Last week we were given the opportunity to study the book of Hebrews. While Hebrews is only 13 chapters long, one week was not nearly enough time to really study the book. If you are looking for a new book to begin reading in the Bible I highly encourage you to turn here. I feel as though the book of Hebrews has five major themes.
- The Superiority of Christ
- The Perseverance believers are called to
- Having a faith that pleases God
- Discipline
- Christian Living
While I think chapter 11 is my favorite chapter in this book (how interesting is the ‘Faith Hall of Fame?’), I also really enjoy chapter 12. I think this may be because the Lord is teaching me a lot about discipline recently.
In my opinion, the overall theme of Chapter 12 is one of discipline. If one chooses to follow Christ than they must learn to be disciplined as Christ was. By being disciplined one will more easily choose to live a life that imitates Christ. Discipline helps one to develop his or her faith. Chapter 12 also gives warning to those who do not become disciplined in their faith. The author teaches that there are consequences for sin. Furthermore, the author also explains that by not being disciplined and by refusing to become disciplined one will experience danger. Jesus came to make a new covenant and to judge those who do not turn from their flesh. He calls us to truly repent and to be born again. Our lives are to be changed.
Chapter 12 of Hebrews begins by reminding the reader that every day we will experience troubles and things/experiences that may hinder our spiritual growth. The author of Hebrews reminds the reader that the only way to not stumble is to keep our eyes on Jesus. Jesus lived a sinless life despite the fact that He experienced the same troubles, hindrances, and persecution that we do today. In fact, the struggles and persecution He experienced were even stronger than ours due to the fact that Satan fought much harder against Him and because the Jews wanted to see Him fail. We are called to
“Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:3
The chapter continues and the writer reminds us that the Lord loves us, which is why He disciplines us. In the same way our earthly fathers discipline us to help us grow, our Heavenly Father does the same. We learn that this discipline is to shape us and make us holy.
As the chapter continues the writer reminds the reader to “make every effort to live in peace with all men” (Hebrews 12:14) and to be holy so that your life may be a testimony to God’s grace. The author writes to also make sure that no on is sexually immoral or godless. Living in this sinful way only turns individuals away from the Lord.
Do you know the Lord? Can others see that you are disciplined in your faith?
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