An Unusual Encouragement

Sermon Application Questions:

1. Has there been a time or season in life where you've joyfully welcomed discipline in a particular area? [e.g., sports, career, diet, exercise, personal growth, etc]. If so, why were you happy to have discipline?

2. Why is God's discipline a good thing? How can it help a follower of Jesus kill sin and grow in holiness?

3. When hard things come into your life, what do you instinctively think and believe about God? Choose one of the options below and share why you feel that way.

I believe he's distant, forgotten, and uninvolved
I believe he's punishing you for something you did
I believe he's a loving Father disciplining you for holiness and eternal reward
Something else?
4. Have you experienced God's discipline? If so, what was it like? If not, what do you think it would be like?
5. Is God's discipline a welcomed category in your life? Why or why not?