Art Toombs Ministries
Online Bible Commentary
Discipline Leads to Holiness
Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. (NKJV)
The early Eastern Church (Dionysius and Clement, both of Alexandria), from the second century, claimed Paul was the writer of Hebrews. The Western Church later agreed.
Luke translated the letter to the Hebrews into Greek, according to Clement in the second century. Luke was with Paul during his second Roman imprisonment and was his amanuensis during Paul’s final days (2 Timothy 4:11).
It is likely that Luke was also Paul’s amanuensis for this letter. My conclusion is that this was Paul’s last writing, written in late 67-early 68 A.D.
In this letter, Paul is writing to Hebrews who have converted to Christianity from Judaism. Family and friends are likely pressuring them to return to Judaism, so Paul is writing to these Hebrew Christians to encourage them to remain steadfast in their faith and not to return to Judaism.
The book of Hebrews is divided into two main topics Through Hebrews 10:18 the topic is the superiority of Christ to Judaism. The rest of the book is devoted to exhortations to obedient living, a fitting conclusion to Paul’s writings.
Initially, in this second topic, Paul gave examples of great men and women of faith who were honored for their obedient living. Now, he turns to exhorting Christians to obedient living.
In this passage, Paul continues on the subject of discipline. He writes “Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us” (v. 9a).
Our discipline begins at an early age. God has entrusted our early discipline to our human fathers.
Paul continues with “and we paid them respect” (v. 9b). The discipline by our fathers was intended to establish respect for them, and people in general.
Paul writes “Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?” (v. 9c). Our father’s discipline helps us to later submit even more so to our Father in Heaven.
This is why it is so important to instill discipline in our children when they are young. Discipline of our children at an early age helps them to have the discipline to obey God when they get older.
Notice that discipline of the children falls upon the father in the family, not the mother. God intended that every child have a father and mother. Both have separate, but equally important, roles to play in the lives of their children.
While this is not always possible, it is the ideal situation for our children. It is not God’s will for children to have two parents of the same sex.
Next, Paul writes “For they indeed for a few days chastened us” (v. 10a). Fathers are to discipline their children “for a few days”.
Paul continues with “as seemed best to them” (v. 10b). The discipline from fathers is to be as they thought best. Discipline from our human fathers is not perfect, because they are not perfect. But discipline should be fair. The discipline should not exceed the crime. The discipline should always be explained before it is rendered. It should never be done in anger, and it should never result in permanent scars or injury.
Paul writes “but He for our profit” (v. 10c). God’s discipline is perfect, because God is perfect. God disciplines us for our good, as does our earthly father.
Paul continues with “that we may be partakers of His holiness” (v. 10d). God’s discipline is designed to result in our holiness.
The discipline from our earthly father is designed to prepare us to properly receive the discipline from our Heavenly Father. The desired result of all discipline is to bring us to holiness.
Next, Paul writes “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful” (v. 11a). Discipline is not to be pleasant, but painful. Without pain, the lesson is not learned. Without pain, the poor behavior will continue.
Paul continues with “nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness” (v. 11b). The result should be a harvest of righteousness and peace. Righteousness and peace are results of holiness.
Paul writes “to those who have been trained by it” (v. 11c). Discipline is not a one-time event.
The harvest only comes for those who have been trained by it”. A harvest comes from someone continuing to sow seeds that later become an abundant harvest. In the same way, discipline may not bring immediate results, but the harvest comes later.
Discipline is a form of training. The key is to be consistent.
Athletes continue to practice even though they may not see immediate results. However, as they train, they are building muscle memory which will ultimately bring the desired results. The results of discipline will come, if the discipline is consistent.
Paul completes this passage with “12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed” (vv. 12-13).
Verses twelve and thirteen of this passage almost seem out of place. However, proper interpretation requires them to be interpreted within the context of the passage.
The literal Greek translation of these two verses is: “Therefore the hanging alongside hands and the having been enfeebled knees straighten up; and straight tracks make for the feet of you, that not the lame be turned aside, but rather be healed.”
In beginning the sentence with the word ‘therefore’, Paul is referring back to the previous sentence, specifically the harvest of righteousness and peace. The straightening up of arms and legs may refer to the new found strength of the believer that comes with righteousness. Whereas, the straight track (the new walk with God) and the healing of the lame may refer to the spiritual healing that comes from experiencing God’s peace.
Holiness, righteousness, and peace…all come as a result of discipline. So, is it worth it to discipline our children so that they will learn respect for, and submission to, God? I believe so.
No one likes to do it, and certainly no one likes to receive it. But it is necessary.
It is part of God’s formula for raising children to become Godly men and women. Discipline leads to Holiness.