Love and Discipline, Wrath and Judgment
(Hebrews 12:4-13)

When we were young, our parents used deal with us in a way far stricter than that of today’s parents. School teachers also disciplined us by words and whips. Looking back in the past, being scolded and getting the cane for our wrongdoings was of a great help in making us who we are today.
God takes disciplinary actions to educate and grow His people as well.

1. The discipline of love
- If one loves his children or disciples, one takes disciplinary measures against their wrongdoings.
- Though no one’s perfect in the whole world, everyone has potential to be changed. Therefore, parents, teachers, and God disciplines children, pupils, or believers to help them grow and changed.
1) God disciplines a person who He loves and accepts as a son * (Hebrews 12:5-6)
2) Types of disciplinary actions
① Physical pain ② Pain in the heart ③ Difficulties in circumstances
3) Purposes of disciplinary actions
① To make us repent of our sins
② To make us obedient and submissive to God
③ To break our pride and arrogance
④ To take control of our greed and avarice

2. God who disciplines us
1) Disciplinary measures taken against Abraham
① Famine in the land of Canaan
② Humiliation in Egypt
③ Fight against his nephew
2) Disciplinary measures taken against the Israelites who crossed over the desert
① Disciplinary measures taken against Miriam * (Numbers 12:1-12)
② Waters in Meribah * (Numbers 20:2-13)

3. The wrath and judgment of God
- Judgment is far severer form of punishment than discipline. God never forgives but punishes those who challenge the authority and divinity of Him.
1) Discipline is taken to rebuke His people’s personal wrongdoings in terms of ethic, morality, disbelief, and disobedience, etc.
2) Judgment is punishment against those who challenged God.
① Serving other gods ② Worshipping idols
③ Evil behaviors of misusing the name of God ④ Disregard of the dignity of God
3) If we incite the wrath of God, God is so outraged that He brings judgment upon us.
- 250 leaders of Israel, Dathan, and Abiram who took the challenge against Moses’ leadership (they were destroyed with fire and earthquake by God)

Though God is God of love, He is also God of wrath. While His love disciplines us, His wrath brings judgment to His enemies. Therefore, anyone who despises God is doomed to decay.