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Hebrews 12 Commentary

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There are many people from the Old Testament who were faithful to God, which should inspire us to give up on the things of this world that weigh us down. We can live lives of faith too when we put our eyes on Jesus, who founded and finished our faith for the sake of heavenly joy.

We should remember Christ’s example as one who suffered to the point of death, showing His perfect endurance till the end. This can encourage us, for we are called to mature as Sons of God, who receive parental discipline from our loving Father.

We grow up (mature) as Christians when we endure through suffering. Suffering is used by a loving God to train us into living righteously, to share in His holiness.

Walking by faith is like enduring physical hardship. It takes discipline.

Sanctification looks like living lives of peace with other people, not lives of bitterness.

Esau is an example of someone we shouldn’t imitate; someone who gave up his inheritance to satisfy a temporary appetite.

If we understand who God is, we should live not only basked in His love, but in the fear of His might.

Refusing to listen to God is a very bad idea. Loving in gratitude and serving Him in reverence in awe is a very good idea. Because, our God is a consuming fire.


Chapter 12 is a chapter of great encouragement and warning concerning the endurance and sanctification of the Hebrew Christians. The previous chapter made a compelling case that faith is what pleases God. When we remember the many examples of faithful people from the Old Testament, we should feel strengthened to live the rest of our lives with endurance. When we experience suffering for our faith, we should be encouraged by the mindset that God is using our suffering to teach us and to grow us up. Since we have these examples of faithful people, and of Christ, and since we know our identity is in Heaven where Christ mediates our New Covenant, we can live lives of acceptable service to God. Nothing should stop us from enduring and reaching spiritual maturity.