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
Hebrews - Lesson 12 3
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?
Hebrews - Lesson 12 4
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?
Hebrews - Lesson 12 5
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
Hebrews - Lesson 12 6
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
Hebrews - Lesson 12 7
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?
Hebrews - Lesson 12 8
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
Hebrews - Lesson 12 9
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
Hebrews - Lesson 12 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
Hebrews - Lesson 12 11
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
Hebrews - Lesson 12 12
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”?
Hebrews - Lesson 12 13
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?
Hebrews - Lesson 12 14
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
Hebrews - Lesson 12 15
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
Hebrews - Lesson 12 16
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!
Hebrews - Lesson 12 17
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
Hebrews - Lesson 12 18
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
Hebrews - Lesson 12 19
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
Hebrews - Lesson 12 20
Next Week’s LessonLesson 13 – Christian Behavior
Hebrews 13:1-25
Top Related