| 1. “Let
Us Run with Endurance …” (Heb 12:1-3)The author turns to athletics for his
next exhortation, likening the Christian life to run-ning a marathon. All
encumbrances must be shed and all distractions ignored; we must “run with
endurance the race that is set before us …looking to Jesus, the author and
finisher of our faith,” who now waits for us across the finish line. To
further enhance the image, the “cloud of witnesses” of chapter 11 are
figuratively pictured as spectators urging the Hebrew brethren on. But as
marathons exhaust the human body, so persecution tires the spirit of man. The
author thus counsels his readers to carefully reflect upon Jesus “lest you
become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Heb 12:3). Thoughtful
contemplation of Jesus is always the best cure for what ails the true
believer.1. What, unfortunately, easily ensnares men?2. What enabled Jesus to
endure the cross?2. The Pain and Profit of Chastening (Heb 12:4-11)Ancient
wisdom held that suffering indicated God’s disfavor, but revelation reveals
other-wise. God, as a faithful Father, chastens, rebukes and scourges His
children “for our pro-fit, that we may be partakers of His holiness” (Heb
12:5-6, 10). The author states several truths about chastening or punishment:
1) “Whom the Lord loves He chastens” (12:6); 2) The absence of chastening
suggests illegitimacy or neglect rather than favor (12:8);3) Discipline can
be imperfectly administered and still be effective (12:9-10); 4) At the
moment of implementation chastening is grievous; however, it is later
appreciated for its instructional value (12:11). Does suffering then imply
guilt? No, for while one may not be overtly sinful, he may still stand in
need of further development of character, godli-ness and self-control which
may best be forged by trial (Remember, sinless Jesus “learned obedience by
the things which He suffered” – Heb 5:8). We would do well in times of
trib-ulation to inventory our lives and search for what is amiss. But we may
always take comfort in knowing that, whatever the cause, we can benefit from
the hardships of life.3. Persecution against these brethren had not yet gone
to what length?4. How do we feel about our earthly fathers who disciplined us
in our youth?3. “Lest Anyone Fall Short of the Grace” (Heb 12:12-17)This
section contains several exhortations and a grave warning. “Hands which hang
down, and the feeble knees” (Heb 12:12) suggests weariness and discouragement
among some in the congregation (comp. 12:3). They are in need of strength,
healing and re-newed commitment to the “straight paths.” Three “lests”
follow: 1) “lest anyone fall short of the grace of God” (12:15a), an odd
thing to say if, as according to the Calvinists, one cannot be lost; 2) “lest
any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble …” (12:15b); 3) “lest there
be any fornicator orprofane person like Esau …” (12:16). Esau was so
im-pulsive and base that he bartered awayhis birthright for the satisfaction
of momentary hunger. The transaction was irrevocable. So it iswith
immorality, which is the immedi-ate context. Regret for such thoughtless and
foolishactions, though wrenching and tor-turous, cannot change many of the
consequences whichnaturally follow.5. No one will see the Lord without what
quality?6. What defiles many of God’s people?4. Coming to the Mountain (Heb
12:18-24)The author yet again turns to an OT contrast “to stabilize his
readers in their faith and toconvince them that there is no alternative open
to them except Christ” (Lightfoot, Jesus ChristToday, p. 237). Mt. Sinai
represents the vast gulf between man and God. So holy and mightywas God that
neither man nor beast could approach the mountain without God’s
expresspermission. “And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, ‘I am
exceed-ingly afraid andtrembling’” (Heb 12:21). Mt. Zion, on the other hand,
stands for the heavenly abode of God intowhich access has been secured by
Jesus. This is the city in |
