Persevere in faith, focus on Jesus, learn from hard times, and peacefully trust in God’s power
Hebrews 12 focuses on the following key aspects, perseverance in faith, focus on Jesus, learning from hard times, peace and holiness, and respect for God’s power.
- Perseverance in faith: The chapter begins by calling upon us to run with perseverance the race marked out for us, suggesting a need for sustained faith and effort in our journey.
Hebrews 12:1(NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
James 1:12(NIV) Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
- Focus on Jesus: Our focus should always be on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. It suggests that by considering Jesus’s endurance and the opposition He faced, followers will not grow weary or lose heart.
Hebrews 12:2(NIV) fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Matthew 6:33(NIV) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
- Learn from hard times: When we go through hard times, God is teaching us important lessons, similar to a parent teaching their child. Hard times serve as periods of growth and maturity in our faith journey. They produce perseverance and character, refining our faith and drawing us closer to God.
Hebrews 12:5-7(NIV) And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?
James 1:2-4(NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Romans 5:3-4(NIV) Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
– Live in peace and do what’s right: We are encouraged to live in peace with everyone and to live a clean life, because without that no one will see the Lord. Living in peace involves treating others with kindness and respect, striving to do what’s right, and working to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner. The Bible also ties this peaceful and righteous living to our relationship with God, saying it pleases Him and is a fruit of the Holy Spirit at work within us.
Hebrews 12:14(NIV) Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Romans 12:18(NIV) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 14:19(NIV) Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
- God’s power: God’s power is a fundamental aspect of biblical teaching. This respect, often referred to as the fear of the Lord, is not about being afraid of God but rather acknowledging His power, authority, and holiness with reverence and awe.
Hebrews 12:28-29(NIV) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Psalm 111:10(NIV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
Proverbs 9:10(NIV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
So, we are called to persevere, focus on Jesus, learn through discipline, pursuit of peace and holiness, and reverence for God’s power. The final takeaway is that the journey of faith may be challenging, but it leads to a glorious, eternal Kingdom that is worth every hardship endured.