A Call to Endurance
The author encourages listeners to keep following Jesus,...
The author encourages listeners to keep following Jesus, who is the ultimate example of faithfulness. They should:
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author† and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
God Disciplines His Sons
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
These verses quote Proverbs 3:11 – 12, which...
These verses quote Proverbs 3:11–12, which sees hardship as God's loving discipline for his children. God can use many trials and challenges for our benefit, teaching us righteousness and good character.
5And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons:
“My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord,and do not lose heart when He rebukes you.6For the Lord disciplines the one He loves,and He chastises every son He receives.”†
discipline … God is treating you as sons:...
discipline … God is treating you as sons: Fathers in Greco-Roman and Jewish families played a key role in raising their children. They believed discipline was essential for preparing children for adulthood. Fatherly discipline, in this case facing hardships in life, is a sign of legitimate relationship. Not having to face hardships may on the surface seem like a blessing, but might instead reflect a lack of genuine relationship.
7Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?
There are at least two limits to a...
There are at least two limits to a father's discipline:
His discipline or education lasts only a few years—children eventually leave home.
Fathers do their best with limited understanding.
In contrast, God's discipline lasts a lifetime and is always beneficial, based on his infinite knowledge and love. His goal is for us to share in his holiness. Although discipline is painful, it leads to a peaceful life of doing right. It helps God's children build harmonious relationships and make good choices (see also Romans 5:3–4; 8:17, 28; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 1:12–14; James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 1:7; 4:14).
His discipline or education lasts only a few years—children eventually leave home.
Fathers do their best with limited understanding.
10Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. 11No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace† to those who have been trained by it.
The author, referring to Isaiah 35:3–8 and Proverbs...
The author, referring to Isaiah 35:3–8 and Proverbs 4:26, offers support to those who feel emotionally and spiritually drained. Isaiah 35 says God is always working to defeat his enemies and create a clear path for righteous people, so they will not stumble.
12Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.† 13Make straight paths for your feet,† so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
A Call to Holiness
14Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. 15See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness† springs up to cause trouble and defile many. 16See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. 17For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.
An Unshakable Kingdom
(Exodus 20:18–21; Deuteronomy 5:22–33)
This passage compares the old covenant with the...
This passage compares the old covenant with the new one. The old covenant is represented by Mount Sinai (12:18–21). It was impersonal, frightening, and unapproachable. The mountain shook with loud sounds, flashes of light, and fearful power. The new covenant is represented by Mount Zion (12:22–24). It is personal, welcoming, and joyful.
18For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that† is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; 19to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken. 20For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.”† 21The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”†
22Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels 23in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
This passage serves as the book's final warning,...
This passage serves as the book's final warning, referencing God speaking in Hebrews 2:1–4, 4:12–13, 6:4–8, 10:26–31, and 12:18–24.
25See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if the people did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven?
shook the earth: Exodus 19:18; Judges 5:5; Psalms...
shook the earth: Exodus 19:18; Judges 5:5; Psalms 68:8; 77:18.
“Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well”: This quote from Haggai 2:6 highlights that all of creation will be shaken and removed during the final judgment at the end of time (1 Corinthians 7:31; 2 Peter 3:10, 12; Revelation 21:1).
shook the earth: Exodus 19:18; Judges 5:5; Psalms 68:8; 77:18.
“Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well”: This quote from Haggai 2:6 highlights that all of creation will be shaken and removed during the final judgment at the end of time (1 Corinthians 7:31; 2 Peter 3:10, 12; Revelation 21:1).
26At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.”† 27The words “Once more” signify the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that the unshakable may remain.
God deserves holy fear and awe. our God...
God deserves holy fear and awe.
our God is a consuming fire: This quote from Deuteronomy 4:24 highlights God's incredible power and his authority to judge.
God deserves holy fear and awe.
our God is a consuming fire: This quote from Deuteronomy 4:24 highlights God's incredible power and his authority to judge.
28Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. 29“For our God is a consuming fire.”†