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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 44

STUDY 44

Text: Proverbs 3:11,12
21 April 2002

Dear Parents,

THE USUAL WORK OF CORRECTION
The usual work of chastening or correction is done by the earthly father. The explanation of God chastening a person is illustrated in these words,

…Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Proverbs 3:12

Just as earthly fathers discipline their own children, so God disciplines His beloved children.

A NEW TESTAMENT CONCEPT AS WELL
It is important to note that the Book of Hebrews also teaches this same truth. This teaching is consistently upheld in both the Old and New Testaments.

…My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
For whom the LORD loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.

Hebrews 12:5-6

WHY DOES GOD CHASTEN?
We are told that we must never doubt that when God chastens, it is always in love. His purpose of chastening is corrective.

My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
nor detest His correction…

Proverbs 3:11

Where there is sin that has not been repented of, God will personally look into the matter of chastening or correcting the individual.

HOW DOES GOD CHASTEN?
God reserves the right to chasten as He pleases. We are not told specifically just how he would chasten. We are given some ideas as to how He chastens from the Book of Hebrews.

1. There could be a word of rebuke.

2. God could allow “hostility from sinners” (Hebrews 12:3).

3. He could allow a bit of suffering.

God would use human agencies, “the rod of men” (2 Samuel 7:14) to bring about His work of chastening.

Wisdom teaches us that we should introduce the idea of chastening or discipline to our children. As parents, we must learn how to administer discipline with love.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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