LESSON AIM

1. We will be motivated to keep the faith in spite of adversity

2. We will recognize that past biblical witnesses are an encouragement to present believers

3. We will remember that trials, which come into our lives, are a part of the LORD’S discipline, which is not meant to break us but rather to make us better Christians.

KEEP IN MIND

“If ye endure chastening, GOD dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” (Hebrews 12:7).

The previous chapter’s roll call of faith should encourage us to endure whatever hardships may come our way. We should think of JESUS, who suffered death on the cross for us. Enduring trials is necessary so that GOD can train us in righteousness.

By way of background, the traditional authorship of the Book of Hebrews is attributed to the apostle Paul, however, modern scholars are unsure of the true identity of the author of this epistle. The letter was written in response to the threat that believers might renounce Christianity and revert to Judaism. The writer wanted to inform his vacillating readers that JESUS CHRIST, the object of GOD’S final revelation, is superior to the greatest of Judaism’s heroes.

The writer also wanted to highlight and remind his audience of the efficacy of JESUS’ salvific power. He reminded them that whereas the Jewish legal sacrificial system was powerless to remit sins, JESUS, the eternal HIGH PRIEST “is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). Furthermore, the writer explains the need for patient endurance amid the persecution and sufferings to which the heirs of eternal salvation are inevitably exposed.

The writer suggests that all Christians emulate JESUS’ suffering and patience if they anticipate an eternal reward. One cannot help but notice the metaphors of Greek athletic terms such as “run with perseverance the race” and “a great cloud of witnesses (spectators)” (Hebrews 12:1, NIV). The early Christians were to think of themselves as athletes who possessed endurance in order to ensure victory over the forces of evil. The writer also makes it clear that the Christian’s secret weapon needed for victory in spite of trials and tribulations is unwavering faith.

1. BELIEVERS MUST RUN THE RACE (Hebrews 12:1-2)

The writer encourages the Christians in Rome to continue to run their race of discipleship no matter what tries to hinder them. He tells them to “lay aside every weight” (ogkos, which means burden) and the sin (hamartia, which means falling short of the mark; offensive) that clings so close to them.

Christian discipleship is not a sprint; it is a marathon. That is why the author tells his audience to run with “perseverance” (v.1). Perseverance is an inner quality that allows one to continue in some course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. To persevere is to be steadfast in a particular purpose.

Disciples of JESUS CHRIST must always look to JESUS as the ultimate model in perseverance. HE suffered insults in HIS ministry and attempts on HIS life. HE persisted even though HIS hometown and relatives rejected HIM. HE overcame the obstinacy of HIS followers and betrayal by one of HIS own. HE never faltered during the unjust criminal trial that convicted HIM of sedition and heresy or the beating by the Roman police force. Finally, HE did not waver on the cross at Calvary. HE did all of that so future generations of believers would have access to a spiritual power so potent it could change the world. Christian discipleship is a race that requires endurance. We have to run and “be not weary in well doing” (2 Thessalonians 3:13).

We must also remember that we have an inspiration. We are surrounded by “a great cloud of witnesses” who have fought a good fight, finished their course, kept the faith, and now they are enjoying their crown of righteousness. They are our inspiration. They have witnessed their own performance, and now they are witnessing ours. Our heroes of faith should inspire us to keep our faith so we can co-create with GOD a world that resembles heaven. Heroes of faith such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Rosa Parks, and so many others, ought to give us supernatural inspiration to keep running until we put on the likeness of CHRIST.

Therefore, as we continue to live as ambassadors of CHRIST, let us persevere on our jobs, in our homes, and in our communities.

2. BELIEVERS MUST DEVELOP ENDURANCE (vv.3-6)

The writer of Hebrews encouraged the vacillating Christians to consider JESUS’ life when they began to complain about adversity they had to face. He supported his argument by testifying that they had not faced persecution to the degree that they had shed blood. He also let them know that trials suffered for righteousness’ sake could be theologically viewed as the “chastening of the LORD” (v.5). The Greek term for “chastening” is paideia, which means disciplinary correction, instruction, and nurture.

The LORD’S chastening is not arbitrary or without direction—it always has a purpose. The writer suggests that trials could be “disciplinary corrections” and a part of GOD’S overall plan to edify HIS children. Corrective discipline is always a good thing. Discipline is a symbol of love as well. When an earthly father exercises discipline for some mistakes, it is beneficial to the child so that the same mistakes will not be repeated. Our HEAVENLY FATHER operates in the same way. Because GOD loves us, HE disciplines us so we will not commit the same mistakes or something worse.

Even when seemingly unprovoked trials and tribulations come into our lives, there is benefit to be gained from them. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose.” Truly, when we compare what we have to go through to what JESUS went through, there is no comparison. HE endured a lot for us. The question is “What will we endure for HIM?” It is hard for us to suffer the loss of a job, the loss of a loved one, the pain of a broken relationship, or indebtedness. Trials will come in this life. Pain will be a part of our pilgrimage. But the good news is that enduring the suffering brings us into new levels of GOD consciousness.

3. BELIEVERS MUST LEARN TO ENJOY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD (vv.7-11)

The writer of Hebrews presents yet another reason why men should cheerfully bear affliction when it comes. Christians are encouraged to endure the discipline of the LORD because it is the mark of sonship as well as the way to become more holy and righteous. The Bible is clear that those who suffer for righteousness' sake glorify GOD: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of CHRIST’S sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13). Second Timothy 2:12 says, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.” The writers insist that we must look on all the hardships of life as the discipline of GOD—sent to work, not for our harm, but for our ultimate and highest good.

The failure to discipline when a child is disobedient is not a mark of love, but of apathy and unconcern. Likewise, GOD’S willingness to discipline us is a mark of our sonship. It is never pleasant to be corrected and disciplined by GOD, but HIS discipline is a sign of HIS deep love for us. When GOD corrects you, see it as proof of HIS LOVE and ask HIM what HE is trying to teach you.

We may respond to the LORD’S discipline in several ways. First, we can accept it with resignation. Second, we can accept it with self-pity, thinking we really don’t deserve it. Third, we can be angry and resentful toward GOD. Or, fourth, we can accept it gratefully, as the appropriate response we owe a loving FATHER who cares.

4. BELIEVERS MUST ELEVATE THEIR DISCIPLESHIPAND BECOME AN EXAMPLE (vv.12-13)

Since we know that hardship, trials, and suffering are a part of the Christian journey, we should face them with courage. GOD NEVER TOLD US TO CHECK OUR COURAGE AT THE DOOR WHEN WE ACCEPTED CHRIST INTO OUR LIVES. In fact, to accept CHRIST into our lives is to accept the prospect of facing hardship. JESUS told HIS disciples, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

We are to be an example for future generations. We are to be guides and role models for our children who are standing on our shoulders. If we shrink in the midst of painful trials, what kind of example will we set for them? We must not live with only our own survival in mind. Others will follow our example, and we definitely have a responsibility to them if we are living for CHRIST. We also have a responsibility to support weaker Christians who may get discouraged by the LORD’S discipline. We are to bear the burdens of the weak, for this is what CHRIST did. Nonetheless, suffering brings us into higher levels of consciousness. As a people, where would we be without enduring struggles?

The great orator, Frederick Douglass, said, “Without struggle there can be no progress.” The great civil rights martyr, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said “If a man has not found a cause worth dying for, then he is not fit to live.” Any cause worth giving your life for will involve suffering for righteousness’ sake. But we have an eternal promise from JESUS. HE told HIS disciples to be of good cheer because HE had overcome the world (John 16:33).

The start of football season is always a welcome sight. Before a professional team takes the field, they go through training camp. Training camp is a fiery trial that most players hate. However, veterans and rookies alike must endure training camp in order to learn new plays, to get into shape, and, more importantly, to learn how to become a disciplined and victorious team.

If as Christians, we are to be victorious, we have to go through our own version of training camp. GOD, our coach, wants to turn us into a well-coached, well-trained, and well-disciplined body of believers. In order to do that, GOD allows some adversity into our lives. Christians are like tea bags. In order for our rich and robust flavor to come out, we have to be placed in some hot water. The Christians in our text were being placed in hot water so that their “flavor” would come out. They face threats of persecution that perfected their faith and cause them to become more consecrated to the LORD. GOD DESIRES THE SAME RESULTS FOR US.

THINK ABOUT IT!!!!

Spiritually Yours,

Rev. Chris Lowe, Sr. DD

email Dr. Lowe

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