time. Time often provides a perspective that was not possible before.

Firm Foundations

Backstory:
During Paul’s 2nd missionary journey, he invited young Timothy to join him in his travels. Following Paul’s release from house arrest in Rome, Timothy again traveled with him, but eventually stayed at Ephesus to deal with the problem there while Paul went on to Macedonia. When Paul realized that he might not return to Ephesus in the near future, he wrote this first letter to Timothy to encourage & instruct him in his work.

God’s Story:
Like Paul, Timothy is a true son in the faith! Before long, Paul will die because of his love for me and my Son, and devoted followers and leaders like Timothy will be charged to press on for my kingdom. After Timothy is gone from the earth, Paul’s letters to him will continue to instruct leaders and believers for generations to come.

Read 1 Timothy 1:1-20

Your Story:
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul described himself as the worst of sinners (see 1 Timothy 1:15). Although Paul had left behind his former life as a zealous persecutor of Christians, he never forgot it. Believers today hold Paul up as a great example of a Christian brother, but he did not see himself that way. This display of humility and thankfulness for God’s grace emphasizes Paul’s position as a godly role model. You and every believer should strive to be humble. It is only by God’s grace that you are saved.

Living Right
Backstory:
Titus was one of Paul’s Gentile converts and a considerable help in Paul’s ministry. Following Paul’s release from house arrest in Rome, he and Titus worked briefly in Crete, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, after which Paul commissioned Titus to remain as his representative. The dishonesty, gluttony and laziness of the citizens of Crete at that time were well known. Titus needed sound instruction in order to serve as a strong spiritual leader amid such corrupt influences.
God’s Story:
The leaders within the church have an important responsibility to be good examples for those they lead. My servant Paul is my voice to provide practical advice and strong moral direction. Paul’s instructions to Titus will ensure that my people grow in faith and godliness and that they love and serve each other well.
Read Titus 2:1-15
Your Story:
Paul included instructions for various groups in Titus 2, but verses 7 & 8 apply to all Christians. Read the carefully. How does Paul’s command apply to your life? Take some time to examine your life and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that you display “integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:7-8).

Your Slave, Your Brother
Backstory:
While under house arrest in Rome, Paul wrote this letter to Philemon, a believer in Colossae who was a slave owner. One of his slaves, Onesimus, apparently had stolen from him and run away, a crime punishable by death. But Onesimus met Paul and through his ministry became a Christian. Onesimus was willing to go back to his master, and Paul wrote this personal plea asking Philemon to accept Onesimus as a Christian brother.
God’s Story:
I love my people. I love them so deeply that I sent my Son to earth to die a painful death so they could be reconciled to me. Jesus gave his life for this purpose. Because I have extended such grace to the world, I expect my people to do the same in their relationship with others.
Read Philemon 1-25
Your Story:
Paul was a peacemaker and mediator between 2 people of opposing social standings. His letter is a perfect example of Christian diplomacy. He had the authority as God’s apostle to tell Philemon what to do, but he didn’t. Instead, he appealed to Philemon as a fellow believer and member of Christ’s family. Do you currently have a relationship that is strained? Are you being asked to help restore a wounded relationship? Read this letter as if you were the recipient of Paul’s encouraging words on acceptance and reconciliation. Does it change your perspective on your situation?

Supreme Over All
Backstory:
During Paul’s 3-year ministry in Ephesus, Epaphras was converted and carried the gospel to Colossae. The young church that resulted became the target of heretical attack, which led to Epaphras’s visit to Paul while Paul was under house arrest in Rome. It ultimately resulted in the penning of the Colossian letter. To refute the heresy in Colossae, Paul exalted Christ by declaring Christ to be the very image of God the Creator, the head of the church, the first to be resurrected, the fullness of deity in bodily form, the one who reconciles all things to God.

God’s Story:
I despise heresy! This is why Paul is in communication with my people. There will be times when people ask, “Who is in charge?” Other teachings and other gods will come and go. Manipulators and deceivers will lure people away from the truth. But that does not change the fact that my Son has supremacy over everything. All things in the universe, including all powers and authorities, have been created through him and for him. Through him my people have been brought back to me and made holy in my sight
Read Colossians 1:1-23

Your Story:
When someone tries to tell you there’s an easier way to get to God or a gentler, less offensive way to heaven than through the bloody and broken body of Christ, read Colossians 1:15-23. Christ’s supremacy brings you closer to God. Through the death of Christ, you have been reconciled to God. There is no other way!

Blessings for the Gentiles

God’s Story:
To some people in the early church, my offer of salvation to the Gentiles, as well as to the Jews, is a great mystery, but it should not be. I revealed in the Old Testament that the Gentiles, as well as Israel, would be heirs to my kingdom. Now I am unveiling the mystery for all to see. My church is made up of many members, but all are united as one body in Christ and in my love.

Read Ephesians 3:1-21

Your Story:
Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is timeless and spans the centuries of history. The totality of God’s love — its width, length, height and depth — is fully expressed through God’s Son, Jesus Christ. The “you” in the prayer, meant originally for the Christians in Ephesus, is also intended for you today. This passage is a blessing, prayer and doxology all in one.

Making the Most of Time
Backstory:
While Paul remained in Rome under house arrest, he wisely used his time in confinement to write 4 letters now included in the New Testament: Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon and Philippians. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians probably was a circular letter, intended for other churches in addition to the one in Ephesus. The majority of these believers were Gentiles. Unlike several of Paul’s other letters, Ephesians does not focus on any specific fault or heresy. Paul wrote so that his readers might better understand the scope of God’s eternal purpose and come to appreciate the high ambitions god has for all believers.
God’s Story:
I receive such love from my servant Paul! He will remain dedicated to me until his last day on the earth. Although confined, Paul will continue his ministry to the churches trough his letters. He will write eloquent letters that will be preserved and passed down for thousands of years. His dedication to including Gentiles in my kingdom and to the unity of Jews and Gentiles will have an incredible impact on the life of the church in the future.

Read Ephesians 2:1-22

Your Story:
Paul was consistently obedient to his calling to spread the Good News to the Gentiles. He wanted the people to understand the foundations of their faith. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reiterated that “it is by grace you have been saved, through faith . . . It is the gift of God — not by works” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is a free gift from God. And what do you do when you have received a gift from someone? You say thank you, of course! Take some time today to praise and thank God.