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Hebrews 12:13
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Make straight paths for your feet - That is, Take the straight path that is before you, do not go in crooked or rough ways, where are stones, briers, and thorns, by which you will be inevitably lamed, and so totally prevented from proceeding in the way; whereas, if you go in the even, proper path, though you have been wounded by getting into a wrong way, that which was wounded will be healed by moderate, equal exercise, all impediments being removed. The application of all this to a correct, holy deportment in religious life, is both natural and easy.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Quoted from Pro 4:26, Septuagint, "Make straight paths for thy feet." straight--that is, leading by a straight road to joy and grace (Heb 12:1-2, Heb 12:15). Cease to "halt" between Judaism and Christianity [BENGEL]. paths--literally, "wheel tracks." Let your walk be so firm and so unanimous in the right direction that a plain track and "highway" may be thereby established for those who accompany and follow you, to perceive and walk in (Isa 35:8) [ALFORD]. that which is lame--those "weak in the faith" (Rom 14:1), having still Judaizing prejudices. be turned out of the way-- (Pro 4:27); and, so missing the way, lose the prize of "the race" (Heb 12:1). rather he healed--Proper exercise of itself contributes to health; the habit of walking straight onward in the right way tends to healing.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Follow peace with all men,.... That are in a natural and domestic relation to one another, being of the same family; and that are in a civil and political one, being of the same nation, city, or society; and that are in a spiritual one, being members of the same church; or, if not, yet being saints, and though in some things different in judgment; yea, even peace is to be followed with enemies, as much as in us lies: and perhaps by "all men", the Gentiles may be more especially designed, whose peace the Hebrews thought they were not to seek, Deu 23:6 mistaking the sense of the text, by applying it to the Gentiles in general: to "follow peace", signifies an eager pursuit after it, in the use of proper means; exerting the utmost of a man's power to attain it, in all things possible: many things serve to enforce this upon the saints; this is most agreeable to all the three divine Persons; to God, who is the God of peace; to Christ, the Prince of peace; and to the Spirit, one of whose fruits is peace; and to the characters of the saints, who are sons of peace, and who are called to peace, and who make a profession of the Gospel of peace; and to the privileges they enjoy, being interested in the covenant of peace, partaking of spiritual peace now, and being entitled to eternal peace hereafter: and this agrees with the sayings and counsels of the ancient Jews. It was a saying of Hillell (r), who lived about the times of Christ; "be thou one of the disciples of Aaron, who loved peace, , "and followed peace".'' This is said of Aaron in the Talmud (s), that "he loved peace, and followed peace, and made peace between a man and his neighbour, as is said, Mal 2:6.'' They recommend peace on many accounts, and say, great is peace, and among the rest, because it is one of the names of God (t): and holiness: this being added to peace, shows that peace is no further to be followed than is consistent with holiness; and holiness here does not design any particular branch of holiness, as chastity of the body and mind, but the whole of holiness, inward and outward; and intends true holiness, in opposition to ceremonial holiness, which the Hebrews were fond of, and pursued after: it means even perfect holiness; for though holiness is not perfect in this life, yet it will be in heaven; and there is a perfection of it in Christ; and it is to be followed after, by going to Christ for more grace, and exercising faith upon him, as our sanctification; and by eager desires that the Spirit of God would sanctify us more and more, and enable us, by his grace and strength, to walk in the way of holiness, till we get safe to heaven: without which no man shall see the Lord; or "God", as the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions read; that is, with the beatific vision in heaven: or the Lord Jesus Christ, "our Lord", as the Syriac version reads; even in this life, so as to have communion with him; and hereafter, so as to behold his glory, both intellectually and corporeally: to such a sight holiness is necessary; for God is holy, and Christ is holy, and so is heaven, and so are the angels, and the souls of men in it. (r) Pirke Abot, c. 1. sect. 12. (s) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 6. 2. & Gloss. in T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 71. 2. (t) Vajikra Rabba, sect. 9. fol. 153. 1, 2.
Hebrews 12:13
God Disciplines His Sons
12Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees. 13Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
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Audio Sermon: Man's Petty Kingdom
By Art Katz3.4K45:18JOS 3:3MAT 3:11JHN 1:14HEB 12:1HEB 12:13HEB 12:25This sermon emphasizes the importance of radical commitment and separation from worldly influences to enter into a new level of relationship with God. It calls for a shift from institutionalized religion to a kingdom-focused life, challenging individuals to be like the priests bearing the ark, the first ones in and the last ones out. The message highlights the need for repentance, humility, and a willingness to follow God into unknown territories, trusting in His guidance and provision.
A Vision of Jesus and Overcoming
By Colin Shreenan74258:50Jesus ChristMAT 6:33HEB 11:1HEB 12:1HEB 12:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of running the Christian race with perseverance and not giving up. He encourages the audience to stand firm in their freedom in Christ and not be burdened by the yoke of slavery. The preacher shares a personal experience of witnessing a powerful response to his appeal for surrendering to Jesus. He also mentions the concept of revival, which starts with individuals dying to themselves and allowing God to work in their lives. The sermon concludes with a vision of a golden disc with two strings and symbols being held high above the earth in the heavens.
The Cry of the Spirit
By Smith Wigglesworth0RepentanceThe Role of the Holy SpiritISA 40:3MAT 3:4MAT 11:18MAT 14:3LUK 1:15LUK 3:2LUK 3:5JHN 1:23JHN 1:36HEB 12:13Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the profound impact of John the Baptist's ministry, highlighting how his humble beginnings and the 'cry of the Spirit' resonated deeply with the people. Despite his austere lifestyle, John's message of repentance and preparation for the Messiah stirred the hearts of many, leading them to confess their sins and seek baptism. Wigglesworth illustrates that John's extraordinary calling was rooted in his intimate relationship with God, which empowered him to bear the burden of the people's sins. The sermon calls for believers to embrace their own 'cry' and allow the Holy Spirit to work through them to reach others. Ultimately, it is a reminder that even in solitude, one can find purpose and be a vessel for God's message.
A Kind Inquiry
By James Smith02SA 20:9PSA 41:4PSA 107:20PRO 4:23ISA 53:5JER 17:9HEB 12:13JAS 5:161PE 2:243JN 1:2James Smith preaches on the deceitful nature of kind words from cruel hearts, using the treacherous act of Joab towards Amasa as an example. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual health over physical health, highlighting the need for Christians to inquire about each other's well-being in a genuine and loving manner. Smith delves into the spiritual relationship among believers, encouraging self-examination to ensure a healthy spiritual state by assessing desires, speech, prayer life, affections, and actions.
How to Communicate Divine Truth, Tapes 1 & 2
By Ralph Sutera0ROM 5:201CO 2:1TIT 2:11HEB 12:13Ralph Sutera delivers a sermon on effectively communicating divine truth, emphasizing the importance of balancing objective truth with subjective reality. He highlights the need to demonstrate the truth openly through testimonies and personal experiences. Sutera discusses the curse of our age, where knowledge is mistaken for having faith, and the significance of surrendering our will to God to experience His grace. He stresses the importance of acknowledging God's presence and being aware of His grace in our lives.
Letter 101
By James Bourne0PSA 40:2PRO 1:7MAT 7:242CO 5:17HEB 12:13James Bourne addresses the spiritual condition of the recipient, emphasizing the need for consistent living in alignment with the fear of God rather than the spirit of the world. He highlights the importance of receiving reproofs as a sign of spiritual life and growth, urging the recipient to embrace confession, prayer, and healing in the face of shortcomings. Bourne encourages seeking the Lord diligently, warning against pride and emphasizing the painful yet necessary process of spiritual refinement before a solid foundation can be laid.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Make straight paths for your feet - That is, Take the straight path that is before you, do not go in crooked or rough ways, where are stones, briers, and thorns, by which you will be inevitably lamed, and so totally prevented from proceeding in the way; whereas, if you go in the even, proper path, though you have been wounded by getting into a wrong way, that which was wounded will be healed by moderate, equal exercise, all impediments being removed. The application of all this to a correct, holy deportment in religious life, is both natural and easy.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Quoted from Pro 4:26, Septuagint, "Make straight paths for thy feet." straight--that is, leading by a straight road to joy and grace (Heb 12:1-2, Heb 12:15). Cease to "halt" between Judaism and Christianity [BENGEL]. paths--literally, "wheel tracks." Let your walk be so firm and so unanimous in the right direction that a plain track and "highway" may be thereby established for those who accompany and follow you, to perceive and walk in (Isa 35:8) [ALFORD]. that which is lame--those "weak in the faith" (Rom 14:1), having still Judaizing prejudices. be turned out of the way-- (Pro 4:27); and, so missing the way, lose the prize of "the race" (Heb 12:1). rather he healed--Proper exercise of itself contributes to health; the habit of walking straight onward in the right way tends to healing.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Follow peace with all men,.... That are in a natural and domestic relation to one another, being of the same family; and that are in a civil and political one, being of the same nation, city, or society; and that are in a spiritual one, being members of the same church; or, if not, yet being saints, and though in some things different in judgment; yea, even peace is to be followed with enemies, as much as in us lies: and perhaps by "all men", the Gentiles may be more especially designed, whose peace the Hebrews thought they were not to seek, Deu 23:6 mistaking the sense of the text, by applying it to the Gentiles in general: to "follow peace", signifies an eager pursuit after it, in the use of proper means; exerting the utmost of a man's power to attain it, in all things possible: many things serve to enforce this upon the saints; this is most agreeable to all the three divine Persons; to God, who is the God of peace; to Christ, the Prince of peace; and to the Spirit, one of whose fruits is peace; and to the characters of the saints, who are sons of peace, and who are called to peace, and who make a profession of the Gospel of peace; and to the privileges they enjoy, being interested in the covenant of peace, partaking of spiritual peace now, and being entitled to eternal peace hereafter: and this agrees with the sayings and counsels of the ancient Jews. It was a saying of Hillell (r), who lived about the times of Christ; "be thou one of the disciples of Aaron, who loved peace, , "and followed peace".'' This is said of Aaron in the Talmud (s), that "he loved peace, and followed peace, and made peace between a man and his neighbour, as is said, Mal 2:6.'' They recommend peace on many accounts, and say, great is peace, and among the rest, because it is one of the names of God (t): and holiness: this being added to peace, shows that peace is no further to be followed than is consistent with holiness; and holiness here does not design any particular branch of holiness, as chastity of the body and mind, but the whole of holiness, inward and outward; and intends true holiness, in opposition to ceremonial holiness, which the Hebrews were fond of, and pursued after: it means even perfect holiness; for though holiness is not perfect in this life, yet it will be in heaven; and there is a perfection of it in Christ; and it is to be followed after, by going to Christ for more grace, and exercising faith upon him, as our sanctification; and by eager desires that the Spirit of God would sanctify us more and more, and enable us, by his grace and strength, to walk in the way of holiness, till we get safe to heaven: without which no man shall see the Lord; or "God", as the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions read; that is, with the beatific vision in heaven: or the Lord Jesus Christ, "our Lord", as the Syriac version reads; even in this life, so as to have communion with him; and hereafter, so as to behold his glory, both intellectually and corporeally: to such a sight holiness is necessary; for God is holy, and Christ is holy, and so is heaven, and so are the angels, and the souls of men in it. (r) Pirke Abot, c. 1. sect. 12. (s) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 6. 2. & Gloss. in T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 71. 2. (t) Vajikra Rabba, sect. 9. fol. 153. 1, 2.