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Hebrews Study Guide

Hebrews 12:1-17

The great cloud of witnesses, listed in chapter 11, were undoubtedly great people of faith. But, the important thing for us to remember is that they had faith in a great God! Their faith unites their stories with our stories because both are built on a life of faith! Pastor Ryan asked us to think about this in his sermon: "When you are experiencing pain, discomfort, trouble in life, what is the most accessible story/narrative you grab on to to help you understand and navigate through trouble?"

1. Notice the phrase “let us also” in Hebrews 12:1. Like the saints before us who endured by faith, we are called to lay aside every weight and sin. As you read the quote below, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any “weight” in your life hindering your faith story.

As laid aside the prerogatives of royalty for the sake of his God-given mission, so we must throw off whatever may hinder faith even though it may be right for others. Joseph properly ruled in Egypt, but for Moses it was a hindering weight. Other weights might well be ambition, anxieties, hobbies, wealth or fame.

Each runner must honestly judge what hinders faith for him or her and resolutely lay it aside, even though others seem to be unhindered by the same thing. Stedman, R. C. (1992). Hebrews (Heb 12:1). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

2. Read Hebrews 12:1 and compare it with :16-19. What sin prevented the Jews in the wilderness from entering the Promised Land and God’s rest? Read the explanation below regarding the sin of unbelief. Is there a sin area in your life entangling your feet and keeping you from running the race God has set before you? What is it? Will you confess and repent of it?

An even more significant hindrance to Christian living is sin. Obviously all sin is a hindrance to Christian living, and the reference here may be to sin in general. But use of the definite article (the sin) seems to indicate a particular sin. And if there is one particular sin that hinders the race of faith it is unbelief, doubting God. Doubting and living in faith contradict each other. Unbelief entangles the Christian’s feet so that he cannot run. It wraps itself around us so that we trip and stumble every time we try to move for the Lord, if we try at all. It easily entangles us. When we allow sin in our lives, especially unbelief, it is quite easy for Satan to keep us from running. MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1983). Hebrews (p. 377). Chicago: Moody Press.

3. We are to be encouraged by the saints of , but we look at for our example. How does Hebrews 12:2-3 teach this truth? According to the last part of verse 3, why do we need this encouragement?

4. The reality of the life of faith juxtaposed against a false cultural narrative must be addressed daily. The race we are running is not a sprint, but a long distance event—a marathon. How does the Apostle Paul describe the way he won his race in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27? Read the quote below to help you see why we need the discipline Paul describes.

Race is the Greek agōn, from which we get agony. A race is not a thing of passive luxury, but is demanding, sometimes grueling and agonizing, and requires our utmost in self-discipline, determination, and perseverance. MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1983). Hebrews (pp. 372–373). Chicago: Moody Press.

5. Paul reminds us that we all compete in a race. How does the quote below define this competition?

We compete by faith, but not with each other. Our competition is against Satan, his world system, and our own sinfulness, often referred to in the as the flesh. Second, our strength is not in ourselves, but in the Holy Spirit; otherwise we could never endure. We are not called on to endure in ourselves, but in Him.

6. God’s discipline is a sure sign of His love and our sonship. What is the exhortation of Hebrews 12:5? The Lord reproves, disciplines, and chastises every son according to Hebrews 12:5-6. What emotion is God demonstrating when he does this?

7. Our earthly fathers disciplined us for a short time as best they can. God disciplines us for two reasons. According to Hebrews 12:10, what are these reasons?

8. God’s plan for sonship was foreshadowed in Isaiah 53. Read this Messianic chapter to see how God treated his own son. Does Hebrews 12:4 mirror what you read in Isaiah?

9. Read Hebrews 12:15-17. Describe ’s choices and the results of a “root of bitterness.” Did his tears win him favor with God?

10. The choices we make in faith or in unbelief write the story of our lives. Read Hebrews 11:24-26. What choice did Moses make and why? What choice did Jesus make according to Hebrews 12:2? What was set before him that helped him endure the cross in spite of the shame he experienced? How did Jesus’ decisions impact his relationship with God? Are your choices drawing you closer to God?