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Hebrews Chapter Twelve
Running The Race Of Faith (12:1-3)
INTRODUCTION
1. Throughout our study, we have noted the emphasis on being steadfast in our faith... a. The warning against developing unbelief - He 3:12-15 b. The need for a faith that endures - He 6:11-12; 10:36-39 c. In chapter eleven, we were reminded of many who had this kind of faith 2. This emphasis continues, with our own life of faith described as a race... a. In which we are "surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses" - He 12:1 1) The "cloud of witnesses" refers to those mentioned in the previous chapter 2) I.e., those Old Testament saints like Abraham, Moses, etc. b. In what way are they "witnesses"? 1) While the word can mean "spectator", it is not likely so used here a) That would suggest they are now "looking down" on us from heaven b) But there is no indication the dead know what is going on earth - cf. Ecc 9:5 c) While they may have "memory" of what happened (Lk 16:28), their attention is focused upon their present condition - cf. Re 7:9-17 2) The word can also refer to those who "bear witness" a) By their lives, they have borne witness to the value of faith - cf. He 11:1-40 b) By their exemplary lives, they encourage us in "Running TheRace Of Faith"!
[As we seek to follow in the footsteps of others who have successfully"run the race of faith", there are three things necessary as presentedin our text. The first one is...] I. WE NEED TO LAY SOME THINGS ASIDE (1)
A. NOTE THE COMPARISON TO RUNNING... 1. The runner who seeks to win: a. Loses as much weight as possible without hurting performance b. Wears clothing that is light and allows freedom of movement 2. Excess weight, chafing clothing, etc., can be the difference between victory or defeat! B. WE TOO MUST LAY SOME THINGS ASIDE... 1. "every weight" a. I.e., things which slow down our spiritual progress 1) Such as "carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life" - Lk 21:34-36 2) Also, "anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language..." - cf. Co 3:8; 1 Pe 2:1-2; Ja 1:21 b. Such things make "running the race of faith" difficult, if not impossible! 2. "the sin which so easily ensnares us" a. Any and all sins should be laid aside b. From the context, I understand "the" sin to be the "sin of unbelief" 1) The epistle was written to encourage faithfulness to Christ and His covenant 2) We've seen warnings against unbelief - He 3:12-13 3) When one no longer believes, the race is lost! - He 10:26-39
[With a full assurance of faith, and with every hindrance laid aside, we can "run the race of faith" as God intended. But as we comprehend the true nature of the "course" set before us, we can appreciate the need for the element of endurance...] II. WE NEED TO HAVE ENDURANCE (1)
A. THE "RACE OF FAITH" IS A MARATHON , NOT A SPRINT... 1. It does not require one quick burst of energy, in which the race is soon over 2. This "race" requires a sustained effort over a long period of time B. ENDURANCE IS A NECESSARY QUALITY... 1. Jesus often taught His disciples concerning the need for endurance (i.e., patience) a. In the parable of The Sower - Lk 8:12 a. In preparing the disciples for the Limited Commission - Mt 10:22
b. In His discourse on the Mount of Olives - Mt 24:13 2. The writer to the Hebrews had stressed this virtue earlier a. In which he appealed to the example of Abraham - He 6:11-15 b. In which he quoted from Habakkuk - He 10:36-39 3. We can develop such patience with the help of the Scriptures - Ro 15:4 a. As we read of the faithfulness of God Who fulfills His promises b. As we read of the ultimate end of those persevered in faithfulness [Paul wrote that eternal life would be given "to those who by patientcontinuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality" (Ro2:7). Therefore, endurance is required for successfully running this
"race of faith"! Equally important is where we have our mind focused as we run the race...] III. WE NEED TO FOCUS ON JESUS (2-3)
A. WE MUST "LOOK UNTO JESUS"... 1. Our focus must be upon the Lord as we "run the race" a. We might "glance" at others (cf. He 11) b. But we are to "gaze" upon the Lord Savior (Believers' Study Bible) c. As suggested by this "Formula For Spiritual Success": 1) If you want to be distressed -- look within 2) If you want to be defeated -- look back 3) If you want to be distracted -- look around 4) If you want to be dismayed -- look ahead 5) If you want to be delivered -- look up! - cf. Co 3:1-2 2. For Jesus is "the author and finisher of our faith" - cf. He 2:10 a. He is the beginning and the end, the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega - Re 1:8,11 b. He has blazed the trail for us... 1) By having run the race Himself a) As a forerunner He has entered the heavenly sanctuary - He 6:19-20 b) He has opened a "new and living way" for us - He 10:20
2) And now He helps us to finish it ourselves - cf. He 7:25 3. He succeeded in running the race by looking at "the joy set before Him" a. The "joy" that inspired Him was likely that privilege of being seated at God's right hand - cf. Psa 16:9-11; Ac 2:25-31
b. With the anticipation of such "joy", Jesus... 1) "endured the cross" (the physical pain) 2) "despised the shame" (the emotional and spiritual agony) -- Just as Jesus looked at the joy set before Him, so we must look to Jesus! B. WE MUST "CONSIDER HIM"... 1. We must consider how He endured, not only on the cross, but even before! - He 11:3 a. How He "endured such hostility from sinners against himself" b. This hostility is something He experienced frequently - cf. Lk 4:28-29; 11:15-16,53-54; 16:14 2. Meditating upon our Lord will prevent us from becoming "weary and discouraged in your souls" a. We cannot run with endurance if we become weary and discouraged b. But as we consider the Lord and His example (in itself a form of "waiting upon the Lord"), we shall not grow weary nor faint - cf. Isa 40:31 CONCLUSION
1. "Running The Race Of Faith" requires both negative and positive elements... a. Negatively, we must lay aside things which would hinder us b. Positively, we must keep our focus on Jesus who has made our salvation possible 2. In both cases, the Word of God (the Bible) is crucial... a. For in it we learn what sort of things we must lay aside b. For in it we learn about our Lord, what He endured, how His example should inspire us 3. Have you lost your endurance? Have you grown weary in "Running TheRace Of Faith"?
a. Let the Bible help you examine what "baggage" should be left aside! b. Let the Bible help you learn about Jesus whose own example can encourage you to continue on with perseverance! Remember what we read earlier... "For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done thewill of God, you may receive the promise..." (Hebrews 10:36)
The Chastening Of The Lord (12:4-11)
INTRODUCTION
1. In encouraging his readers to "run the race that is set before us", the author of "The Epistle To The Hebrews" mentions the need for endurance... a. Suggesting that the "race" will not always be an easy one - He 12:1
b. Indeed, our "forerunner" Himself had to endure hostility from sinners and eventually the cross - He 12:2-3 2. They were reminded that they had yet to endure as much as the Lord... a. They had "not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin" - He 12:4 b. Though they had earlier endured "a great struggle with sufferings" - He 10:32-34 -- Because persecutions were likely to intensify, they needed "endurance" - He 10:35-36 3. To help them in this regard, he reminds them of "The Chastening Of The Lord" by...
a. Quoting a well-known passage in Proverbs - He 12:5-6 b. Expounding upon the purpose of the Lord's chastening - He 12:7-11 -- Understanding how the Lord might use hardships, even persecutions, to "chasten" them for their good, would serve to encourage them to endure 4. What does the word "chasten" mean? a. The Greek word is paideia {pahee-di'-ah} b. In the KJV, it is variously translated as "chastening, nurture, instruction, chastisement" c. Thayer defines the word in this way: 1) "the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment)" 2) "whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, esp. by correcting mistakes and curbing passions" a) "instruction which aims at increasing virtue" b) "acc. to biblical usage chastisement, chastening, (of the evils with which God visits men for their amendment)" [In this lesson, I wish to focus on "The Chastening Of The Lord", using this text in Hebrews as the basis for our study. To begin, let me stress...] I. THE "FACT" OF THE LORD'S CHASTENING
A. SOME DENY THE CHASTENING OF THE LORD... 1. Believing that a loving God would never bring suffering to His children 2. Believing that any suffering is due solely to the influence of Satan a. As some have so interpreted the Book of Job b. Yet because Satan himself could not do anything unless God allowed it, Job's adversity came ultimately from the Lord - cf. Job 42:11 B. THE BIBLE CLEARLY TEACHES THE CHASTENING OF THE LORD... 1. In the Old Testament: a. "You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the LORD your God chastens you." - Deu 8:5 b. "My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction; For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights." - Pro 3:11-12
2. In the New Testament: a. "For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world." - 1 Co 11:31-32 b. "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent." - Re 3:19 c. And of course, our entire text under consideration - He 12:4-11
1) Especially verses 7-8 2) Which state that all of God's children must experience chastening! [The "fact" of the Lord's chastening cannot be questioned by anyone whoaccepts the Bible. At this point, let's consider "how" God might chasten His children...] II. THE "HOW" OF THE LORD'S CHASTENING
A. CHASTENING IN THE FORM OF "INSTRUCTIVE DISCIPLINE"... 1. There is both "instructive" and "corrective" chastening (discipline) 2. "Instructive" chastening is designed to prevent the need for "corrective" chastening 3. Instructive discipline is seen most often in the form of "teaching" a. In the form of warnings, admonitions b. Thus Jesus could "clean" (purify) His disciples through His teaching - Jn 15:2-3 c. Through His words Jesus sought to chasten the Laodiceans - Re 3:15-19 -- One way, then, that God chastens us is through His Word! 4. But instructive discipline can also be in the form of "tribulation" a. In the case of Job... 1) His suffering was not because he needed correction - cf. Job 1:1,8 2) Yet God allowed it, knowing it would make him better b. In the case of the early Christians... 1) Persecution was looked upon as a form of chastisement - cf. He 12:4-6 2) Their persecution for the cause of Christ was not because they were wicked 3) But God allowed it, knowing that it would make them stronger - cf. Ro 5:3-4; Ja 1:2-4; 1 Pe 5:8-10 -- Another way, then, that God chastens us is by allowing persecution for Christ's sake! B. CHASTENING IN THE FORM OF "CORRECTIVE DISCIPLINE"... 1. When "instructive" discipline is not heeded, "corrective" discipline follows 2. Note the example of Judah and Israel a. Failure to heed God's word would bring judgment upon Judah - Am 2:4-5 b. God made repeated efforts to bring Israel 4:6-12
c. Such efforts included famine, drought, pestilence, plague, war, earthquakes 1) These were not miraculous or supernatural events 2) But acts of nature brought on by the providential working of God! d. Some understood the value of such affliction - cf. Psa 119:67,71
3. What about "corrective" discipline today? a. If God would use Providence to encourage Israel before it was too late... 1) Would not the same God use Providence erring children today? 2) Does He love us any less? b. I know of no scriptural reason why God would not use His Providence to: 1) Wake us up 2) Cause us to reflect on our lives and our relationship to God 3) Encourage us to repent and turn back to Him if we are straying c. There are several passages which suggest that God might bring some form of "corrective" discipline if we do not heed His "instructive" discipline... 1) Some of the Corinthians had already begun to experience God's chastisement, which they could have avoided if they had "judged" themselves (by heeding His word) - 1 Co 11:30-32 2) Jesus spoke of some way in which He would punish some at Thyatira that would be evident to all - cf. Re 2:20-23 -- I therefore have no problem with the idea that God may choose to employ corrective discipline in the form of national and even personal affliction [My understanding of a loving God chastening His children is tempered by my understanding of "why" He does this...] III. THE "WHY" OF THE LORD'S CHASTENING
A. CERTAINLY NOT BECAUSE HE DELIGHTS IN DOING SO... 1. God found it necessary to bring judgment upon Israel 3-5
2. It was not something He wanted to do - Lam 3:31-33 B. WHEN NECESSARY, IT IS FOR OUR GOOD... 1. To correct us - He 12:9 a. Our human fathers do so, and we respect them for it b. Should we not expect the same from the "Father of spirits", and submit to it? 2. That we may be partakers of His Holiness - He 12:10 a. Our human fathers do it for what seems best to them b. Our heavenly Father does it for a reason that far excels any earthly purpose! 3. That we may yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness - He12:11
a. In the short term, the experience is unpleasant b. But in the long term, we benefit by such "training"! CONCLUSION
1. Whether "corrective" or "instructive" chastisement, it is always for our good! a. It may be grievous - He 12:11a b. But it will produce "the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" - He 12:11b 2. "Corrective" chastisement can mostly be avoided... a. By correcting ourselves - cf. 1 Co 11:31-32 b. Which we can do by taking heed to God's Word - cf. Jn 15:2-3 3. But even when we heed the "instructive" chastisement through the Word of God, we may still experience some form of tribulation... a. Such as persecution for the cause of Christ b. Brought on by Satan, working in and through the world - 1 Pe 5:8-9
c. Not because we are wicked, but because we are righteous (like Job) -- Yet God can use even that to provide a form of "instructive" discipline, in which the good are made even better! May the prayer expressed by Peter help us to endure should we experience such tribulation... "But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be theglory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Pe 5:10-11)
The Pursuit Of Peace And Holiness (12:12-17)
INTRODUCTION
1. In "Running The Race Of Faith" (He 12:1-3), we saw the need to... a. Lay aside things that would hinder us, especially the sin of unbelief b. Have endurance, even as Jesus endured hostility and the cross c. Focus our gaze on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, whose own example should encourage us not to become weary and discouraged 2. After reminding his readers of the value of the Lord's chastening, the author of Hebrews returns to the metaphor of "running"... a. With a call to "run with style" - He 12:12-13 b. With instructions to pursue peace and holiness - He 12:14 c. With a word of caution, appealing to the example of Esau - He 12:15-17
3. One way to describe the Christian "race", then, is "The Pursuit Of Peace And Holiness"
a. How well are you doing in your pursuit? b. Do you know what it is you are to be running after? c. Are you aware of the possible pitfalls that can hinder you? [To encourage excellence in regards to our pursuit, let's take a closerlook at the passage, beginning with...] I. MAKING PREPARATION FOR OUR PURSUIT (12-13)
A. A CALL TO "RUN WITH STYLE"... 1. We are to "strengthen"... a. "the hands which hang down" b. "the feeble knees" -- A common figure of speech (Job 4:3-4; Isa 35:3), calling us to shake off all weariness, to be firm and strong 2. We are to "make straight paths" for our feet, so that... a. "what is lame may not be dislocated" b. "but rather be healed" -- Another common expression (Isa 40:3-4), encouraging us to remove all that would hinder our progress (especially if we are weak) B. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS CALL... 1. First, we must respond to this call to action a. This is something "we" are being called to do b. We can't expect God to do it all! c. While God will certainly help us, we must make the effort - cf. Ph 2:12-13 2. This call to action is not limited to strengthening just yourself a. Certainly there is the personal application b. But as concerned Christians, we should seek to: 1) "strengthen the hands...and feeble knees" of others 2) "make straight paths" for others - cf. 1 Th 5:14 c. Just as those who are "spiritual" should be concerned for the weakness of others - Ga 6:1 [In a way, this call is similar to the one the Lord gave to Joshua (Josh 1:6-9), which Joshua later gave to Israel (Josh 23:6,11). Shallwe heed the call to "be strong and very courageous", i.e., to "run withstyle"? Now, for some thoughts about...] II. THE GOAL OF OUR PURSUIT (14)
A. PEACE WITH ALL MEN... 1. We should not be surprised to read that we are to "pursue peace..." a. Jesus is "The Prince of Peace" - Isa 9:6 b. He died to make peace possible: with God, and with man - Ro 5:1; Ep 2:13-17 c. He taught that peacemakers will be called the children of God - Mt 5:9 d. A key element of the kingdom of God is peace - Ro 14:17-18 -- Therefore, we are to pursue peace with all men - Ro 14:19;12:18
2. How does one "pursue peace with all men"? a. By seeking peace with God first - Prov 16:7 1) We must first make our relationship with God what it ought to be 2) Through Jesus, we can be at peace with God - Ro 5:1 b. Letting the peace of God rule in our hearts - Col 3:15 1) The Lord is able to "give you peace always in every way" - 2 Th 3:16 2) How the Lord imparts peace: a) Through His Word - Psa 119:165 b) Through prayer - Ph 4:6-7 -- If one is not at peace with himself, it is unlikely he can be at peace with others c. By doing things that make for peace - Ro 14:19 1) Such as being considerate of their conscience - Ro 14:13-21
2) Seeking unity with compassion, love, tenderness, and courtesy; willing to respond to evil or reviling with a blessing - cf. 1 Pe 3:8-11 B. HOLINESS, WITHOUT WHICH NO ONE WILL SEE THE LORD... 1. As God is holy, so His children must be holy - 1 Pe 1:14-16; 1 Th 4:7
2. How can one "pursue holiness..."? a. True holiness (sanctification) comes through: 1) Faith in Jesus - Ac 26:18; cf. He 10:10,14 2) The work of the Holy Spirit - 1 Co 6:11; 2 Th 2:13; cf. Ti 3:5 3) The Word of God - Jn 17:17,19 b. We cooperate with God in pursuing holiness by: 1) Offering ourselves as "slaves of righteousness" - Ro 6:19-22
2) Perfecting holiness in the fear of God - 2 Co 7:1 a) Which includes cleansing ourselves from all "filthiness of the flesh and spirit" - 2 Co 7:1 b) Also putting on the "new man...in true righteousness and holiness" - Ep 4:24; cf. Co 3:9-14 [In many respects, this is what the Christian life is all about: pursuing peace and holiness! How successful we are will depend on how diligently we avoid...] III. PITFALLS THAT HINDER OUR PURSUIT (15-17)
A. FALLING SHORT OF THE GRACE OF GOD... 1. Without God's grace, none can be saved, pursue peace, or have the holiness necessary to see God! 2. But do Christians need to concern themselves with falling from grace? Consider... a. The warning not to neglect our great salvation - He 2:1-3 b. The warning not to be hardened by sin - He 3:12-14 c. The warning to be diligent - He 4:1,11; cf. 2 Pe 1:10 d. The warning against willful sin - He 10:26-31 e. The warning not receive God's grace in vain - 2 Co 6:1 f. The warning not to fall from grace - Ga 5:4 g. The warning to "look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for..." - 2 Jn 8 -- Indeed, if there were no possibility for one to "fall short of the grace of God", then there would be no need for us to be "looking diligently" 3. For the Christian, however, God's grace can be just a prayer away! - cf. He 4:16 B. LETTING A ROOT OF BITTERNESS TO SPRING UP... 1. Bitterness can be a stumbling block in our pursuit of peace a. It destroys the peace within the person who harbors it (modern medicine has shown that emotions like bitterness and anger can cause problems such as headaches, backaches, allergic disorders, ulcers, high blood pressure, and heart attacks, etc.) b. It can destroy the peace in the congregation where it becomes manifest 2. It also becomes a stumbling block in our pursuit of holiness, for the problems it creates cause many to become "defiled" (unholy) -- If we are going to "make straight paths for your feet", then we need to clip any root of bitterness "in the bud"! C. BECOMING A FORNICATOR OR PROFANE PERSON... 1. Fornication is certainly a pitfall to avoid... a. Fornication is a generic term for any sort of sexual immorality (including pre-marital sex, adultery, homosexuality, etc.) b. It is contrary to God's will regarding our sanctification - 1 Th 4:3-8 1) Later, we will read in Hebrews where God will judge fornicators - He 13:4 2) It will keep one out of the kingdom of heaven - 1 Co 6:9-10; Ga 5:19-21
-- Therefore, let us "Flee fornication!" - 1 Co 6:18 2. We must also not become a "profane person"... a. "A worldly person who profanes holy privileges by placing on them a worldly estimate." (B. W. Johnson) b. One does not have to overtly wicked; they can displease God by simply devaluing that which is important to Him! c. Such was the case with Esau... - cf. Gen 25:29-34 1) There is no indication that he was a fornicator 2) But he was a profane person because he did not proper estimate the value of his birthright 3) Though he later wanted the blessings of the birthright, it was too late; despite his tears, it was too late to change his father's mind ("he found no place for repentance") d. We can become "profane" by devaluing our spiritual blessings... 1) In Christ, we have a spiritual birthright (redemption, fellowship with God, the hope of eternal life) 2) But we can let careers, hobbies, friends, even families, come between us and the things of God -- Are we willing to "sell our birthright" for "one morsel of food"? CONCLUSION
1. As we run the race of faith, peace with others and holiness before God should be our goal 2. To run the race with "style", we need to... a. Get in the proper form (lift the hands, strengthen the knees), helping one another to do so b. Watch out for the pitfalls that can hinder us in our pursuit, such as... 1) Not utilizing God's grace to help you in your race 2) Allowing bitterness to become a stumbling block 3) Becoming a fornicator or profane person As we run this "race", the words of the apostle Paul are appropriate... "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."(1 Co 9:24-27)
Are you running in such a way as to obtain the imperishable crown?
Heeding The Voice From The Mountain (12:18-29)
INTRODUCTION
1. In encouraging Christians to run the race that is set before them, the Hebrews writer has instructed them to... a. Lay aside things that would hinder them - He 12:1 b. Run with endurance - He 12:1 c. Keep their focus on Jesus - He 12:2-3 d. Remember the value of the Lord's chastening - He 12:4-11 e. Run with "style" - He 12:12-13 f. Pursue peace and holiness - He 12:14 g. Look diligently lest one fall short of God's grace, stumble because of bitterness, or become a fornicator or profane person - He 12:15-17 2. Further encouragement is now provided in the last half of chapter twelve... a. With a reminder of the "mountain" to which they have come