Practicing Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG11

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P R A C T I C I N G C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

b. By coming to grips with doctrinal error : by believing and teaching things contrary to the doctrine of Jesus Christ

c. By confronting spiritual rebellion : by living in disobedience and lifestyles that transgress the clear command of God

d. By addressing division in relationships : by causing and living in division and discord with other members of the body

3. It may occur to vindicate God’s person (Satan’s accusation against God in the case of Job), Job 1.

4. It is given to instruct us in God’s holiness, Heb. 12.11.

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5. Discipline in the Old Testament informs these different understandings of how God uses discipline in our lives.

a. The Wilderness wanderings were harsh and painful, but in the midst of it God provided for his people, seeking to teach them the centrality of his Word, Deut. 2.7; Deut. 8.4.

b. God’s judgment was meant to cause his people to “circumcise their heart and not stiffen their neck any more,” Deut. 10.12-22.

c. The Captivity of Israel by Assyria was the judgment of God to demonstrate his holiness; while it would not lead to final destruction, discipline was critical for God’s revelation to his people of who he was, Hos. 12.2.