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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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 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

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 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

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 Lesson Questions? Lesson 13 – Christian Behavior
Hebrews 13:1-25
Questions?
Hebrews - Lesson 12
Hebrews - Lesson 12