Not without Pain Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: Not without Pain ------------- Date: 01/15/1999 Keywords: "discipline" "gain" "pain" "trained" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. Passage: Hebrews 12:10-11* 10. Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Questions 1. What are two reasons God disciplines you?   2. How is God's discipline going to feel?   3. What changes can you expect after receiving God's discipline?   Practical help If you're hooked on Web porn and don't want to be — get ready. "No pain! No gain!" The rewards of righteousness and peace aren't going to happen until God's brought you through the following: 1. Admitting you have a problem — hurt ego. 2. Confessing to a trusted friend or family member — potentially hurt relationship. 3. Accepting consequences for your behavior — just hurts. 4. Humbly being accountable to those who love you — hurt pride. God promises that this pain is worth the gain — a share in God's holiness (verse 10). As tough as the above steps seem, the discipline lasts but "a little while" (verse 10). The "harvest of righteousness and peace" (verse 11), on the other hand, endures forever. One more thing. Many people who have been "trained" by God's discipline (verse 11) are now praying for you, knowing full well the potential for pain but the promise of gain in store for you. They're cheering you on in their prayers. You're not alone. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 1999 by eXXit *Scriptures are from The Holy Bible: New International Version, © copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved.