18: Endurance of Faith (1) (Heb 12:1-13)

The Basics

Setting

One of the challenges facing the Christians to whom Hebrews was written was to hold fast to their faith in Christ in the midst of trials and sufferings. The citing of the examples of faith in the last chapter leads directly into the exhortations that follow. The numerous witnesses that surround us encourage us to run the race before us with endurance. The author urges us to look unto Jesus in order not to become weary. He also reminds us of God’s good purpose in sending us trials in life.

Key Verse

“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:2).

Did You Know…?

1.         Cloud (12:1): “The word ‘cloud’ (nephos, only here in the NT) may be used of a mass of clouds in the sky (the more common nephele means a single cloud). But it is also used from time to time of a throng of people, when it emphasizes the number. The witnesses are a vast host.” ^3/133

2.         Witnesses (12:1): “The Greek word translated ‘witnesses’ is the origin of the English word ‘martyr’ and means ‘testifiers, witnesses.’” ^4/1874

3.         “Consider Him” (12:3): “The Greek word is analogizomai, from which comes “analogy.” This is the only occurrence of the word in the New Testament, and it suggests this translation: ‘Compare yourself with.’” ^1/127

Observation

Outline

(12:1-4)

(12:5-11)

(12:12-13)

Key Words/Phrases

Segment Analysis

12:1-4

1.         Who are the “cloud of witnesses”?

2.         What is required of us who run the heavenly race?

3.         How does sin “ensnare” us?

4.         What “weights” can possibly hinder us in our race?

5.         What does it mean that Jesus is the “author and finisher of faith”? How does this description relate to the exhortation in verse 1?

6.         How does looking unto Jesus help us in our race?

7a.        What does verse 4 mean?

7b.        In what ways does a Christian “strive with sin”?

12:5-11

8.         Why does the author discuss the subject of God’s chastening in this context?

9.         In what forms do chastenings come?

10.        “And you have forgotten the exhortation…” (5). What happens when a Christian forgets the exhortation stated in 5b and 6?

11.        According to this paragraph, what are the purposes of divine chastening?

12.        How is God’s chastening better than the chastening of our human fathers?

13.        What is “the peaceable fruit of righteousness”?

14.        Recall an experience in which God chastened you. How did you benefit from the chastening?

12:12-13

15.        What is the meaning of the figurative language in verse 12?

16.        What does it mean to make straight paths for our feet? What is the purpose for doing so?

Final Thoughts

17.        Are you struggling with sin in your life right now? How has this Bible passage encouraged you?