Hebrews 12

Written on 05/10/2024

Verses 1-2

  • We are in a race, and there are many beings watching us.

  • To live well, get rid of anything that's slowing you down, distracting you, or making you lazy. And make sure to repent of all forms of sin you're aware of.

    • Sin easily trips us up, so we can't play around with it.

  • Make Jesus your example. Through joy He remained obedient to God endured the greatest suffering imaginable.

    • Work on having more joy and patience in your life and it will be easier to endure through your own hardships!

 

Verses 3-4

  • If you ever think it's hard to resist sin, remember that Jesus resisted sin to the point of torture and bloodshed. You have not experienced this yet, so you really have it easy. 

    • Don't complain. There are no excuses!

 

Verses 5-11

  • As a loving Father, God disciplines us. 

    • One way He disciplines us is through the Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

    • Another way is through having us rebuked for sin, whether through His Spirit or through other believers (Hebrews 12:4-5, Revelation 3:19).

    • Another way is through suffering the consequences of our own sin (1 Corinthians 11:29-31).

  • Even though it's painful in the moment, appreciate God for how He disciplines you, because in the end it will make you more Christ-like.

 

Verses 12-17

  • As fellow believers, watch out for each other and encourage those who are weak. 

    • People can fall way, so we must be careful.

  • Help each other get your lives in good order—following the straight path of the Word. Focus on turning away from sin, be obedient, productive, and have peace in your relationships.

 

Verses 18-29

  • Our current relationship with God is a far greater privilege than anything experienced by the Israelites in the Old Testament.

  • Therefore, you are more accountable; and if you continue in disobedience there are greater consequences (Hebrews 2:3-4, 10:26-29). Listen to God obediently.

  • God is powerful. His holiness is a devouring fire. And only in Christ do we have grace for the sin that would otherwise cause God to destroy us. 

    • As such, God's grace, knowing we deserve destruction, should make us fear God. Grace is no excuse to continue in sin. It is quite the opposite.

  • Therefore, never forget your need for Christ and His grace, and keep an attitude of awe. You need to have an awe of God in order to serve God well.