Title Hebrews 12:1 - 13
Contents Main text: Hebrews 12:1 - 13
*** Preparation for the match (Verse 1)
We have a good object education in the faith. Now it's our car. In the grandstand, the saints from the beginning of time have been watching our game. Anything that interferes with our game must of course be removed. What is bothering me? Is it self-righteousness or pride? And what remains of us is a matter of sin. Just as a spider encircles a fly in its web, so sin envelops us completely. But our sins confessed to the Lord and forgiven will set us free. The next thing we need is patience. It may be relatively easy to start with Jesus, but it is difficult to keep obedient as we play every day. God pays attention not only to our personal playing field, but also to the obstacles, the speed we play, and the time we play. That's why we must do our best in the game.
*** The greatest example (verses 2-4)
When we walk on narrow bridges without beams or railings, the most important rule is to fix our eyes on a stationary object in front of us. Jesus set his eyes on the goal of going before the Father with joy and ran the race. Jesus is my strength that encourages me. Our race is never as hard as he did. The forces of the enemy that stop us from racing are never strong. Even if we struggle with sin, we will not reach another Mount Calvary. Am I not bolstering or slowing down in the race to heaven right now? Or are you looking at other things? I need to close my eyes and fix my eyes on Jesus. And, like the Apostle Paul, run fiercely toward your goal. Then my joy will be full when you see him later.
*** Love's Discipline
Children hate being disciplined because they hate to admit they're young, and adults hate being disciplined by authorities because they're disrespectful, so they forget that their actions can endanger others. In any case, the lack of discipline leads to a safety loophole. We all feel that someone has to take responsibility for this. Love between parent and child is a great and precious thing. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He does not leave us to live our own way. Are you chasing Him now? How do you react? Even Jesus learned obedience because of the suffering He suffered.
*** PURPOSE OF DISCIPLINE (Verses 7-11)
If someone who is not a member of the family hits or disciplines our child, it will not be very pleasing. Parents had that authority. Sometimes God rebukes us with his Word, but it hurts us. Sometimes when He sends us suffering, we feel as if He has forsaken us. But what a joy it is to know that he recognizes us as his children and reminds us that he is our father, so that he can sanctify us and make us children worthy of the kingdom of heaven. We must remember that life on earth is preparation and training for eternal life, and we lose sanctification when we rebel against discipline. Discipline draws us closer to God.
*** INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY (Verses 12-13)
Isn't this the way you are now, with your shoulders sagging, arms drooping, and slumping on the ground, looking like a completely exhausted and defeated person? We can easily become like this both physically and spiritually. The world will laugh at our weakness, but at this time, we can be comforted by thinking of our ancestors of faith who preceded us, and we can also gain great courage by aiming for our Lord who is waiting to receive us into glory. This fact should be a great impetus for personal victory. And our fellow believers should be convinced that when they are weak, they are not guilty of sin, but rather can live a stronger life with God's love. These words are not an option. These words are God's commands.