Hebrews Series 2 Lesson 13 Hebrews Chapter 12

Transcription

1 Hebrews Series 2 Lesson 13 Hebrews Chapter 12 Objective: To explore the ancient text of Hebrews in order to understand how this product of the mature early Christian movement interpreted Christological understandings. In doing this it is the aim of this study to encourage, enable and inspire people to live a more Christ-centered existence. It is also the hope and the design of this material to provide materials for the use of small groups as well as in Sunday morning Bible classes. A new section has been added at the end that can be used either with the family or with a small group. Materials: The Bible, Commentaries, journal articles, dictionaries, the internet and other resources as may be appropriate. Procedures 1. To explore this text Eirst as it would have been understood by its original audience, in its original context. 2. Next we will hope to understand more fully the nature of our God and in so doing comprehend his call upon our existence in order to fuleill our destiny as image-bearers. 3. We will seek to Eind practical guidance in these ancient words that will empower, enlighten and inspire us as we live in a twenty-eirst century world dominated by a focus on self and the individual. We are called as God s people to live in community as a people that unleashes His compassion in a world Eilled with pain and suffering. God is the only hope for a better world. 4. Provide a sheet to take home as a reminder of what has been examined and to provide additional opportunities for consideration of God s word and application in our daily living out of our eternal destiny beginning now. PAGE 1 OF 19

2 This chapter of Hebrews is Eilled with warnings, exhortations and admonitions intended to challenger its readers to endurance. The context is that we have just completed this great list of the heroes of faith and now with the imagery of this great crowd of witnesses to be emblazoned in the heart and mind of the readers. The image is one where, we, the audience are surrounded by them, encompassed as in being surrounded by a great and awe inspiring cloud. Based upon the context of this great cloud of witnesses the readers are exhorted to lay aside every weight and the sin that can be so distracting. The imagery then is that those being surrounded by this great throng of witnesses, that have completed their race, is set in just those terms, the terms of a race. The audience is called upon to run the race that is set before them as a runner on the track ready to start seeing the track ahead. Running is undeniably one of the most ancient forms of athletic competition. There are a great many Greek myths that speak of heroes running great distances such as Heracles. 1 1 Edgar Mcknight and Christopher Church, Hebrews-James, in the Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary series (Macon GA: Smyth & Helwys, 2004), p PAGE 2 OF 19

3 This was a sport that was of major importance, and young children were educated in the techniques and philosophies of running. At one point the attire of runners was a loincloth around the waist, but this was later abandoned and runners ran naked, with no weight, or hindrance. There was one exception, that was when they raced in armor and then they carried a shield, a helmet, and shin plates. Of primary importance to runners was the possession of great strength, speed, and most of all, endurance. Metaphorically speaking, the author here is indicating that they need to put off anything that limits their Christian witness such as feelings of self-importance, love of money, attachment to their culture and so forth. They are also called to lay aside sin. The fact that there is not a catalog of sins listed and that the word is used in the singular indicates that he is concerned with sin in general, all sin. The readers could readily supply the specieics and that list should most certainly include apostasy. 2 The adjective that is used here to modify the noun sin (εὐπερίστατον) is only to be found here in the entire Bible and in truth, its meaning is uncertain because of its rarity. The 2 Edgar Mcknight and Christopher Church, Hebrews-James, pp PAGE 3 OF 19

4 NRSV translates it as the sin that clings so closely as does the NET. It could however could be translated as the sin that so easily distracts. 3 The race being referenced here is not a sprint, it is long race, a race that requires endurance in order to complete. This race, that is set out before us, is to complete what was started in our profession of faith. We are not to lose heart, or to slack in our efforts, we are challenged to carry on to the end with maximum effort. Verse 2 will continue using the same race metaphor to focus our attention, our gaze, upon Jesus who has gone ahead of us, who is the pioneer (ἀρχηγὸν) of our faith. The word used here is a word having the meaning of founder, originator, prince, or ruler; Jesus is these things to our faith. The focus then remains on Jesus who is described as going ahead of us to the cross; doing this for the sake of the joy that was before him. The focus of Jesus was on the end of the race rather than upon the current position in the race. How hard it is for us to have focus, and to maintain such a focus, but this is the call of the author of Hebrews and it is the example set before us by Jesus. We as disciples are called to emulate this focus as we run our race. 3 Edgar Mcknight and Christopher Church, Hebrews-James, p PAGE 4 OF 19

5 We are called upon to endure shame, and pain, as we move toward the prize set before us. We are called to follow Jesus to the Einal destination of being at the side of God, in the presence of God, in full and right relationship with God. This is our calling as Christians, as disciples. Our hearts, our souls, are to focus on the destination and not upon our current circumstances. At verse 3, the focus on endurance continues. The book of Hebrews has rightly been called the epistle for sufferers. It is a letter that expects the readers to suffer, and to have suffered due to their faith. This is a suffering that comes not in spite of sonship, but because of sonship. 4 At verse 3, this endurance of hostility is linked and connected powerfully with Jesus. The readers are enduring hostility in a way that is similar to that of Jesus. They are becoming weary of this hostility and asking why? Why should we put up with this? Life was easier and there was less hostility when we followed the Old Covenant. They have a weariness of the soul that few of us living in modern America can even begin to relate to in our experiences. What we have experienced most is apathy, which indeed can be wearying, but is not open hostility. 4 Peter Rhea Jones, A Superior Life: Hebrews 12:3-13:25, Review and Expositor 82:3 (1985), pp PAGE 5 OF 19

6 Only in the last few years have Christians began to experience any real degree of open hostility. As we move to verse 4, it is made clear that despite the hostility that was being experienced by the readers they had not yet resisted (ἀντικατέστητε), or confronted this hostility to the point of shedding their blood. Jesus did. It seems so necessary to keep reminding ourselves that we are called to be disciples of Jesus. It seems that often we link our understanding of what that means to His exalted, glorieied, resurrected state. We look past the suffering and the cross to the glory and certainly there is a place for this type of vision, but not when it causes us to live this life in a way that is not like the life and focus of Jesus. Being a Christian is not a way to avoid suffering. Jesus suffered. If we are truly disciples of Christ we should expect no less. At verses 5 and 6, the writer reminds his readers of Proverbs 3: in order to help them to accept what may be divine discipline. Not all suffering comes as the result of innocence on our part. Some comes in order to correct us, to 5 My child, do not despise the LORD S discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the LORD reproves the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. NRSV. PAGE 6 OF 19

7 challenge us to learn and to grow in true virtue. The intent here is for the readers to take encouragement as this type of discipline is the mark of true child of God. It means He cares, and is a mark of His concern for growth in discipline on the part of His children. It also means that God has accepted those that are disciplined in this manner as His Children so it becomes a mark of acceptance by God. At verse 7, we are once again reminded of the central theme of endurance as the audience is challenged to endure for the sake of discipline (παιδείας). The word used here reminds us of the words of Paul as he speaks of the Law in Galatians (3:24) being a pedagogue. God seeks to train us for righteousness, for right living before Him, for kingdom living. Children who are not taught discipline as a child, Eill our prisons. In a great many instances, perhaps most this lack of teaching regarding living a disciplined life leads to an undisciplined life, and even what our laws might term, as a life of crime. Discipline is a gift that parents give to their children because they love them and cherish them wanting them to be, and to become, what they potentially can be. PAGE 7 OF 19

8 God as a good Father, as the Good Father desires this for His children. At verse 8, we are told that children that do not have discipline are in fact illegitimate children (νόθοι). The word used here can mean counterfeit, or a child that was born out of wedlock such as to a slave, or to a concubine. In ancient Athens such children were not considered citizens and did not have the rights of a citizen. The writer here is making the point that one of the marks of being a legitimate child of God was experiencing the discipline of God. He is trying to help them to see their life from a different perspective and a different way in order to give them what is necessary in order to endure. In enduring, they would not turn back, or aside from the calling of Christ, but they would press ahead in faith, enduring hardship like Paul who after being beaten sings after midnight in praise to God (Acts 16:25). I don t know about you, but that story always sends shivers down my back and perhaps it did to God as well, since in verse 26 it says there as an earthquake so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken. Discipline is to be seen as a badge of belonging. 6 6 Peter Rhea Jones, A Superior Life: Hebrews 12:3-13:25, Review and Expositor 82:3 (1985), pp PAGE 8 OF 19

9 At verse 9 we see the author allude to what today we might call common sense, that all to often is not all that common, and seems largely lacking in the moments when it is needed the most. In spite of that, the author recognizes what should be a widespread, if not indeed universal truth. The question is then laid, Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live? In this question is contained a truth, and that truth is that God holds our destiny within his hands. In Him is life, and the hope of life. Verse 10 then lays out His motivation for the discipline that He delivers to His children. Holiness and righteousness are prerequisites for participating in fellowship with God (Matthew 5:10). These come about only from the discipline of suffering. Discipleship, which includes suffering, and willingness to suffer for the sake of righteousness, demonstrates plainly that a person is the child of the Father, loved and received. 7 Verse 11 is a passage that brings to us a pastoral truth and demonstrates the pastoral nature of this writing. The author recognizes the truth that discipline always seems to be painful 7 Peter Rhea Jones, A Superior Life: Hebrews 12:3-13:25, Review and Expositor 82:3 (1985), pp PAGE 9 OF 19

10 rather than pleasant when it is being endured. It is only later that its beneeit is appreciated. How many of us have had our own children come to us in their adulthood and express such an understanding. An understanding that realizes the love and care that discipline requires on the part of a loving and caring parent. The writer here is not seeking address the broad question of theodicy (why God allows suffering), but to address the issue of suffering that came as a result of following Christ. This is suffering that comes as a direct result of obedient discipleship. Many throughout history could have quite easily avoided much suffering and death rather than following a path that led exactly to those things. I am reminded of men such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer who had escaped Germany but returned to act as a conscience for his country and countrymen and paid with his imprisonment and death. Martin Luther King jr., who continually reminded people of injustice and inequality even to the point that caused his death. He could not be quieted by threats, or promises of a better, easier, life. These men and many more prove themselves to value being children of God above comfort, luxury, security, power, and human acceptance. PAGE 10 OF 19

11 At verses 12 and 13, there is the exhortation to lift up their drooping hands and to strengthen their weak knees, in order that what is causing them to be lame, or crippled, and to be healed (ἰαθῇ). Notice that he directly encourages; and he does not tell how they are to be healed, but it is certainly the case that he does not recognize any Lone Ranger Christians. Christians that hold to the path of discipline, and the way of Christ, do not exhibit the root of bitterness like Esau. They are the opposite of this in that they pursue peace and purity. As the writer continues at verse 14 he calls upon his audience to pursue peace with everyone, and to pursue holiness. There is perhaps nothing more dangerous, or debilitating, to a community of believers than internal strife. It sucks the energy from a community and destroys the momentum they have for the kingdom. It demonstrates the spirit of the evil one in seleishness, pettiness, and focus on minutiae and things lacking eternal value. Such as these, follow the path of Esau and value immediate passions and do not look ahead to the greater prize, the greater goal. Without holiness they would fail to see the LORD. 8 8 Peter Rhea Jones, A Superior Life: Hebrews 12:3-13:25, Review and Expositor 82:3 (1985), pp PAGE 11 OF 19

12 The writer encourages his readers to be a true community, a people that look out for one another, encourage one another, lift up one another. Bitterness deeiles community and relationship. We all know people that have become bitter and this bitterness destroys relationship, harmony, and peace. At verse 16, we are once again reminded of Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. In a moment, in a Eit of passion (hunger), he lost his way and gave up his birthright, his inheritance as a child, the Eirst-born child of his father. He is held up to us as a cautionary tale, to take care and to endure hardship and suffering which are, but for a season for a greater prize, a more lasting prize, our true birthright as children of God. There is also a warning in verse 17 given in the phrase, he found no chance to repent. It says that he even pursued such a chance with tears. We are given no promise of another chance, another moment, another breath. We are called to live our moments well and to use our opportunities well. At verses 18-21, we are drawn back to the scene at Mount Sinai when God spoke to the people from the Mountain in the time of Moses (Exodus 19). This was a scene so terrible and so frightening that the people pleaded with God to never speak to PAGE 12 OF 19

13 them like this again. They were terrieied. They were terrieied because of the purity and holiness of God and no one was permitted to touch the mountain, not even an animal. Anyone, or anything, that touched the mountain was to be stoned to death. Even Moses found the sight terrifying, so much so that even he trembled with fear. This was the Old Covenant and the old place and the old way, but now there was a New Covenant, a new place and a new way. At verse 22, the writer talks about coming to Mount Zion, not Mount Sinai, to the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem and to innumerable angels in festal gathering. They come to the assembly of the Eirstborn, among those whose name is enrolled in heaven. The scene is one of jubilation and high spirits, where the presence of God is paramount and there is no fear, no terror. All of this is possible because of Jesus and his blood. It is through His blood that access is offered to this new Jerusalem. Entry is only possible through Jesus who shed His blood in order to grant access to those that would follow Him, trust in Him, believe in Him. He grants access to the presence of God, to the assembly of the children of God. He is the mediator of the new covenant. It PAGE 13 OF 19

14 is through Jesus that those who enter into this place are made righteous. He is setting the scene for his audience in order that they realize the great signieicance of their new faith in Jesus. He is their only hope, the only way into the presence of God, their only hope of righteousness. The Einal section of chapter 12 gives and urgent, Einal, warning to the readers. Those who refuse to hear Christ, to follow Christ, to trust Christ, will not escape justice. It will come raining down upon them with the full fury and wrath of a just and jealous God who loves His son and even allowed Him to sacrieice His life to redeem that which was lost. The one who shook the earth itself with His voice will shake not only the earth, but heaven itself. Only that which cannot be shaken will remain; only that which trusts in Jesus, accepts Jesus, follows Jesus. The promise to the disciples of Christ is a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Those that would be a part of this kingdom are called to give thanks, to offer acceptable worship to God. We are to live in reverence and awe of Him. As a Einal warning the writer informs his audience of the nature of God, He is a consuming Eire. PAGE 14 OF 19

15 Synopsis This chapter seeks to challenge the readers to see life in Christ in the context of the great chapter that went before where many great heroes of faith are highlighted. The author seeks to insure that his audience understands that the race that they have entered is not a sprint and is one that is Eilled with hardship and length that will require endurance on their part. We are to look to Jesus as the pioneer, the perfecter of our faith. He has now taken His seat at the right hand of God. Jesus endured great hostility and did not lose heart, but pursued the will of God all the way to the very end. He valued pursuing the will of God more than He valued life itself. He then goes into a discussion of discipline and its role in bringing children to righteousness. He indicates that suffering is required in order to learn discipline and to become righteous. The role of a parent is to provide that discipline in order to insure the impartation of virtue, the virtue of the peaceful fruit of righteousness. PAGE 15 OF 19

16 The writer challenges his audience to pursue peace with everyone, and holiness. He indicates that without these things it is not possible to see the LORD. He calls upon them to avoid immorality and becoming like Esau, who sold his birthright for something as insignieicant as a single meal. He also warns his readers not to think they will be given multiple opportunities to repent. The example of Esau indicates that this may very well not be the case. He gives the example of God descending on the mountain at Sinai and of the need for holiness and righteousness in order to approach God. We are called to approach Mount Zion, the better mountain, the better covenant, and we are able to do this because of the blood of Jesus Christ. The audience is called upon to not fail to take the way opened before them and to not reject the great gift being offered to them. To fail to do so would be to fall into the hands of a God who, though is loving and compassionate, is also described as a consuming Eire. PAGE 16 OF 19

17 Questions 1. Who are some people that stand as examples of Christ, encouraging you to endure because of their great faith in God? 2. What are some things that encourage you to persevere, to endure hardship, for your faith in Christ? 3. What are some things that pull on you, seek to hinder you in your pursuit of your faith in Christ? 4. What are some examples to you of those who have endured shame because of their faith in Christ? 5. What are some ways that it is easier to give into society rather than hold the line of Christ and walk the harder path? 6. What are some ways that the discipline that you received from your parents helped you to become a better person? 7. What are some ways that you show love to your children? What role does discipline take in your display of love? 8. How would you deeine respect? How is it earned? 9. Why do you think there is a connection between discipline and pain? 10.How would you deeine righteousness? What are some examples? 11.How are righteousness and peace related? PAGE 17 OF 19

18 12.What are some ways that you seek to strengthen your faith? 13.What are some ways that you make straight paths for your feet? 14.How do you pursue peace? 15.How would you deeine peace? 16.What are some ways that you have seen bitterness affect human relationships? 17.How many chances for repentance do you think we are promised? Why? 18.What do you think it means for followers of the new covenant to come to Mount Zion rather than to Mount Sinai? 19.What do you think it means for God to be described as a consuming Eire? 20.What is acceptable worship? Why? PAGE 18 OF 19

19 To Take Home What is Important to know? It is important to know that as Christians we are not promised a life free from pain, suffering, and problems. We are called to be disciples, which means that we will follow the path of Christ which was a path Eilled with pain, suffering, and ultimately a painful, shameful death. It is important to know that the way of discipleship is a way that calls for great endurance and perseverance. What are some things that distract you from important things to focus on less important things? Where is God in these words? God is in these words as a God who seeks to guide, guard, and direct His children through disciplines that will produce in them hearts of righteousness and courage. God is shown as a loving Father exactly because He is willing to discipline His children. God is also shown as a father of true justice and as capable, and willing, to bring it to fullness. What are some ways that you have seen earthly fathers bring justice in their families? What does any of this mean for how I live my life? This chapter challenges us to recognize that we should not expect a life of comfort, ease, and luxury. Often, even in Christian circles exactly those things have been indicated as marks of God s favor. Here that message is very much challenged and even shown as false and even to be a false goal. Endurance is not a word that is seen as easy and without work and sacrieice. This chapter calls for me to see life from a different perspective and success and the way of God as different than is often conveyed by the world. How does this chapter challenge your view of the world? What is the word of God calling us to do? The word of God here is calling us to live disciplined and devoted lives that will endure hardship and pain for our faith in Christ, to live like Christ. We are called upon to see the world differently than is often the image of success by the world. We are called upon to pursue the holiness of God in the way of suffering and enduring that was shown to us by Jesus Christ. We are called upon to avoid being people of bitterness and carnality in the way that Esau was. In what ways have you seen bitterness negatively affect people and their faith to God? PAGE 19 OF 19