A Lesson in Perseverance Hebrews 12:1-29

Hebrews – Lesson 12A Lesson in PerseveranceHebrews 12:1-29

Hebrews - Lesson 12 2

ReviewThe Hall of Fame of FaithThe Hall of Fame of FaithThe author reminds us that we should have confidence to boldly approach GodGives a STRONG warning against apostasyLists MANY examples of OT men and women who stood strong in their faith

Examples of God’s promises and those who trusted Him to keep them


Jesus, The Example of FaithRead Hebrews 12:1-3Who are the “cloud of witnesses” of whom the author speaks?What were they witnesses of?Why does the author bring them into the discussion here?

What does he hope to accomplish?


The Analogy of a RaceWhy is a footrace a fitting analogy to our Christian walk?What is the “race marked out for us”?“Laying aside every weight”

What weights?The Old Covenant

Laying aside “the sin that … ensnares us”

In context, the sin of unbelief plays a partHow does sin ensnare?


The Analogy of a Race (cont)Run with endurance

The English word “agony” is derived from the Greek word used here for “race”How does “fixing our eyes on Jesus” help in this effort?

Going back to vs. 1, the “cloud of witnesses” are not spectators, but competitors in the race

We are to follow their example


Author and FinisherHow is Jesus the “author” of our faith?

Term means “originator” or “preeminent example”He established the New Covenant with usIt is our faith in Him that saves

How is He the “finisher” of our faith?Terms means “perfecter”He fulfilled the Old CovenantONCE FOR ALLONCE FOR ALL


Author and Finisher (cont)What was the “joy” set before Jesus?

To do the Father’s will!What did He endure as a result?

The Cross and its shameWhat was His reward?

To sit at the right hand of GodHow should that help us, lest we become weary and/or discouraged?


Suffering for the GospelRead Hebrews 12:4-11The recipients had not yet suffered martyrdom

Would rule out Jerusalem as the destinationHowever, they have suffered persecutionHelps set the date for the writing as early ’60s

In what light does the author cast these persecutions?

Author quotes Proverbs 3:11-12


God Disciplines His SonsThe author’s point is this:

What son, loved by his father, is not disciplined?Only sons who are not legitimate are undisciplined by their Father

Therefore, if we are true sons of God, we will face hardship

Read James 1:2-3Read Job 2:9-10


Strength in the FaithRead Hebrews 12:12-13What image does the author use for those whose faith is weak or whose resolve is failing?

Feeble armsWeak knees

How is one to correct this deficiency?Make straight paths for your feetYou will be healed


Pursue Peace with AllRead Hebrews 12:14-17The author pleads with his readers to pursue peace will all people. Why?

Compare with Romans 12:18Without it, no one will see the LordWhat does he mean by this?

Two meanings?People will not see the Lord in usWe may lose our salvation


Pursue Peace with All (cont)What other risks exist if we don’t pursue such peace?

Falling short of the Grace of GodRoot of bitterness will cause troubleMany will become defiled

Read Deuteronomy 29:18Moses made much the same exhortation to the Nation of Israel

What is the “bitter root”?


Godless EsauHow does the author use the example of Esau to make his point?

Read Genesis 25:25-34What did he give away?In exchange for what?What is the significance of this?

In what ways were the recipients in danger of doing the same?


A Fearful Mount SinaiRead Hebrews 12:18-24The author contrasts the earthly Mount Sinai with the heavenly Mount Zion

Read Exodus 19:12-13Sinai was a fearful sight;no one dare even touchthe mountainAnything that did was tobe stoned


An Inviting Mount ZionMount Zion, on the other hand, is an inviting place

The City of the Living GodThe Heavenly JerusalemAn innumerable assembly of angelsThe Church of the firstbornTo God HimselfTo the spirits of men made perfectThe Jesus the Mediator


Don’t Refuse Him!Read Hebrews 12:25-29Another “from the lesser to the greater” argument:

If those who refused Him who spoke on earth did not escapeHOW MUCH LESS will those escape who refuse to hear Him who speaks from Heaven

The consequences for rejecting Jesus are dire!


Once MoreHis voice will “once more” shake not only the earth, but also the heavens

The things that can be shaken will be removedThings that were made

However, the things that cannot be shaken will remain

The Kingdom that we have received CANNOT BE SHAKENWe should find great comfort in this fact


Worship and ReverenceTherefore, we should be thankful and worship God reverently and in awe

What does this mean?Our God is a “consuming fire”

Ties back to Hebrews 10:29-31Read Isaiah 33:14-16


A Consuming Fire …Who can behold the blazing light?Who can approach consuming fire?None but Thy wisdom knows Thy might;None but Thy word can speak Thy name.

Isaac Watts


Next Week’s LessonLesson 13 – Christian Behavior

Hebrews 13:1-25

A Lesson in Perseverance Hebrews 12:1-29

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