Verses 9-11
As Christians we need to submit to God’s discipline in our lives because it will result in fullness of life and greater holiness and righteousness along with peace.
". . . there may be an implied contrast between temporary human punishment and the permanent reward which is given to those who submit to divine discipline." [Note: Ellingworth, p. 654.]
God always designs discipline for our welfare even though it may not be pleasant to endure.
"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." [Note: Lewis, p. 81.]
The title "Father of spirits" (Hebrews 12:9) occurs only here in the New Testament (cf. Numbers 16:22; Numbers 27:16). It probably means something like "our spiritual Father," as some English versions translate it (TEV, NEB, JB), in contrast to our physical (earthly) fathers.
This is one of the great sections in the New Testament that clarifies the reason for the Christian’s trials (cf. James 1; 1 Peter). It is essential that we view our sufferings as the Lord’s discipline rather than as an indication of His displeasure, or worse, His hatred (cf. Deuteronomy 1:26-27) if we would persevere faithfully. There is a real as well as a linguistic connection between "discipline" and "disciple" and "discipleship."
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