Is there a great cloud of witnesses who were faithful before us? Do their examples encourage us to run with endurance the race that is set before us? Do we meditate on what Jesus did for us? Does the Lord discipline those He loves? Have we come to the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem? Let’s discuss this in Hebrews 12.
Are the patriarchs and matriarchs of old a cloud of witnesses encouraging us to also have faith? Where should we fix our eyes?
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 LSB)
Should we meditate on what Jesus suffered so that we too can endure and not grow weary?
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3 NASB)
Have most of us not yet reached the point of shedding blood for our faith in Jesus?
In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. (Hebrews 12:4 NIV)
What do the Proverbs say to all of us about the chastening of the Lord?
And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” (Hebrews 12:5-6 NKJV Proverbs 3:11-12)
What does enduring God’s discipline mean in regard to living forever?
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? (Hebrews 12:7-9 NLT)
Why did our earthly fathers discipline us? Why does God? Should we allow God to train us?
For they indeed, for a few days, punished us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:10-11 WEB)
What do the Old Testament scriptures encourage us to do in regard to God’s discipline?
So strengthen your drooping hands and weak knees! Make straight paths for your feet so that if any part is lame, it will be healed rather than injured more seriously. (Hebrews 12:12-13 CEB Isaiah 35:3; Proverbs 4:26)
What kind of life should we lead? What about peace and clean living?
Try to live at peace with everyone! Live a clean life. If you don't, you will never see the Lord. Make sure no one misses out on God's wonderful kindness. Don't let anyone become bitter and cause trouble for the rest of you. (Hebrews 12:14-15 CEV)
What else should we see to, in regard to sexual purity and holy living?
that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears. (Hebrews 12:16-17 ESV)
Does God reveal His power to us like He did with ancient Israel at Mount Sinai?
For you have not come to what could be touched, to a blazing fire, to darkness, gloom, and storm, to the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of words. (Those who heard it begged that not another word be spoken to them, for they could not bear what was commanded: And if even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned! (Hebrews 12:18-20 HCSB)
Was even Moses terrified at the powerful signs God revealed at Mount Sinai?
Indeed, the sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.” (Hebrews 12:21 ISV)
Have we come to heavenly Mount Zion, the assembly of God’s people in heaven?
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:22-24 KJV)
What warning should we take seriously? Should we listen to God?
See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. (Hebrews 12:25 LSB)
Will God once more shake heaven and earth? Will a kingdom which cannot be shaken remain?
And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.” This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let’s show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:26-29 NASB)
Will there be a new heaven and new earth? Will the old pass away?
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. (Revelation 21:1 NIV)
Is there a great cloud of witnesses who were faithful before us? Do their examples encourage us to run with endurance the race that is set before us? Do we meditate on what Jesus did for us? Does the Lord discipline those He loves? Have we come to the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem? You decide!
