Hebrews and Me Session 8 Hebrews 12 & 13 Discipline, Warning & Conclusion

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1 Hebrews and Me Session 8 Hebrews 12 & 13 Discipline, Warning & Conclusion Hebrews 12:14 Be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord Glyn Roberts

2 Hebrews Series Outline 10/ The Son, Prophets, Angels and Me 11/04 3:1-4:13 Entering God s Rest 11/11 4:14-6:12 Our Great High Priest; Beware! 11/18 6:13-7:28 God s Promises, Melchizedek & Me 11/ The New Covenant and Me 12/02 10 Shadow & Reality; Persevere! 12/09 11 Examples of Faith 12/ Discipline, Warning & Conclusion

3 Overview of Hebrews The Supremacy of Christ: Greater than angels (1:1-14) Fully human (2:5-18) Greater than Moses (3:1-6) Better than the Aaronic priests (4:14-5:10, 7:1-10:18) Warnings: Don t drift away (2:1-4) Do not harden your hearts (3:1-4:13) Don t fall away (5:11-6:12) Persevere in community and holiness (10:19-39, 12:1-3,14-29) God s promise is certain (6:13-20) Practical Faith and its Results (11:1-40) God Disciplines His Sons (12:4-13) Concluding Exhortations (13:1-24) 3

4 Persevere! 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 4

5 The Lord Disciplines those He Loves 5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: My son, do not make light of the Lord s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. [Prov. 3:11f] 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 5

6 Examples of Discipline Amos 4:6 I gave you empty stomachs in every city and lack of bread in every town, yet you have not returned to me 2 Chronicles 16:12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the physicians. Psalms 119:67, 75 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. Job 5:17f Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal. Jeremiah 31:18 You disciplined me like an unruly calf, and I have been disciplined. Restore me, and I will return, because you are the LORD my God. After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understand, I beat my breast. Hosea 5:15 In their misery they will earnestly seek me. 6

7 Not All Pain is for Discipline Jesus suffered death for us, bringing many sons to glory [Hebrews 2:9, 3:16] Joseph s suffering was meant for good [Genesis 50:18] The man was born blind to show God s power [John 9:1-3] Job apparently never knew the reason for his pain [Job 1-42] Luke 13:1-5 Unless you repent, you too will all perish Luke 16:24 I am in agony in this fire. Paul rejoiced in his sufferings, because suffering produces perseverance [Romans 5:3] Persecution for Him is a privilege rejoice! [Mathew 5:10-12, Acts 5:41] 2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 2 Timothy 1:11f Of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. 7

8 1. Is God in control? Discussion Questions 2. Why did Job suffer? Joseph? Paul? What good guy in scripture didn t suffer? 3. Why am I hurting? Is it for education? Is it a test? Is it for His glory? How can I tell? 4. What painful experiences have you had? Have you discovered why? 5. Is it a bad sign if I m not hurting? 8

9 Discussion Questions Suggested Answers 1. Is God in control? Yes! 2. Why did Job suffer? For God s glory, Job 1-2. Joseph? For man s good. Paul? God s glory! What good guy in scripture didn t suffer? No one. 3. Why am I hurting? Is it for education? Is it a test? Is it for His glory? How can I tell? Conscience! I can t always tell. 4. What painful experiences have you had? Many. Have you discovered why? Yes, for some of them. 5. Is it a bad sign if I m not hurting? Yes! Everyone undergoes discipline. 9

10 Holiness and Priorities 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 Make level paths for your feet, [Prov. 4:26] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. 14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears. 10

11 Coming to the Church of Christ 18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned. [Ex. 19:12f] 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, I am trembling with fear. 22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. 11

12 Warning - God is a Consuming Fire! 25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. [Haggai 2:6] 27 The words once more indicate the removing of what can be shaken that is, created things so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire. [Deut. 2:4] 12

13 Love and Contentment 1 Keep on loving each other as brothers. 2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. 3 Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. 4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. [Deut. 31:6] 6 So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? [Ps. 118:6f] 13

14 Outside the Camp, Bearing His Disgrace 7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them. 10 We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. 14

15 Praise, Do Good, Obey Leaders, Pray 15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise the fruit of lips that confess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. 18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon. 15

16 Conclusion Prayer and Greetings 20 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, 21 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 for ever and ever. Amen. 22 Brothers, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written you only a short letter. 23 I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you. 24 Greet all your leaders and all God s people. Those from Italy send you their greetings. 25 Grace be with you all. 16

17 Discussion Questions 1. Without holiness no one will see the Lord. What is holiness? Sinlessness? 2. Why couldn t Esau repent, in 12:16f? 3. What does it mean that I ve come to Mount Zion (12:22)? 4. What is acceptable worship (12:28) 5. Why is God so fussy about hospitality, prisoners, marriage and money (13:1-5)? 6. Why is it disgraceful to be a Christian (13:11-14)? 7. How does Jesus equip us and work in us what is pleasing to him? 17

18 Discussion Questions Suggested Answers 1. 12:14 Without holiness no one will see the Lord. What is holiness? Sinlessness? No. I m made holy (2:11, 10:10,14) by faith, and must count myself as belonging to Him 2. Why couldn t Esau repent, in 12:16f? I don t know. 3. What does it mean that I ve come to Mount Zion (12:22)? God s true people, for eternity 4. What is acceptable worship (12:28) Reverence, awe, love, service. Worship in spirit and truth (John 4: 5. Why is God so fussy about hospitality, prisoners, marriage and money (13:1-5)? All are part of holiness. 6. Why is it disgraceful to be a Christian (13:11-14)? The stated reasons have varied. But the world hates us. 7. How does Jesus equip us and work in us what is pleasing to him? By the Holy Spirit. 18

19 So What? The Let Us Commands Many or most of the So What? commands in Hebrews are in the form, Let us It s used 16 times in this way in Hebrews, and 17 times in the rest of the New Testament, in Romans 3:8, 13:12-13, 14:13,19, 1 Corinthians 5:8, 15:32, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Galatians 5:25-26, 6:9-10, Philippians 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:6,8, 1 John 3:18, 4:7, and Revelation 19:7 For example: 1 Thessalonians 5:6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 19

20 Let Us 1 Hebrews 4:1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. Hebrews 4:11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God 20

21 Let Us 2 10:19-25 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 21

22 Let Us 3 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 13:13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise the fruit of lips that confess his name. 22

23 Additional Exhortations in Hebrews 2:1 Pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard 3:1 Fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess 3:8,12 Do not harden your hearts turning away from the living God. 3:13 Encourage one another daily so that none of you may be hardened 6:11-12 Show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. 10:32 Remember those earlier days when you stood your ground in the face of suffering. 10:35 Do not throw away your confidence 23

24 Additional Exhortations in Hebrews 12:12-16 Strengthen your feeble arms Make level paths for your feet Live in peace with all men be holy See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless 12:25,28 Do not refuse him who speaks be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe 13:1-9 Keep on loving each other entertain strangers Remember those in prison and those who are mistreated Marriage should be honored Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have Remember your leaders imitate their faith Do not be carried away by strange teachings 13:16-22 Do good and share with others Obey your leaders and submit to their authority Pray for us Bear with my word of exhortation 24

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