Author: Phil Rehberg

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Heb. 12:11 (ESV) The word “discipline” refers to instruction or training that includes correction, for example, in the raising of a child. Thus, the focus is not primarily on punishment for a wrong but rather the general overall training of a Christian, though it is painful training. Christian training is painful (or more accurately in the Greek: grievous) for us just as children become distressed when their parents move them to do something that does not feel good to them. Therefore, as Christians we embrace, and even expect, the distaste of the challenges and sufferings that come our way. We do not avoid our training because it is our heavenly Father who is training us so he can fully restore his image in Continue Reading →

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Heb. 6:11, ESV). It is easy to think that no one appreciates the things we do to help others. In their hurry they may forget to thank and encourage us for our help. We can tell ourselves we don’t really need the encouragement but it really makes a difference when we are thanked and encouraged. But your Father is pleased with your good deeds. So if we do not receive thanks, or if people forget our contributions, we have the encouragement from this passage that God does not forget what we do. He sees our work, especially when we help His people. And even more, God actually deems our help as loving Him! We also know from Heb. 6:7 that God gives Continue Reading →

“For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Heb 2:18 (ESV) Since Jesus felt the suffering that comes with resisting temptation he is able to help us too. He gives us power over temptation. How does he help us? Through the reality that all believers are connected to him like a body to a head. Remember that you are united to Christ and he provides power to become like him. If you keep your life focused on him, his power will flow into you and you will acquire the same character he has. Thus, the same power to resist temptation that Jesus had, he gives to us when we abide in him. And we can resist more than just sensual temptations. Temptation can include temptation to pride instead of humility, or temptation to neglect devotional time, or giving in to Continue Reading →