In our message last Lord’s Day, we defined what we mean by the word discipline. Our subject this week is “discipline as genuine love,” and so it is important to begin with a definition of love. What does it mean to love God, and what does it mean to love our neighbor? These are the two great commandments, and so we should know what they summon us to.To love someone is to treat someone lawfully from the heart. To love God is to do what He calls us to do, and to do it from the heart. Nowhere does Scripture identify love with our emotional “feels,” that approach being an error that is currently destroying millions. At the same time, we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Dt. 6:4-9; Mark 12:30), and this would certainly include our “feels.” But this simply means that our emotions must be obedient, along with the rest of our being. But obeying commands is not the same thing as issuing commands. So loving God means doing what He says to do, from the heart. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). And His commandments include bringing up our children in the nurture and admonition, applying physical correction when necessary, and providing loving instruction all the time. 

There are some things in scripture that are very easy to understand. There are some things that are very difficult. Some passages qualify as milk for the baby Christian. But God also provides meat for the mature. For those who came to know the Lord later in life, you can attest to the fact that when you first started to read God’s Word on a daily basis not everything was clear. Some things were disturbing, some things were confusing. But there also was a sense that there was more to be discovered. Many of us have benefitted from a study-Bible, where the commentator explained the historical context or brought to life a connection from the old testament. And even for those who have read through the Bible multiple times we understand that there are many biblical treasures yet to be discovered, insights that are not readily apparent on the surface. How can we truly understand the Lord's supper, if we know nothing about the passover? If we don’t know about Zechariah’s prophecy, how can we fully appreciate the triumphal entry? How can we venerate Jesus as High Priest, if we know nothing about the priesthood. But scripture will often drop us hints that the passage conceals deeper truths waiting to be uncovered. And I believe that is what John does in our text this morning when He says, “Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification.”

The Text: Judges 18

THE TEXT: Isaiah 13-14:2

In our message last Lord’s Day, we defined what we mean by the word discipline. Our subject this week is “discipline as genuine love,” and so it is important to begin with a definition of love. What does it mean to love God, and what does it mean to love our neighbor? These are the two great commandments, and so we should know what they summon us to.To love someone is to treat someone lawfully from the heart. To love God is to do what He calls us to do, and to do it from the heart. Nowhere does Scripture identify love with our emotional “feels,” that approach being an error that is currently destroying millions. At the same time, we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Dt. 6:4-9; Mark 12:30), and this would certainly include our “feels.” But this simply means that our emotions must be obedient, along with the rest of our being. But obeying commands is not the same thing as issuing commands. So loving God means doing what He says to do, from the heart. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). And His commandments include bringing up our children in the nurture and admonition, applying physical correction when necessary, and providing loving instruction all the time. 

The title of this series of messages refers to child discipline. We have come to the point where we need to define that word discipline. What do we mean by it? The English word is descended from the Latin disciplina, which refers to a course of instruction, learning, or knowledge. Discipline is necessarily teleological, meaning that it is directed toward a particular end, that end being graduation, or completion, or maturity. The discipline is both positive and negative. The positive would include being given the harder work of fourth grade, not as punishment, but rather as a reward for having done so well in third grade. The negative aspect would be getting held back from recess for having squirreled around too much during class. But both the negative and positive are aiming at the same goal. The positive inculcates, and the negative corrects. It is important not to confound discipline and punishment. Punishment simply has justice in view, while discipline has correction in view.

Exploring the biblical perspective on family life and the divine institution of marriage. Challenging the cultural assaults on the biblical family structure and upholding God's intended roles for spouses. Emphasizing the covenant of marriage as a relationship of responsibilities and blessings. Highlighting the divine purpose of family in glorifying God, reflecting His image, and raising godly offspring.