Hebrews 12

Study Guide 159: Hebrews 11-13 JESUS, OUR SANCTIFICATION Overview The author of Hebrews demonstrated the superiority of Jesus over the Old Testament system, which foreshadowed His ministry. Jesus is superior as a revealer of God. Jesus’ priesthood is far superior to the priesthood of the Old Testament, just as the covenant He makes is superior to the old Law Covenant which came through Moses. And Jesus has offered a superior sacrifice — Himself — which purifies the worshiper and deals once for all with sin. On the basis of what Jesus has done for us, we are now made holy — and are enabled to live a holy life! Thus Jesus produces a righteousness which the old system was never able to do. In the last chapters of Hebrews the writer went into just how we appropriate the sanctification that Christ provides. In Hebrews 11:1-40, we see the role of faith, not only for our own lives but in the lives of believers of every age. In Hebrews 12:1-29 we see the importance of making every effort to move toward the goal of holiness — and learn how to respond to the loving discipline of the God who is committed to bring His children to a godly maturity. Finally, in Hebrews 13:1-25, we are given a final warning and shown how the practical holiness is demonstrated in Christian behavior. In these, as in other chapters of Hebrews, we and our students are invited to a fresh, exciting vision of how great our privileges are as God’ s own.

Commentary The last thought of Hebrews 10:1-39 launches into a new major section of this book. We are not people who cower back and are ruined, but who fasten on faith, and so preserve and enrich ourselves. With this thought the writer launches us on an adventurous exploration of how the believer, secure in his new identity as one of God’ s holy ones, is to live. With the “ deeper truths” about who we are in Christ explained, the writer moves on to explore in-depth truth about our new way of life.

Fasten on Faith: Hebrews 11:1-40Often when we think of “ faith” our image is one of subjective experience. But the validity of Christian faith does not rest on either our sincerity or our fervency. Christian faith stands or falls on the truth that the Word of God reveals. Thus the writer began Hebrews 11:1-40 by helping us realize that it is confidence in the reality of things we cannot see that lies at the root of faith. It is only “ by faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’ s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible” (Hebrews 11:3). Much of what the writer has told us about our new selves is invisible too. We can’ t see Jesus, standing as the link between us and heaven. We can’ t see ourselves as God does, holy and cleansed by the one great sacrifice of Christ. But when our minds accept these as fact, and we become certain of them even though we cannot yet see their full reality revealed, then we are ready to begin to live by faith. But faith is more than conviction of the reality of the facts that God has unveiled. Faith also exists as response to those facts. The Scripture makes it clear: “ Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is focused confidence in a person who not only exists, but who seeks a personal relationship with us. God loves us. He is not uninvolved. Instead, He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. When we are willing to accept as fact what God’ s Word says, and in response reach out to seek and to experience relationship with Him, then we have begun to live by faith. And then we will be rewarded. This living by faith — accepting as fact the truths that we cannot touch or feel or see, and then acting on them — seems such a simple prescription for life. Lest we make the mistake of equating simplicity with ineffectiveness, the chapter moves on to detail the accomplishments of faith. Enablement (Hebrews 11:4-31). In this extended passage the writer invites us to look into the lives of a host of heroes of the faith, and to see how faith expressed itself in their experiences. We see as the writer analyzes each life that, essentially, faith enables. *Faith enabled Abel (Hebrews 11:4). Aware that God required blood sacrifice (see Genesis 3:21; Genesis 4:7), Abel offered a sheep rather than fruit and vegetables. Faith found for Abel the way of acceptance, and “ by faith he was commended as a righteous man.” Faith’ s first enabling step for us is the same. Pleading Jesus’ one unique sacrifice, we receive the same testimony of imputed righteousness. *Faith enabled Enoch (Hebrews 11:5-6). The four verses devoted to Enoch in the Old Testament say twice that he “ walked with God” (Genesis 5:21-24). One verse affirms that he walked with God for 300 years. His relationship was consistent. For each of us too faith promises the possibility of a daily, consistent walk with the Lord, for faith enables us to please Him. *Faith enabled Noah (Hebrews 11:7). Noah lived in a time when all had turned their backs on God. He alone remained faithful. When warned of a coming flood, Noah devoted 120 years to the building of a great boat miles from any sea. Faith enabled Noah to cut through the contrary views of his contemporaries and to accept the warning of impending disaster as fact. And faith enables us to withstand social pressures and respond with reverence, obeying the command to build. Faith can enable us to be different as well. We can build our lives on a revelation of the future that men who do not know God count foolish. *Faith enabled Abraham (Hebrews 11:8-10). The life of faith is a life of risk, of stepping out into the unknown with nothing more solid before us than God’ s command. Faith enabled Abraham to take an uncertain journey, not knowing where he was going, but only that God had summoned him. Faith can enable you and me to take risks as well. We can even stand long periods of uncertainty (Hebrews 11:9), for faith assures us that God’ s summons rests on His eternal purposes. What a solid foundation for our lives! *Faith enabled Sarah (Hebrews 11:11-12). Here is a most encouraging example. When Sarah first heard the promise, she doubted and laughed (Genesis 18:12-15). But first doubts were overcome. Faith swept in to enable her dead womb to gain the vitality needed for childbearing. Often we’ re overcome by first doubts. Parts of our personalities seem deadened and withered. But faith can be restored. Even such “ second-chance” faith can enable us to experience vitality in areas of our lives we saw as being dead. *Faith enabled all (Hebrews 11:13-16). Sometimes we have a difficult time identifying with great men of faith like Abraham. How good then to know that countless unnamed men and women looked ahead, lived, and died, assured that the promises would yet be theirs. These may remain unknown to us — but not to God. It isn’ t our greatness in the eyes of others or even in our own eyes that’ s important. Faith enables unknown people as well. Faith enables each of us to count on God’ s promises — and because of faith “ God is not ashamed to be called their God” (Hebrews 11:16). *Faith enabled Abraham (Hebrews 11:17-19). Faith was of constant importance in Abraham’ s life, as it is in ours. The first steps of faith led to further steps, until finally the ultimate test came. Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice his only son on an altar. Faith enabled Abraham to take even this jolting command in stride, and never lose confidence in God. He was even ready to believe that God could raise his son up, even if he were dead, for God had promised that Isaac was the key to his descendants (Hebrews 11:19). We too can trust God even this much. When we view Him as totally trustworthy, even the most difficult steps of obedience are made possible. *Faith enabled the patriarchs (Hebrews 11:20-22). Each father mentioned here looked ahead to a future that was unknown, but yet was guaranteed by God. Counting God’ s picture of tomorrow as sure, each ordered the life of his children as if that future were present. Sometimes it’ s easier to let God have control of our lives than to guide our families into full commitment to Him. The sacrifice we’ d willingly make ourselves we hesitate to impose on our boys and girls, wishing instead for their “ happiness.” Faith gives us a clearer view. We look across the generations and commit ourselves and our loved ones to the realities He says will be. *Faith enabled Moses (Hebrews 11:23-29). The many ways faith changed the life of Moses are stamped vividly on the pages of the Old Testament. Here we’ re reminded that at every critical stage in his life, faith shaped him for his ultimate ministry. His parents’ initial faith saved his life (Hebrews 11:23). Growing up, faith led him to throw in his lot with the slave people of Israel rather than his adoptive royal family (Hebrews 11:24-26). Faith enabled him to defy rather than give into Pharaoh, remaining obedient to the heavenly King (Hebrews 11:26-27). Faith led Moses to command the people to keep the first Passover, and to walk boldly into the Red Sea (Hebrews 11:28-29). Almost every difficulty, every challenging experience, every danger, every decision in Moses’ life was faced on the basis of faith’ s obedient response. Faith enabled each obedient act, and the pattern of faithful obedience that emerged made Moses the man he finally became. It’ s the same with us. In everything in life we need to be guided and enabled by faith. As we live by faith, we will progressively become the persons God wants us to be. *Faith enabled Rahab (Hebrews 11:30-31). Faith took the godly Moses and made him even more a man of God. But Rahab was a prostitute! Did faith enable her? Yes. This inhabitant of Jericho, a city marked for destruction, believed God. She acted in faith to save the Jewish scouts, and instead of sharing the fate of the disobedient, she became a member of the people of God. Whatever your past, and whatever your old associations, faith can produce a great transformation. Through faith you can lose your old identity as sinner — and become a child of the living God. Faith enables you and me. This is, of course, the point the writer of Hebrews made. As example after example is given, we are shown that faith works! Faith does enable. A promise of success? (Hebrews 11:32-40) The pathway of faith that Hebrews commended is the answer to our search for meaning and progress in the Christian life. But it is no guarantee of good times. Here the writer gave examples of victories won by faith’ s obedience (Hebrews 11:33-34), but he also presented the record of those whose lives of faith led to suffering (Hebrews 11:35-38). He told of those tortured to death, of others mocked and flogged and bound in prison, and still others killed by stoning or murdered by the sword. Some lost everything and fled naked into the desert, to live like animals in caves or holes. No, taking the path of faith and committing ourselves to obey God no matter what, in no way promises that the circumstances of our lives will be pleasant. Yet how comforting. Hebrews speaks to us in our difficult situations and in our failures, and it reassures us. Faith doesn’ t guarantee good times. Faith guarantees our realization of the hope we have for transformation within. Through faith, we are enabled to catch from day to day a growing hint of what we will be at Jesus’ return, when the complete experience of perfection will be fully known. LINK TO LIFE: YOUTH / ADULT List each person Hebrews 11:1-40 mentions by name on the chalkboard. Together examine each one, defining (1) just what faith enabled, and (2) just why the responses described were difficult. Then divide into teams of 5 or 6 for sharing. Which tests seem more difficult? Which have your group members experienced? How has their faith in Christ helped?

Discipline’ s Way: Hebrews 12:1-29In Hebrews 11:1-40, the writer concluded that God has provided us with something the ancients waited for. His “ something better” (Hebrews 11:40) is to be made perfect in a maturity marked by the present experience of God’ s holiness. But how will God accomplish this promise now that the foundation for holiness has been laid by Christ? Follow God’ s way (Hebrews 12:1-4). The writer just listed a great group of men and women who witness to the value of a life of faith. In addition, the reader can fix his eyes on Jesus and see him walk God’ s pathway — and receive the crown! Yes, Jesus’ path led to a cross. But His suffering was not the end. Holding fast to God’ s will by faith, Jesus chose to endure far more than such a choice could ever entail for these Hebrew Christians. Jesus’ obedience cost Him life itself. The Hebrews, like you and me, had not yet resisted sin to the point of bloodshed. The testimony given by people of faith and by Jesus Himself urges us to set aside everything that hinders and follow God’ s way. Encouragement (Hebrews 12:5-13). Now comes a word of encouragement. God will help! God commits Himself as a good Father to discipline and even to punish those He loves. Several important characteristics of God’ s discipline are given: *Discipline is a family thing. If suffering (one aspect of discipline) comes, some may fear God is angry or rejecting them. Not so. Even hardship is part of God’ s guidance for His sons (Hebrews 12:7). *Discipline’ s purpose is our good. Whatever motive human parents may have in discipline, God’ s sole concern is our good. He is motivated only by love (Hebrews 12:6, Hebrews 12:10). *Discipline has a clear goal in view. Through discipline, God helps us to share His holiness (Hebrews 12:10). *Discipline’ s product is assured. Though an extended time may be involved, and our experience during this time may be painful, we can rest assured. God’ s discipline does produce “ a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11). When we understand God’ s attitude and purpose for disciplining care, strength replaces feebleness. Discouragement gives way to hope. Toward holiness (Hebrews 12:14-28). Again, the writer turned to application and exhortation. Progress toward the goal of holiness is vital. We are to concentrate on working out holiness in our relationships with everyone (Hebrews 12:14). One danger is that we might miss God’ s grace in the discomfort of discipline. If we do, bitterness may grow up. Another is immorality — that focus on the sensual that led Esau to exchange God’ s promise for a cup of soup. What is to protect us from such misunderstandings? Our vision of God. In the Old Testament, this vision brought terror. He was revealed in a mountain of burning fire, associated with darkness, gloom, and storm. Even Moses was terrified and reacted, “ I am trembling with fear” (Hebrews 12:18-21). But what is our vision of God? In Christ, He has been revealed with “ thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly” (Hebrews 12:22). Looking beyond shadow to see the reality, we greet the God who speaks as a Judge — yet His judgment has been executed in Jesus, and He now counts us “ righteous men made perfect” (Hebrews 12:23). Yet, we can never forget that it is God who speaks (Hebrews 12:25-29). We reach out to touch the hand of a God who “ is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). But we are warmed, not burned! Yet still the fire consumes! The universe itself is shaken at His word; created things flee away. Only that which cannot be shaken will remain. What is that? The kingdom we are called to share. “ We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken,” the writer concluded. “ Let us be thankful [note, not fearful!], and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28). And so the writer promises us that God will guide us into an experience of His holiness. At times our way may seem difficult. But so was Jesus’ way. Through it all, we are assured of the Father’ s changeless love. The fire that sears the universe merely warms God’ s sons and daughters. With this confidence, we can endure hardships and move on to holiness. LINK TO LIFE: YOUTH / ADULT Ask each person to write a brief description of a childhood incident that he or she associates with discipline. Share and discuss these experiences. Then together analyze Hebrews 12:5-13. How were the remembered experiences like or unlike what Hebrews tells us of God’ s approach to discipline? Then together try to answer the following questions: What do I learn about God? What do I learn about myself as God’ s child? What do I learn about my role as a parent? What do I learn about my own children?

The Holy Life: Hebrews 13:1-25In the closing exhortation, Hebrews almost sounds familiar. Here are many echoes of Ephesians and Colossians. And why not? Living holiness is the same for the believing Hebrew as for the Gentile Christian. The common element is, “ Keep on loving each other as brothers” (Hebrews 13:1). Love is holiness lived out in the body of Christ. Caring (Hebrews 13:1-3). Caring for others is described briefly. A concern for those in prison or the mistreated is a common theme. Value people (Hebrews 13:4-6). Placing value on people rather than on things, and being willing to use things but not people, is also a reflection of Old Testament and New Testament teaching. We will never find contentment in possessing things. Our contentment will be found in God, and in the good news that He has promised never to leave us. We are His. Authorities (Hebrews 13:7-8, Hebrews 13:17-18). The theme of respecting authorities is also a common one. This time the emphasis is on relationships with leaders in the church. We are to remain responsive to them, and to imitate their faith. Jesus is superior (Hebrews 13:9-14). The ritualistic approach — in Jewish rather than Gnostic systems — is set aside. Our hearts are strengthened by grace; the altar we serve is supplied with the living Bread. What is the reference to going “ outside the camp” ? (Hebrews 13:13) In the Old Testament system, the offerings for sin were made on an altar, but the animal carcasses were eventually burned outside the camp, away from populated areas. Similarly, the writer notes, Christ died on Golgotha, outside the city walls. Nothing in Hebrews suggests that the old way was wrong. As a system instituted by God, it was good. But the old was temporary. It foreshadowed only. When the new that it mirrored came, reality replaced shadows. The old priesthood faded away as a single High Priest took His stand in the heavens. A single sacrifice replaced the endless repetition. And the promise of perfection became a present possibility. This is the call Hebrews makes to these believing Jews. Recognize the superiority of Jesus. Make Him the center of your life. Leave the walls of the old city — the old system — and going outside it find everything you need in Jesus Christ. Benediction (Hebrews 13:20-21). The book closes with a great benediction. May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 Teaching Guide Prepare You may wish to focus on just one of the two major themes in this passage.

Explore

1. Give a brief minilecture on faith, as that confidence in the objective truths revealed by God which enables us to act on them.
2. Study Hebrews 11:1-40, noting each of those who were enabled by faith for special accomplishments. See “ link-to-life” above for a method to use in this study, and suggestions for personal application.

Expand

1. Let your group members share a personal experience from their childhood — one they associate with discipline. Evaluate these, and then compare them with the discipline principles explained in Hebrews 12:1-29. See “ link-to-life” above.
2. Then examine the active verbs in Hebrews 12:1-29 that indicate how we are to respond to God’ s discipline to benefit from it. Note, “ Don’ t make light” (Hebrews 12:5), “ Do not lose heart” (Hebrews 12:5), “ Endure” (Hebrews 12:7), “ Submit” (Hebrews 12:9), and “ Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees” (Hebrews 12:12). As we respond appropriately to God’ s discipline, His good purposes will be achieved in our lives.

Apply Read the benediction. How many book themes are reflected? Which has meant most to individuals in your group, and why?