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

Review The Hall of Fame of Faith The author reminds us that we should have confidence to boldly approach God Gives a STRONG warning against apostasy Lists 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

Jesus, The Example of Faith Read Hebrews 12:1-3 Who 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

The Analogy of a Race Why 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 part How does sin ensnare? Hebrews - Lesson 12

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

Author and Finisher How is Jesus the “author” of our faith? Term means “originator” or “preeminent example” He established the New Covenant with us It is our faith in Him that saves How is He the “finisher” of our faith? Terms means “perfecter” He fulfilled the Old Covenant ONCE FOR ALL Hebrews - Lesson 12

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 shame What was His reward? To sit at the right hand of God How should that help us, lest we become weary and/or discouraged? Hebrews - Lesson 12

Suffering for the Gospel Read Hebrews 12:4-11 The recipients had not yet suffered martyrdom Would rule out Jerusalem as the destination However, they have suffered persecution Helps 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

God Disciplines His Sons The 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 1:2-3 Read Job 2:9-10 Hebrews - Lesson 12

Strength in the Faith Read Hebrews 12:12-13 What image does the author use for those whose faith is weak or whose resolve is failing? Feeble arms Weak knees How is one to correct this deficiency? Make straight paths for your feet You will be healed Hebrews - Lesson 12

Pursue Peace with All Read Hebrews 12:14-17 The author pleads with his readers to pursue peace will all people. Why? Compare with Romans 12:18 Without it, no one will see the Lord What does he mean by this? Two meanings? People will not see the Lord in us We may lose our salvation Hebrews - Lesson 12

Pursue Peace with All (cont) What other risks exist if we don’t pursue such peace? Falling short of the Grace of God Root of bitterness will cause trouble Many will become defiled Read Deuteronomy 29:18 Moses made much the same exhortation to the Nation of Israel What is the “bitter root”? Hebrews - Lesson 12

Godless Esau How does the author use the example of Esau to make his point? Read Genesis 25:25-34 What 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? Philippians – God is their belly Hebrews - Lesson 12 Hebrews - Lesson 12

A Fearful Mount Sinai Read Hebrews 12:18-24 The author contrasts the earthly Mount Sinai with the heavenly Mount Zion Read Exodus 19:12-13 Sinai was a fearful sight; no one dare even touch the mountain Anything that did was to be stoned Hebrews - Lesson 12

An Inviting Mount Zion Mount Zion, on the other hand, is an inviting place The City of the Living God The Heavenly Jerusalem An innumerable assembly of angels The Church of the firstborn To God Himself To the spirits of men made perfect The Jesus the Mediator Hebrews - Lesson 12

Don’t Refuse Him! Read Hebrews 12:25-29 Another “from the lesser to the greater” argument: If those who refused Him who spoke on earth did not escape HOW MUCH LESS will those escape who refuse to hear Him who speaks from Heaven The consequences for rejecting Jesus are dire! Hebrews - Lesson 12

Once More His voice will “once more” shake not only the earth, but also the heavens The things that can be shaken will be removed Things that were made However, the things that cannot be shaken will remain The Kingdom that we have received CANNOT BE SHAKEN We should find great comfort in this fact Hebrews - Lesson 12

Worship and Reverence Therefore, 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 10:29-31 Read Isaiah 33:14-16 Hebrews - Lesson 12

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

Next Week’s Lesson Questions? Lesson 13 – Christian Behavior Hebrews 13:1-25 Questions? Hebrews - Lesson 12 Hebrews - Lesson 12