ICS Daily Devotions
God’s Discipline

As God’s children, what is your perception of His discipline in your life? Do you think He will punish you or even give you an illness to get your attention? No! God is not an abusive Shepherd, but He is the Good Shepherd. We must change our thinking and renew our minds about God’s discipline with what the Word teaches us regarding who God is.

2 Tim 3:16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action)

 The Scripture tells us that God will always use His Word to instruct us, rebuke us and convict us through the Holy Spirit. We are also convicted of our sins as we have a clear conscience being born-again believers, so we are actually very sensitive to what is right or wrong. God also disciplines us during our quiet time through His Word. The Word of God is beneficial to us in our lives.

As the Good Shepherd who protects His sheep, the Holy Spirit will prompt us through the Word if we are about to do something wrong, or if the motive of our heart is wrong. Don’t do it if we know it is wrong! Listen to the voice of the Shepherd. The Word of God is our safeguard and a form of protection from our Shepherd.

God will not discipline us by provoking us. In fact, God has instructed us not to provoke, anger, enrage or exasperate our own children. Instead, He has asked us to be good fathers who love our children and correct them based on the foundation of love.

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Can you imagine a father who breaks his son’s arm for being disobedient? This would be child abuse. We won’t do any physical harm to our children if we are good fathers. Neither will God because He is a good Father! He will not discipline us physically! Neither will He provoke us with actions that are contrary to what is He is teaching us in His Word.

God disciplines His children through His Word. He is a Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. He will not intentionally harm the sheep that strays! It is the thief who comes to kill, steal and destroy who will harm us when we stray! Therefore, renew your mind and change your thinking about God’s discipline in your life.

Sermon series: Knowing God My Good Shepherd