Discipline—would you say it is generally a good thing or a bad thing? What role has discipline played in your life thus far? How do you most relate to discipline—as the one doing the disciplining or as the one receiving the discipline? 

While “heavenly disciplinarian” may not be our default moniker for God, how many of us nevertheless find unrivaled security, direction, and peace in crying out “Abba, Father”? This week, as we study Hebrews chapter 12, let us consider an essential prerequisite of endurance—discipline. We call Jesus the “author and perfecter of our faith” (and rightly so), but without the exercise of discipline, how can that which is imperfect be made perfect? We call God “Father” (and rightly so), but what loving Father would deny his children good discipline? As you go throughout this week, can you think of specific instances where God’s discipline in the past was necessary to produce spiritual growth in your life?