Hebrews 12

We are continuing our study in the book of Hebrews. Today we will look at chapter 12. You can read it in your own Bible or click here.

Notice the chapter starts with the word “therefore.” In chapter 11 the author listed many names we were familiar with from the Bible, and the author pointed out how they each walked in faith. Now with the word “therefore,” he shifts to tell them how to proceed with these reminders.

Verse 1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

In this verse, the author tells the readers that they are running a race. When someone runs a race, they can’t carry a heavy load on their back because that will weigh them down and slow their pace. So the author says they need to lay aside every weight and sin. “The main encumbrance weighing down the Hebrews [was] the Levitical system with its stifling legalism.” [1]

This is a good reflection for us as well. We might not have the same things weighing us down as the original recipients of this epistle, but there still could be other things in our lives that weigh us down. Sometimes they might even be things that were good and necessary for a time, just as the Levitical system was. But now God is asking us to lay it aside. And of course, we must also lay aside any sin that is holding us back, just as these Hebrews did. When we let go of the things that are holding us back in our faith, we can run the race with endurance.

Verse 2 says, “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

How do we lay aside the things that weigh us down? How do we run our race with endurance? By looking to Jesus! Keeping our focus on Jesus is always a good idea. He keeps us on the right path, He guides us through life’s obstacles, He provides for our needs, and He protects us along the way.

This verse calls Jesus the perfecter of our faith. When we abide in Him, He is the One that helps us grow and mature in our faith.

This verse also tells us that Jesus endured the cross, the suffering, the shame, and the pain for the joy that was set before Him.

“What was this overcoming joy? Us. Jesus looked forward to fulfilling the purpose for which he came, which was to restore our relationship with himself.” [2]

Verses 3-4 remind us that when we think of all Jesus went through for us, it helps us to persevere. He will help us push through the trials in life, and run our race with endurance.

Verses 5-6 say:

5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”

The author is quoting Proverbs 3:11-12 here. And in verses 7-11 the author continues to talk about the importance of discipline, especially when coming from God.

Discipline often has a negative connotation because people associate it with punishment. But our Heavenly Father loves us and always wants what is best for us. If He disciplines us, it’s out of love. He is helping us grow in our faith, and He is helping us strengthen for our race. He wants us to have the best. If we turn from His discipline and choose our own path, we will miss out on God’s best. Similarly, an athlete has to discipline himself when he’s training for a race, or he will miss out on accomplishing his goal.

Notice verse 12 once again starts with the word “therefore.” After writing about the importance of discipline, he now encourages the reader to persevere.

And verse 13 tells us to “make straight paths for your feet.” When we are running a race, we want a clear path to follow. If the path is confusing, bumpy, or filled with debris, we have more obstacles to worry about. Some things that trip us up are beyond our control, but others are within our control. We must remember that we have a responsibility for the paths we choose to walk. Let us keep our eyes open for obstacles in our lives that we have the ability to remove.

Verse 14 encourages the reader to “strive for peace with everyone.” This reminds me of Paul’s words in Romans 12:18 – “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” It might not always be possible to live in peace with everyone. However, we can at least try to do our part. We can bring peace to our relationships, even if it is not reciprocated.

This verse also encourages the reader to strive “for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” We are imperfect people. However, we still can pursue holiness by laying aside sin that we know entangles us.

Verse 15 tells the reader to “see to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God.” As Christians we have a responsibility to share the gospel, and to also look out for our brothers and sisters who might stray.

This verse also goes on to tell the reader to see to it “that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” The author is referencing Deuteronomy 29:18 which says, “Beware lest there be among you a man or woman or clan or tribe whose heart is turning away today from the Lord our God to go and serve the gods of those nations. Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit.”

Bitterness can easily grow in our hearts for different reasons, such jealousy, unforgiveness, and anger. The enemy loves to divide family, friends, and churches. We must be careful to not allow bitterness to take root in our lives.

Verse 16a warns against sexual immorality. Not only is this a sin, but it also defiles our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 says, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

Verses 16b-17 mention Esau and how one rash decision led him to give up his birthright. One sinful choice, or even one mistake, can have difficult and long-lasting consequences. Perhaps you have heard of the helpful tool H.A.L.T. It reminds us not to make important decisions or react impulsively when we are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. Esau allowed his immediate hunger to outweigh the value of his birthright. We, too, must be careful not to let temporary feelings or desires lead us to make decisions we may later regret.

Verses 18–24 contrast Mount Sinai and the Old Covenant with the heavenly Mount Zion and the New Covenant. At Mount Sinai, the people were afraid to approach God. But now, thanks to Jesus, we can draw near to God with confidence and run into His loving arms.

Verse 25 says, “See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.”

“The major theme of Hebrews is ‘God has spoken—how are you responding to His Word?’” [3]

As believers, we have a responsibility to listen to God’s voice and not reject Him or the truth He has revealed to us.

In verses 26–29, the author contrasts the temporary, shakable things of this world with the unshakable kingdom of God. If Jesus is our Lord and Savior, we belong to a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Our God is unchanging and eternal. When we build our lives on Him, we can stand firm in our faith, knowing that no matter what happens in this world, our eternal hope in Him remains secure.

There were so many interesting points in Hebrews 12. We were reminded that we are running a race, and that means we must lay aside the weights and sins that hinder us. If there are things within our control that trip us up, we should work to remove those obstacles.

We are also reminded that, out of love, God sometimes disciplines us. This is not something we need to fear, because His discipline is for our good and helps us grow in righteousness and holiness. We are reminded to live in peace, pursue holiness, and not allow bitterness to take root. We should also be careful not to let temporary feelings or desires lead us to make decisions we may later regret.

We can persevere through all these things when we remember to fix our eyes on Jesus, listen to God’s voice, and keep His truth in our hearts.

Thank you for reading. We have on more chapter left in this study. See you next week!

[1] MacArthur, John. Hebrews: Christ: Perfect Sacrifice, Perfect Priest (MacArthur Bible Studies). Nashville, Thomas Nelson, 2007.

[2] Stanley, Charles F., gen. ed. The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible. New International Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2017.

[3] Wiersbe, Warren. The Wiersbe Bible Commentary (Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2007).

Unless noted otherwise, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.