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Jordan Caro
The Gift We Don't Thank God For
Stand Alone Sermons 2025
Nov 30, 2025Hebrews 12:3-11
In this sermon, Pastor Jordan Caro preaches from Hebrews 12:3–11.
This passage teaches that God’s discipline in our lives is His love for us at work—even when it doesn’t feel like it in the moment. His discipline is never punishment for our sin, but preparation for our purpose, shaping us to become more like Christ.
If you’re walking through a challenging season, this message is for you. Check out the full sermon to learn more.
Sermon Notes
The Gift We Don't Thank God For // Hebrews 12:3-11
“Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 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.” Hebrews 12:3-11
What if the thing we thank God for the least is actually one of His greatest gifts of love?
"In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood." Hebrews 12:4
1. God’s Discipline Confirms Our Identity
"And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by Him. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son whom He receives.’ It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?" Hebrews 12:5-7
Where have you mistaken God’s reminder of belonging for punishment?
2. God’s Discipline Conforms Our Character
“If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness.” Hebrews 12:8-10
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4
Formation always involves friction.
"For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness." Hebrews 12:10
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
3. God’s Discipline Contributes to Our Maturity
"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." Hebrews 12:11
“God’s purpose in the lives of His people is not to make them happy, but to make them holy.” J.I. Packer
What fruit might God be cultivating in the soil of your situation?
“Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” Hebrews 12:3
Behind every season of discipline stands a Father who loves you, a Savior who endured for you, and a Spirit who trains you.
Sermon Notes
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