Hebrews 12:5-13 (NLT)

5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,
  “My child, don’t make light of theLord’s discipline,
    and don’t give up when he corrects you.
  6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
    and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?

10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

Hebrews 12:5-13 (NLT)

General Context Questions

• Who wrote this? Who is or which groups of people are involved?
• Was this written before, during, or after Jesus’ lifetime?
• Is this a narrative, a parable, a praise, a suggestion, a command, an instruction, or something else?
• Is there anything that stands out to you?
• Did anything confuse you? Were there words or phrases that didn’t make sense?

Specific Questions

• How can discipline and punishment demonstrate love and acceptance from God? Is it also possible for human parents to show love and acceptance in the same way?
• What does punishment and discipline from God look like? Is it what we call “natural consequences” or is it something else?
• Can you think of a time in your life when you were upset about being disciplined, but now, looking back, recognize that it was necessary?
• What are some of the implications behind verse 13? How, why, and for whom do you do what verse 13 suggests?