DIVINE DISCIPLINE, Dr. Samuel Lee
STRENGTHEN YOUR ARMS AND KNEES
Passage: Hebrews 12:1~13  
Key verse: 12
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run(A) with perseverance(B) the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus,(C) the pioneer(D) and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,(E) scorning its shame,(F) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.(G) 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary(H) and lose heart.
God Disciplines His Children
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.(I) 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart(J) when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,(K)
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a](L)
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.(M) For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline(N)—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 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 spirits(O) and live!(P) 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.(Q) 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace(R) for those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.(S) 13 “Make level paths for your feet,”[b](T) so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.(U)
Footnotes
- Hebrews 12:6 Prov. 3:11,12 (see Septuagint)
- Hebrews 12:13 Prov. 4:26
Cross references
- Hebrews 12:1 : S 1Co 9:24
- Hebrews 12:1 : S Heb 10:36
- Hebrews 12:2 : Ps 25:15
- Hebrews 12:2 : Heb 2:10
- Hebrews 12:2 : Php 2:8, 9; Heb 2:9
- Hebrews 12:2 : Heb 13:13
- Hebrews 12:2 : S Mk 16:19
- Hebrews 12:3 : Gal 6:9; Rev 2:3
- Hebrews 12:4 : Heb 10:32-34; 13:13
- Hebrews 12:5 : ver 3
- Hebrews 12:6 : Ps 94:12; 119:75; Rev 3:19
- Hebrews 12:6 : Pr 3:11, 12
- Hebrews 12:7 : Dt 8:5; 2Sa 7:14; Pr 13:24
- Hebrews 12:8 : 1Pe 5:9
- Hebrews 12:9 : Nu 16:22; 27:16; Rev 22:6
- Hebrews 12:9 : Isa 38:16
- Hebrews 12:10 : S 2Pe 1:4
- Hebrews 12:11 : Isa 32:17; Jas 3:17, 18
- Hebrews 12:12 : Isa 35:3
- Hebrews 12:13 : Pr 4:26
- Hebrews 12:13 : Gal 6:1
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
1. Throw off everything that hinders (12:1-3)
Sin always traps us more easily than we expect, and it entangles our lives so that it's very difficult to escape from. We need to throw it off decisively, as an athlete would lighten his burden before running a marathon. The example of our ancestors of faith can encourage us to do so. Most of all, we can be strengthened by focusing on our goal-Jesus, who sits at the right hand of God.
2. Endure hardship as discipline (12:4-13)
All good parents discipline their children. Discipline is not meant to be enjoyable at the time it is given; however, it builds perseverance and creates holy character. We should view suffering in life as discipline from our loving heavenly Father. We are in a great battle against sin. When we face hardship, we can rejoice that he has accepted us as true sons and daughters and have hope of a harvest of righteousness.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the cloud of witnesses who have run the race before me. Help me be strengthened, not discouraged, by your discipline.
One Word: Throw off sin; be strengthened through discipline