Hebrews 12

HEBREWS 12

Are you Limping?  Spiritual Athletics, the Christian Race

As we are nearing the end of our brief study of the book of Hebrews, we might ponder this question, “If our Lord’s death on Calvary was a full and final atonement for sin, how is it that He needs now to be ever interceding for us as our Priest in heaven?”  Meditate on the answer:  Although the finished work of Calvary brings us a full and free forgiveness, we still live as new creatures IN Christ but in the flesh (old patterns of the flesh cut into our memory/brain) until we are home with him.  We can and often do sin – disobey the indwelling Holy Spirit.  When we sin, we remain in a lasting and eternal relationship with Christ, but lose our fellowship with our holy Father.  The heavenly ministry of our Lord answers the further need.  Through His sacrifice on earth we have our FORGIVENESS; through His Priesthood in heaven we are kept in FELLOWSHIP. 

Father God does NOT forgive us because He loves us!!!  He forgives us because of the great Sacrifice and Atonement by our dear Savior Who shed His blood for us! ‘that ALL men might be saved!”

Divide into small groups for discussion: SPIRITUAL ATHLETICS, the Christian race

* 12:1  The audience, the preparation and how to run.

* v. 2  Eyes upon the Master at the goal, remembering His victory

* v. 3 – 4 The inspiration when weary

* v. 5 - 10 The value of hardship and correction in training.

* v. 11 The good results of hardship and chastening

* v. 12 – 13 An exhortation to sturdiness and straightforwardness

* v. 14 – 15 Exhortations…respecting peaceableness, purity and watchfulness against evil influences

* v. 16 – 17 Warnings concerning selling out life’s blessings

* v. 18 – 24 Contrast between Mt. Sinai/O.T. and Mt. Sion of the New.

[Mt. Sion with its awful manifestations of divine power and Mt. Sion with the glorious company within the heavenly Jerusalem.]

* v. 25 – 28 Solemn warning respecting the heeding of the heavenly message in regard to the mutability of earthly things and the permanence of God’ kingdom.

Choice selections:

 Hardship, correction, and chastening, as a preparation for victory 12: 1-13

Great cloud – All of those named in Chapter 11?

v. 2 Looking away from all that will distract…what are the distractions in your life?

v. 2 Must always focus on THE Prize!

v. 3 Our trials and sufferings are NOTHING in comparison!

EVERY choice in life is critical!  So much we can never recall or change! No matter how we beg, plead, repent, ask forgiveness…and on and on!  Esau made a foolish choice!!! For instant gratification. 

Root of bitterness is a contagious disease.  Weeds in garden often have deep root system that covers the whole of the lawn.