does god punish/dicispline us?

[slimsavery]

If through Jesus christ all sins are forgiven , how and why does God discipline us?

I took this from got questions

Discipline, then, is how God lovingly brings His children from rebellion to obedience. It is a method of teaching, as well as a method of exposure. Through discipline our eyes are opened more clearly to God's perspective on our lives. As King David stated in Psalm 32, discipline causes us to confess and repent of sin we have not yet dealt with. In this way discipline is cleansing. It is also a growth catalyst. The more we know about God, the more we know about His desires for our lives. Discipline presents us with the opportunity to learn and to conform ourselves to the image of Christ (Romans 12:1-2). Discipline is a good thing!


Sin is black and white. Trying to rid ourselves of sin is what all of us as believers strive for, but sin is still sin, regardless of the effort to prevent it. If God is disciplining you for sin in your life, then thank God for that discipline and prayerfully ask Him what you need to learn from it. If you are simply experiencing the natural results of your sin, ask God to help you get through these circumstances in a way that allows you to grow in your faith and that gives Him the glory.

Thanks

David

 

[Chad]

Why does GOD discipline us? Because He loves us and we are imperfect sinners. Let's use a parent/child example. A mother will punish her child for whatever stupid thing the child has done. Let's say the child did something to hurt themselves or someone else. The mother will punish, discipline the child out of LOVE because she cares for the child. Should the mother otherwise ignore the wrongs of the child? Would this be love not caring, correcting the child's wrong? Absolutely not. It is out of love that we discpline the children. Same with our Father in Heaven who loves us, saved us through Jesus and discplines us for our sake.

How does GOD discipline us? Well, the Living Word (Bible) teaches us between right and wrong. It teaches us what GOD thinks and expects of us. It gives us many examples of GOD disciplining His people. One would be chastising us until we surrender to Him our wrongs, confess our sins. It can be various other ways, even the painful lack of forgiveness from GOD [we feel this emptiness] if we do not forgive others as He has forgiven us?

Matthew 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.

You see, these things do not happen if you are just obedient to GOD and humble, fully surrending ourselves to Him.

 

[Dreamer]

We all have seen children who have run wild and had parent(s) who did not care enough to discipline them. After they grow up, they still have not heard the word, "no", until some judge sentences them to jail. This is not a loving way for parents to raise children.

Because God loves us, He disciplines us for our own good, even though it hurts at the time while He is doing it. He prunes us so that we can bear good fruit for Him.

Rev 3:19- "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent."

Heb 12:5.6- "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

 

[jculver]

Thank God when he chastens you. In Hebrews that is mentioned as a way to know God loves you. That is awesome.

The hard part is pinpointing what is chastening, and what you are being chastened for, or like in Job's case maybe you are being tested and not chastened at all. Pray to know these things and your growth will be sure.

 

[slimsavery]

Thanks for all your replies to my other threads concerning Luck, Curses etc As you may have read on other threads I have stated I am writing a piece and all your help will guide me in doing this. The piece I am writing is on OCD, which i used to suffer from ( and sometimes still get pangs from ) and how a Christian life can help.

My OCD used to be concerned with numbers, ie if i did something in my life for the last time and then saw a number 13 I would have to do that activity again. The last time I did the activity that bothered me the most I saw 1913 on a gravestone the next time I walked through a Church`s graveyard. Ever since then I have been worried ( as silly as it sounds )that it could be God cursing or punishing me but putting that 13 there as to mean I would have a painfull death! The reason i thought this is as i used to promise God that I would never give into the compulsuions again - if i did some sort of harm would come to me or my family - I gave in one last time a few months ago and then saw the gravestone -hence the worry over the 1913 Gravestone.

I know God will forgive me for breaking my promise but as I have written in other threads I have been worried about being cursed or punished. I no longer promise God things against myself or my family but worry God might discipline me as i know he disciplines us "As King David stated in Psalm 32, discipline causes us to confess and repent of sin we have not yet dealt with. In this way discipline is cleansing. It is also a growth catalyst. The more we know about God, the more we know about His desires for our lives". but if i am to understand correctly what I have learnt so far the above bold tells me that at the end of any discipline God gives to me ( and im thinking the way God has dicsplined me is by making my worry and regret over my past actions and to repent ) I will be cleansed - hence starting over a new leaf so I would have no need to over worry about a nasty death?

I guess what I need to realise the most is that God loves me, he wont curse me ( How can a child of God still be under God’s curse (Romans 8:1) ) or punish me in a bad way - only in a way that will bring me closer to him. Also I cannot curse myself or others as God is the only One able to pronounce judgment.

Would you agree with what I have written? I will post my final piece on the forums when it is finished. Some thoughts on the above would be great if you have time

 

[Faithful Son]

Hi slimsavery, I'm only answering based on your last post.

I no longer promise God things against myself or my family but worry God might discipline me as i know he disciplines us

That's a really cool statement, God does punish people, we can see this throughout the scripture given, even if we go back to the old testament and read books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, we read about the punishment of Jacob(Israel), now my friend I have to tell you, THAT IS PUNISHMENT!! I get frightened if I read that. The best thing is God always stops with the punishment, like Chad said in his post above, read it again carefully. Okay, you are worried that God is punishing you, well, it's not nice being punished, but it's a good thing, so don't be worried about it. Try and see how God is punishing you, target it, look at it and work with God through it. There is relief in God.

and im thinking the way God has dicsplined me is by making my worry and regret over my past actions and to repent

This should actually be posted first, but it doesn't matter, you can reflect about it. Let's look at those words.

punishment: punishment is the practice of imposing something unpleasant on a wrongdoer
rebuke: to express sharp, stern disapproval of; reprove; reprimand
discipline:training to act in accordance with rules
chasten: To correct by punishment or reproof; take to task.To restrain; subdue: chasten a proud spirit. To rid of excess; refine or purify:

And you answered it yourself

I guess what I need to realise the most is that God loves me, he wont curse me ( How can a child of God still be under God’s curse (Romans 8:1) ) or punish me in a bad way - only in a way that will bring me closer to him. Also I cannot curse myself or others as God is the only One able to pronounce judgment

Much love
teraside

 

[slimsavery]

Hi slimsavery, I'm only answering based on your last post.


That's a really cool statement, God does punish people, we can see this throughout the scripture given, even if we go back to the old testament and read books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, we read about the punishment of Jacob(Israel), now my friend I have to tell you, THAT IS PUNISHMENT!! I get frightened if I read that. The best thing is God always stops with the punishment, like Chad said in his post above, read it again carefully. Okay, you are worried that God is punishing you, well, it's not nice being punished, but it's a good thing, so don't be worried about it. Try and see how God is punishing you, target it, look at it and work with God through it. There is relief in God.



This should actually be posted first, but it doesn't matter, you can reflect about it. Let's look at those words.

punishment: punishment is the practice of imposing something unpleasant on a wrongdoer
rebuke: to express sharp, stern disapproval of; reprove; reprimand
discipline:training to act in accordance with rules
chasten: To correct by punishment or reproof; take to task.To restrain; subdue: chasten a proud spirit. To rid of excess; refine or purify:

And you answered it yourself



Much love
teraside

Hi Teraside

Thankyou for taking the time to reply to my question. What part of the quotes do you mean when you say I answered it myself. Do you think you could quote that part for me? Thanks again. Im feeling a lot better, I have been praying and feel I am getting so much closer to God

 

[Faithful Son]

Hi slimsavery, I'm basically saying, you answered your own questions, you made it clear that God loves you and He will bring you closer to Him You asked a few questions, but it seems you had the answers all along, you just didn't realise it.

Much love
teraside

 

[slimsavery]

Thankyou again

 

[Word of Life]

Here is some more info on discipline.

Discipline

Discipline is an indication of love. It's in the Bible, Hebrews 12:5-11, NIV. "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Discipline is an expression of parental love. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 13:24, TLB. "If you refuse to discipline your son, it proves you don't love him; for if you love him, you will be prompt to punish him."

Discipline when children are young averts bigger trouble later. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 19:18, TLB. "Discipline your son in his early years while there is hope. If you don't you will ruin his life."

 

[slimsavery]

After showing my nearly finished article to a close freind he pointed something out in an article i had printed off from got questions

Continued unrepentant sin, habitual sin, or "severe" sin will often be dealt with more severely. You won't lose the rewards you earned while on earth, but you might not be on earth for very long! Read through 1 Corinthians 10:6-10, 1 Corinthians 11:28-30, 1 John 5:16-17 and the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. In each of these cases sin resulted in death. This is extreme, but definitely something to consider before giving way to habitual sin.

The Lord's discipline works for our own good, that He might be glorified with our lives. He wants us to be holy, 1 Peter 1:13-16 (NLT), "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God-who chose you to be his children-is holy. For He Himself has said, 'You must be holy because I am holy.'" If we sin without repentance we can expect to be disciplined. The hardship of discipline, however, is like a diamond in the rough, for we will be refined and strengthened. Ignoring the Lord's discipline and continuing in sin will lead to further discipline, greater hardship, and ultimately even death.


I find this rather worrying to say the least. Should the first bold read concerning habitual sin and/or severe sin phrases also have an " unrepented" before them? Other wise this coud be a real blow to what I have written! lIm thinking as I have written before that if you come in true repentance to God through Jesus Christ he will forgive anything. Yes he will dicispline in a loving way ( which is so reasuring to me ) but by the above text is it not saying that if you have commited a habitual or severe and repented you could still die an early death?

rather worryingmg: Would you count having OCD and repeating actions after promising to God you wouldnt or some harm would come to someone - as i way of stopping the compulision and then breaking that promise as a Severe or Habitual Sin

Thanks again for any help

 

[Chad]

Brother, GOD loves you and the devil is a liar. GOD loves you, that is Truth. Look at Jesus, the Cross, His forgiveness repeated in the Bible.

OCD is a problem you have, and GOD is ready to heal you. He understands your problems. Don't bother making promises, just ask for forgivness and delcare Divine Healing in Jesus' name on your life. Pray and pray more! Perservere brother!

Please read this article on prayers
http://www.talkjesus.com/showthread.php?p=52567#post52567

 

[slimsavery]

Thanks Chad


I guess i have to remember that God’s character with wonderful mercy and forgiveness through the death of Jesus Christ will see me through. I know he takes our wrongdoings away and forgives us totally.


I know i have been feeling very guilty as at sometimes when i felt i had finished my compulsions( or got to a point where i was comfertable with it all ) and then a couple of months later, despite my promises to GOD I would start in again - Looking back, I can remeber at least a couple of times I would start it again for pleasure only as i felt i was controlling the compulsions that went with doing that activity. How wrong i was. I would feel I was in control for 5 minutes and then for another 6 months i would suffer with the actual OCD thoughts in a bad way that would make me do my compulsions again untill i got it right!( normally not having anything to do with a 13 when i was doing it - i therfore literally became obseesed by the number 13 and luck ) Madness!


The parts where i did it for my own pleasure make me feel the most guilty ( and dont worry anyone, I wasnt doing anything illegal or bad, just something i felt wasnt good for me and so therfore promised God I wouldnt do them anymore or something nasty would happen to me or my family ).


I just pray that God understands not only my illness but also i guess Greed and i can start again! the greed and my illness were interlinked with it being 90 % OCD and 10 % greed over the last 5 or so years. but im just trying to be honest here

Ah well, Ive been honest with you guys with my problems - theres nothing more to tell and i reckon you are all are probably i little fed up with me:embarasse - but is feels Good to write this all down as well as coming in repentance to God. Its time for a fresh start. If im honest in the past when i did not feel as much as i do know for God I thought i commit a sin and just apologise for it. I thought it was as easy as that. I know now it is not and hopefully the guilt and shame i feel now is part of my discipline. I have turned away from my past but after reading that article on got questions (2 post up regarding habitual/ sencere sins ) to say im anxious is an understatement. I just hope i dont die an early death and will pray and as you have written Chad that God can understand my problems and i that I now know between right and wrong

God Bless

David

ps - i think that article 2 posts up about those differnt types of sin ( habitual, severe ) is definatly misleading. any one agree?

 

[stephen]

My belief is that God is a good God. God is a good God. "God is Love". "He that loveth dwelleth in God and God in him".

I do not think that God will punish anyone in this day of His grace. Things which happen to man are the result of circumstances which have nothing to do with God... "God is love, He is not willing that any should perish, but that all may come to repentance".

I heard a preacher say that AIDS was a result of the judgement of God.....God had nothing to do with it. AIDS is the result of sin.

Many think that a sad event, or circumstance has befallen then due to some discipline of God.........No not at all.

God loves us with such an immeasurable, unfathomable love. We cannot fully grasp it. We have to pray...call upon His Name... in all events of life. God has a thousand ways to answer every prayer.

Amen.....In His Name

 

[slimsavery]

Thanks Stephen

Your views are much appreciated. I hope my from my posts people dont think im crazy or anything - just anxious! I think after looking at the got questions article it made me worse! I will continue to pray to God and hope that he gives me the strength not to worry so much

if i take text from that article again "If we sin without repentance we can expect to be disciplined. The hardship of discipline, however, is like a diamond in the rough, for we will be refined and strengthened. Ignoring the Lord's discipline and continuing in sin will lead to further discipline, greater hardship, and ultimately even death" Perhaps the text is refering to Habitual and severe sin not being repented. In which case and with your advice i should be Ok and get a peaceful night

 

[stephen]

Precious Brother......read scripture...read bible....God loves you more that you realise........

 

[slimsavery]

I will do

I think i have to stop looking at got questions. I think its making my anxinous worse; Just as i was heading to bed i read this;


Question: "What does the Bible say about keeping your vows / oaths? What happens if we break a vow we made to God?"

Answer: A vow made to another person is to be kept for the sake of honor, but does not bear the same weight as a vow made to God Himself, sometimes referred to as a "solemn vow." No vow should not be made frivolously. Any time a vow is broken, there are consequences, as there are with any sin or breach of honor. A broken vow, while serious, is not an unforgivable matter if taken to the Lord in true confession. We definitely want to avoid getting into tough spots when it comes to promises we make to God.

"When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands?" (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6).

There are about 30 biblical references to vows, most of which are from the Old Testament. When a vow is made to God, God expects that we will live up to it and has little use for those who talk about vows without intent to deliver on the promises. Unthinking people make vows without considering the commitment that they are making. When we consider that God is infinitely above men and earth, we must approach God in reverence and watch that our speech is honorable. We cannot dismiss a vow as a simple mistake without incurring God's anger, for this would mock Him.

That holds true, even if the promises prove to be difficult and require great sacrifice. Once we make a solemn and deliberate vow, it must not be retracted, but kept and performed fully (Deuteronomy 23:15-25).

Can a vow be broken under any circumstances? A man can not be bound by a promise to do what he has been forbidden to do. However, a vow requires him to keep his word, even if he would like to change his mind (Numbers 30:1-2). Therefore, we must be sure to make all promises with a full submission to the will of God, even if God does not otherwise direct our actions. If you have found that you have made a vow that is clearly outside of God's will, according to the Scriptures, yes, you may break the vow - but even such a situation does not absolve you of all consequences from breaking a vow.

Again, if a person breaks a vow of any kind, he must face the Lord with his sin and ask forgiveness. However, if the vow can possibly be kept, we must still do so even if it becomes very difficult for us to complete. Asking forgiveness merely as an easy means of getting off the hook will not do. On the other hand, failing to ask forgiveness honestly for our transgressions would be yet another sin. We should never be hesitant to seek our Father's forgiveness and to sincerely make every effort to avoid the mistake again.

"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes ' be 'Yes,' and your 'No ,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one" (Matthew 5:33-37).

Im only now begging to realise the seriousness of what I was doing in the past, even though it was predometly OCD based. I have a feeling you guys are going to get fed up with me! As soon as i get anywhere i get knocked back! Just have to keep praying and telling myself God forgives as long as i repent

 

[slimsavery]

For the born-again child of God, there is no unforgivable sin. All sin was forgiven at the cross. When Christ Jesus said, "It is finished" (John 19:30), that statement meant that the penalty for all sin was paid in full.

Im going to bed now. and praying. Like i say that got questions article on habitual/ severe sin has et me back but i just have to pray. I would just love some more reassurance. its scary thinking you might be punished by dying but if i take all the view s into account maybe ill be ok

God Bless all

 

[slimsavery]

With regards to the when,why and how does the lord god siccipline us when we sin article on got questions that is bothering me so, so much

" 1 John 5:16-17" I have read this ,

" 16] If any one sees his brother committing what is not a mortal sin, he will ask, and God will give him life for those whose sin is not mortal. There is sin which is mortal; I do not say that one is to pray for that.
[17] All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which is not mortal. "

What does this sin which is not mortal mean? Thanks. I guess this question is a little more in the norm! Still hoping i can get some clarification on the habitual or severe sin issue im having ( i really think that article is scaremongering ) I have asked got Questions to clarify so i hope they will!

 

[slimsavery]

Precious Brother......read scripture...read bible....God loves you more that you realise........

Ive just read through these; Read through 1 Corinthians 10:6-10, 1 Corinthians 11:28-30, 1 John 5:16-17 and the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. In each of these cases sin resulted in death

From what I can see in each of these cases there was no repentance happening. Could any one confirm this? I would be so grateful. I do my best but sometimes misinterpret scripture because of the wording