Hebrews 12:10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He (God) disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.
Hello, are you getting this? “God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.” “Discipline” is the Greek word paideia and its meaning is to tutor, train, or chastise. God is actively training His children through discipline so that they may share His holiness. This is sanctification, discipleship, or in the vernacular of the day, Spiritual Formation. God’s purpose for you is for you to become more and more like His Son, Jesus Christ. Listen to Romans 8:29, For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son. Paul echoes the desire of God when he writes to the Galatians, My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,( 4:19).
God is faithful to do His part but there is also a part for you to play as you journey toward spiritual formation. Yes you have a part in your own growth. It is Spirit enabled but you must purpose in your heart to draw near to God as James commands in James 4:8, Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Do you truly desire to know Jesus as Paul desired to know Him? He seems to cry out in Philippians 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. Through God’s faithful training and your practice of Spirit enabled disciplines, you can experience spiritual growth. You can have a relationship with Jesus Christ that is personal and vibrant. You can share in the holiness of God. WOW!