The author of the book of Hebrews writes to his readers concerning their hardships, persecutions and their "struggle against sin" (12:4) in chapter twelve. He does not tell them that these hardships are the result of their sin or bad doctrine. In fact, he gives them no explanation why they are suffering, but he does give them some advice concerning the proper attitude toward hardships. In this case the readers are told to endure all hardships as discipline from God. The Old Testament text he uses to support his advice is Proverbs 3:11-12:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son."
- Proverbs 3:11-12
Even Jesus during his life on earth suffered through the basic trials of life. The author has already
said Jesus "learned" (Hebrews 5:8) from these hardships and matured ("made perfect," telios,
"made complete") "through what he suffered" (Hebrews 2:10).
The author tells his readers that they are to, "Endure hardships as discipline." The word
"discipline" is from the Greek word paideian which refers to raising a child, especially the
training, teaching, and education of a child. (Paideian is also used in Ephesians 6:4;
2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 12: 5; 12:7-8; 12:11) The word "endure" is hupomone and which
means to remain under the pressure patiently and to remain behind when others have fled.
The point of this advice is that when there is no explanation for your hardships, consider it
training from God who is preparing your soul. When there is no way to avoid your hardship
other than to compromise the truth of the Word of God or your compromise your commitment
to living in righteousness, then you should continue in the truth and face your hardship because
you are being treated by God as sons that he loves and who he is training and preparing
for greater things.
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