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Faithfulness
and Discipline
INTRODUCTION
Chapter 11 of the book of
Hebrews surveyed the faith of men and women of the past, who despite their
different actions of faith were considered successful.
Some triumphed, and some suffered, while some both triumphed and
suffered. In these actual
historical events with which the reader's would have been familiar, it was
shown that faith helped many to triumph over fearful odds, while enabling
others to become famous as persons whose weaknesses were turned to
strength and who became powerful, overcoming tremendous odds in battle. Women of faith were
listed, showing that God chose to act through both men and women,
releasing tremendous powers when faith existed. Many heroes of the faith
suffered tremendously, and they looked for the resurrection to eternal
life, which God had promised all those who were faithful unto death.
The world was not worthy of these people, and many of them died
unrecognized. They may have
been poor and despised, but their faith opened to them tremendous riches. These people of the past
were all commended for their faith. They
did not receive the promises, for they, unlike us, had not lived to come
under the New Covenant. We
have seen the Messiah, and therefore our motivation and inspiration is
greater than theirs, for we have seen Jesus himself, seen the powerful
manifestation of his love and concern for us, and know in a fuller way,
that he will sustain us. The
writer now turns to catch the meaning of this most powerful support that
Jesus provides for us. We can in fact summarize this lesson by looking at the writer’s exhortation; “Never give up! You started well, so hang on. Never give up!” THE TEXTHebrews
12
Verse1.
The first few words, “Wherefore,
seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses”,
could be a reference to Exo. 13:21, where the purpose of the ‘cloud’
was to lead the people, and it gave them the assurance that God was with
them.
From this Scripture, some
draw a connection. The idea/image of the cloud of witnesses are examples
of faith discussed in Heb. 11.
These great heroes of faith are shown as leading, setting the example of
us, going before, the collection of them all being a cloud of witnesses,
showing what can happen if we put our trust in God and do what he
instructs. Following the
cloud of witnesses will show us and bring to us the great blessings that
we have available to us. Note that there is no
distinction between “us” and “them”, for we are all children of
God and thus capable of many great deeds under God's guidance. They have
demonstrated this and they have set a standard and tangible example for us
to follow. Our task is to
follow, and set the example for those who would follow us. If one looks at the
collective character of the heroes of faith, then we see faith and
patience resounding though their character.
These martyrs of the Old Testament suffered for a just cause, for
the sake of true religion, for their God, and in doing so, received of God
a testimony. With that
testimony from God established, those heroes of old, even up to this day,
are witnesses for or against us in how we honour God. The question we must ask ourselves is, ‘if so many have
preceded us, should that not propel us, so that we do no less than they
did?’ The scene in verse 1
seems to have shifted to a sports stadium, where clearly a long distance
marathon, a grilling race, is in progress. The previous champions of
faith appeared to be spectators from the heavens cheering on the present
runners, encouraging them to overcome their present discouragements, and
to keep on engaging in this competition. Note that they are
witnesses in the sense that they bear testimony that the race can be run
successfully. They are witnesses of the importance of faith and endurance.
They testify also that the rewards to success at completion of the race
are extremely great. The idea that these past heroes of faith are spectators, lead some people to think that these people in heaven, can see what goes on, on the earth, and in some way act to encourage the people in this gruelling race. The language of the passage however, cannot really be regarded as conclusive proof, that those in heaven can see what goes on and can encourage Christians today. STEPS
OF PREPARATION FOR THE RACE
This chapter tells us
that there are several things we must do to prepare ourselves for running
this race successfully. We must plan carefully. Note the preparation activity about which we will study. First, we must observe
and emulate those heroes who have gone before us and who made the
difficult choice to follow the Lord and to seek his glory,. Secondly, in preparation
to run the race, we must lay aside every weight that presses down on the
athlete. Thirdly,
we must set aside the sin that easily entangles us. This is not the
previously discussed ‘weight’ but rather the pitfalls, the problems,
the temptations which occur during the race, to trip up the runner. This
is not the burden of past sins, but the opportunity for today’s sin that
will entangle us. Fourthly, we are told to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and ‘perfecter’ of our faith.
BE
CAREFUL WHY?
With the frame of mind,
that God and the testimony of the saints who came before are encouraging
us through their present and past actions, what is there to hold us back?
Any weight, or ties to the old man, or the world, should be cast
off. What does it profit us
to maintain it? Even among
men they have this saying “the actions of men are laid with the best
intentions”? We as Christians know
that the Devil is constantly on the attack.
Sometimes, we ourselves are our own worst enemy, going and doing
things we should not be associated with.
The sins we encounter from ourselves and from other actions, can
impact our walk with God. All transgressions, past, or present, and whether or not we
might admit it, or whether or not we wanted the sins to occur, are to be
laid aside, laid on Jesus. Note that it is not only
sins that can hold us back. There
are many things, ‘hindrances’, that are not in any way things that can
be called sins, but they can very effectively keep us from running the
race that God has laid out for us. Sometimes we are
confronted with choices, and our options are not between choosing the
right or the wrong, but between something that can hinder us and something
that will not hinder us in our race. Let us remember that the
word used for race is the word “agona”, a word used for
conflict or trouble of many kinds. Paul used this word often.
See Philippians 1: 30, Colossians 2:1, 1 Thessalonians 2:2, 1 Tim.
6:12, 2 Tim. 4:7. The
race is life itself. It is God who gives us life, and it is he that starts
us in this race, expecting us to meet his expectations, given the
provisions God himself has made for us. We are told often that
Life is not a sprint but an agonizing marathon. Our aim is to get to the
end of life itself, and then we await the final transformation. The Christian life was
never intended to be a picnic, rather it will be rough. This is most
significant, given our tendency to grow weary, fainthearted, and to slack
off. Hence the call for ENDURANCE. Therefore not only
sin’, but worldly concerns should be laid aside, so that we can be about
our Father’s work. Moses laid aside the
trappings of royalty, his hindering weight, because he knew that God had
given him a mission. We all
have our hindering weights. For
some it is ambition, wealth, fame, anxieties, guilt feelings from past
actions, or many such things. We must each judge what
things will hinder our faith, and with firm resolution, set them aside.
It is well said that one cannot run well in an overcoat! Note also that there is a
sin which very easily entangles or besets us.
We must examine ourselves and never excuse anything as being fine
for one’s self, even though we think it is forbidden to others. Remember that sins often
look trivial to us, and so we do them easily, treating the word of God
lightly. Even the great Moses got
caught treating God's word lightly and it kept him out of the Promised
Land. See Deuteronomy 32:51-52. Even the great King David thought that
adultery and murder could be overlooked, but God thought different and
then sent Nathan to expose him and announce judgment. Paul had his
hindrances, God had given him many great revelations, and as a result, God
gave him a thorn in the flesh. Unbelief of any sort is a
very dangerous thing. I have not run across any
one that can say, that by worrying they have caused a situation to get
better. Rather, proper action is what improves a situation.
That is what God wishes from us, not holding any burden on our
minds to slow us down or deter us form our tasks in the work of God.
The full heart, body, mind and soul should be focused on
accomplishing the will of God, as appointed to us. Likewise, we cling to
rites, ceremonies, and traditions, which some times deter us or entangle
us. These also should be cast aside so we can see God’s plan for us more
clearly. One cannot say sin is not
attractive, and that it is not all around us, however does it really hold
any sway, when we hold it up to the things of God?
What we must do is focus on those who have realized this before us
and taken the appropriate steps to God, so too must we leave behind the
worldly concerns to follow God. There
is time enough to deal with matters since we are in this world, but do not
let them consume us, or lend them extra importance. Our
Christian walk is like a race. Perhaps
a marathon is a better analogy. The
Bible instructs that perseverance is important. Our goal ahead is to finish this race. There are no extra points for being first or last, just the
goal of finishing the race that is important.
Obstacles will be in our way, but with God’s guidance and the
exercise of patience, we will find that the obstacles are just smoke and
mirrors. So just run the race
before us. Christ himself shall
reward us, God the Father has set up the race, and Jesus, our coach has
instructed us on the best strategy to use to complete the race.
Some run different lengths, some have greater obstacles than others
but no one can say that God is not there to council them. Thus, we must press on towards the mark for the prize: “ a going from strength to strength, from one degree of grace to another; and to it swiftness and agility are necessary; and when it is performed aright, it is with readiness, willingness, and cheerfulness: it requires strength and courage, and a removal of all impediments, and should be done “with patience”’ which is very necessary, because of the many exercises in the way; and because of the length of the race; and on account of the prize to be enjoyed, which is very desirable: the examples of the saints, and especially Christ the forerunner, should move and animate unto it.” Verse 2.
Clearly, those who have gone before have this testimony.
Consistent endurance is possible only because of Jesus.
Jesus has already run the race. Jesus has set the standard for us.
He set out how we should go about our Christian walk.
Now, Jesus has taken his place by the throne of God.
He has laid down the example of faith we must have to overcome
adversity and the path of growth to maturity in the will of God.
All aspects of faith are written and lived by Christ for our
example. The example of faith is perfected in him; thus making him the
exemplar of all whom would live by faith.
He is waiting at the end of the race to welcome us. We are therefore exhorted
to look away from human leaders. Jesus
is the only source of direction and strength for us.
He laid aside every weight and ran the race himself, without the
support of family or friends. With
that in mind, there is no faith, no salvation, no eternal life, but that
which is granted by God the Father and by Jesus; since it is a divine
effort that allows man to believe, especially on the things of God.
With God empowering us, with our faith coursing through our
spiritual bodies, we are strengthened and maintained within him. Note that Jesus is the
greatest example possible of Christian endurance.
He is not only the author of our faith but he is the finisher of
it. He begun a good work in us and he will complete it. We
are now told somewhat of what Jesus went through and what gave him
strength. We are told somewhat of a source of strength by the statement; “who for the joy that was set before him”. He
suffered “humiliation”, for he had to come in the flesh, in the
form of a servant, experience this world, the pain of the cross, the death
of the cross, and more. Those who are parents
might have some understanding concerning sacrifices made for their
offspring. Christ had to die to ensure that His offspring or a remnant
would be saved. He took on
the disgrace of rejection, death and suffering.
He did this because of his love, for the joy of having a spiritual
seed, the joy of presenting his elect to his Father. The Scriptures make it
clear that Jesus did not regard the cross itself as the joy, for it was a
horrible experience. There
was torture in the cross, and a prominent part of this torture was the
extreme shame that it brought to those experienced it.
The Jews regarded these people as cursed. Jesus however looked
beyond this horror to enjoy the joy of glorification and bringing many
sons to glory, that lay at its end. Jesus never deceived himself that human beings were nice and that there was anything good about ungodliness. He knew that he as well as his followers would be treated shamefully. The Hebrew Christians were reminded of what Jesus did, so that they would reconsider their discouragement. Verse 3.
Jesus is the model that we should follow, for when we look at him,
we see someone who patiently endured the attacks and opposition from
sinful men. Even his own
disciples, and his own family gave him a difficult time and attacked him.
He was rejected by those in his hometown and given no honour by
them. They rejected him. When
he did good and healed people his own countrymen hated him and tried to
kill him. He cried at the tomb of Lazarus, for he was sad at the unbelief
and antagonism of his people. He was rejected and misunderstood even by
the Gentile Romans. He knew that godly the behaviour should not be so
shamefully rewarded. First, note that Jesus as
God is holy, righteous, just, and good.
As the Son of God, the attributes previously mentioned can also be
ascribed to Him. Jesus as the risen Saviour, the Prophet, High Priest,
and King, has within him nobility, honour, and justice.
As a human, it was clear to all that He was holy, righteous, meek,
and humble. He acted as a
servant, friend and brother to all. All
of which is fully realized in him. He was so kind and
compassionate that he suffered the death and shame of the cross, paying
the price for crimes He did not commit, but knowing that only He could pay
the price to cover the multitude of sins men had committed. He was
self-sacrificing. Here we catch a glimpse
of the individual that Jesus is. All
his characteristics were visible to those around him, and yet still they
continued to mock, insult and attack him.
They denied the deity of Jesus, his Sonship, office of Priest,
King, Prophet, Saviour and Messiah. His
works were not enough to convince them, his mercy, generosity and kindness
were not enough, not even his sacrifice.
They had no cause for any of this hostility. Jesus has overcome, and
now sits at the right hand of God. He
has been given power and glory. We know if God be for us,
who can be against us. ( 1
Sam. 26:9, from Rom. 8:31). When
they looked at Jesus, this would have encouraged the very discouraged
Hebrew Christians. We must keep looking at Jesus and considering him. This is why the proper
celebration of the Lord’s Supper is so important. We must avoid the
temptation brought by the Devil to focus on ourselves and our doings. We
must completely and totally obey what God has commanded. We must focus on
Him and what he has done and not on ourselves.
When we focus on him often and regularly, we will not get weary and
faint in our minds. With that in mind we can face all that come our way, through Jesus Christ, who strengthens us. Jesus our perfect example did not grow weary, so we should take our strength from him and stand. Verse 4.
Let us remember that Jesus has not asked us to do more than
what he himself has done. Temptation took him to the limits of its power,
and he resisted remaining totally obedient to the will of his Father.
He paid a heavy price, and the stress on him caused his veins to
burst, drops of blood falling from his forehead. But the Sinless innocent
One resisted, conquering against all his enemies. In general life is tough
when serving God. It appears as though trouble, hardship and injustice
visit us more frequently. Most
of us have not gone to the point where we had tribulations and trials that
tested our resolve to the point of death, as it has many saints before and
of course Jesus. If our blood is split for the sake of Christ, then it turns
out to be gain for us. We
must remember that our situation is not as bad as it could be. HOW
GOD TRAINS US
Verse 5. The Apostle now tells us the true point of view Christians must have toward hardship and opposition. It answers a question as to why God allows difficult times in the life of believers. He reminds them of what Solomon told his own son when he needed to advise him on how to handle troubles and hardships. Proverbs 3:11-12 is
applied to advise them on the rebuke and punishment which comes from the
Lord. It
is clear that difficulties, disappointments, and heartbreaks will come to
us, but it is also clear that they are reasons as to why these
difficulties come. Most
importantly, whatever the reasons, there is a bright side, says the
Apostle. When we are afflicted,
the source may not be God, although he may allow it.
One basic fact must be recognized, which is, God is never the
author of evil for believers. Even
when he does allow others to choose evil when they deal with believers, he
uses this ultimately for his own good purposes. In those instances, He
always uses evil to demonstrate that he's just and righteous. There are therefore
purposeful difficulties that will come to believers and when we listen
carefully we can hear the voice of our Heavenly Father, agree with him,
and cooperate in a learning experience.
It might be difficult and even frightening, but it is never to be
treated as valueless, for clearly there is something about us that God
needs to change. We should now
differentiate between discipline and punishment. Christians have escaped
the punishment due to our sins because Jesus was punished for our sins.
So we should not look on our difficulties as punishment. Discipline is very
different for it is always creative, aiming to build character, beauty,
maturity and success. It is
for the sake of the believer. It
is sorrowful and difficult but it is always for our sakes.
The Heavenly Father cares enough about us to challenge and change
us; And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits
of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the
adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body, Romans 8: 32 . The first part of the verse therefore starts off as a reminder, an exhortation to remember that when tribulations come bear them, and bear them cheerfully. For even though the tribulations or chastisement are permitted by God, there are valuable lessons to be learnt from them. Chastisement from God is never vindictive, or non-purposeful. It is given in love by God, for the sole purpose of the instruction of his children, for his glory, and their good, in order to remove defilements associated with the believer, and to increase his patience. Verse 6.
The remnant are those chosen by God, and loved by God. They were once separated from God, and were enemies, but now
are quickened by His grace, justified, pardoned and accepted, due to
Christ’s sacrifice. He did not spare his own Son but gave him up for
believers. God loves His people and
wants to see them strong. Part
of that strengthening process is in chastising them when they err.
This chastising from God is always done in love.
It is never a sign of rejection. Why does God do it this
way? Simply put, those who have been predestined by God to the
adoption of children, and by grace he has declared Himself Father to them.
Christ has held us in special regard, seen from his sacrifice. The hardships that come
from discipline are a sign which proves our Sonship. Since we share this
Sonship with Jesus, we now enjoy communion with God.
If at anytime we err, to bring us back into the right relationship
with him, He suffers us that sometimes we are scourged by men, buffeted by
Satan, scourged by Himself with the rod of men, and with the stripes of
the children of men, but always in love. Remember that when Jeremiah encountered massive problems in his ministry and complained to God, God reminded him of the necessity for trials, and even that worse trials were to come. God said: “ If thou hast run
with footmen, and if they wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with
horses? And if in the land of
peace, wherein thou trusted, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in
the swelling of Jordan?” Note therefore that sometimes the chastening is not very pleasant. But God sends exactly what we need, and what we can bear. One writer comments quite accurately on our expected behaviour. “ But God is asking
us to rejoice, nevertheless, not saying, “ Hallelujah, it hurts,” but
“ Hallelujah, it helps!” For, he points out,
“ later it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been
trained by it”. A warning therefore.
Don't gripe and whine and complain at every trial.
The trial will never do anything good or creative for us if we are
always complaining. Whatever is happening look beyond the immediate instrument, even if it is Satan, to the One behind, who will send the blessing ultimately. Verse 7.
It is for us to endure the chastisement of the Lord. The single reason is this.
God chastens us for our good, and for His glory.
Since it comes from the Lord, His motives are pure and holy, and to
that end for our own benefit. So, should we not trust the Lord and
patiently bear, and not murmur when it occurs! He does it because He
loves us and wants the best for us. It
says that we are His children, and are confirmed by the chastisement, but
this occurs only when it is necessary, and whenever He does, it is true
love and mercy, and for good, and in the best times, seasonably, and in
measure. Note that human fathers do things to their children in their parenting style according to what seems best. They are imperfect and have limited knowledge but even they discipline their children to make them better. Verse 8.
There are many distinctions set between the children of God and
the children of the world. For
as the children of God, we are chastened of God because He loves us, for
His glory, for our good. The
children of the world are not so cared for. If they err, because they
have rejected God, their final punishment is the Lake of Fire, so
let them be for now, for God has reserved a place for them.
Chastisement does not erase the state of imperfection.
They can continue in their current state, but we know that they
have forfeited eternal peace. It is interesting to note
that some claim that they are beyond chastening.
The passage suggests that these people are really illegitimate
children of God. We also learn that when God is angry, if all the wrath he demonstrates is by ignoring our sins, letting us continue without correction, his inactivity is not due to his ignorance or his lack of intention. God inactivity is a dangerous sign. Verse 9.
When our earthly fathers (parents) correct us, it is only done
in the flesh. Their
punishment usually does not take us to the point where we grow
spiritually. It deters
us from an action at the moment unfavourable. Even though they love us,
the correction or nature of it might not be appropriate, or measure of it
sufficient or even with respect to duration, untimely.
But being in error, children accept the punishment and reverence
their earthly parents. When God chastises us, we
sometimes say all manner of things, such as God is unjust.
He corrects us in love, for His sake, for our good. But often we
still murmur and do not reverence Him in the appropriate manner, but look
to escape His chastisement. God’s goal is to
nurture the new creature that was born in all of us when we became a
Christian and to set our spirit in growth, towards maturity. To make the
adoption complete, He works to prove our spirit, so we will understand His
Spirit, and the spiritual gifts He bestows. In fact when we resent the discipline or chastening of God we are really considering ourselves to be equal with God, instead of considering ourselves as His children. It cannot be humiliating or bitter to be chastened by someone who is your superior, especially if we know that discipline is required to make us develop properly. Resenting discipline from God is a sign of our disobedience and irreverence. Verse 10.
Parents when chastising their children do so in a manner that
seems good to them. Even with
the best intentions, it is still done with imperfect knowledge and skill,
often leading to unwelcome worldly outcomes.
For the time it might deter similar transgressions, but often it
does not help. God corrects for our
profit. The goal is to mature the spirit, so sin is no longer a barrier
between God and his people. At
no point does God’s love or grace towards us decrease.
Through this chastisement, we partake in developing holiness, so
that we will eventually be fit for God’s
Kingdom. First,
it must take us to the point where we know we are sinning against God.
Then we can acknowledge it. Develop
an aversion to it, so that we will sin no more, and with that repent, so
that it can be purged from us. The
Lord God acts for our own good, so that one day we will no longer walk
after the flesh but one day our spirit will be able to walk with God. This raises the question
as to why many of us live experiencing one crisis after another.
It could be that such a person is either resisting God's chastening
or is blind to God's chastening. There is therefore no experience of the peaceable fruit of righteousness. They are simply never trained. God's chastening is the only way for that training to come about. Verse 11. Let us therefore remember that the pain is not the whole story. There's always something good that follows later on.The only problem we have is that during any chastisement, the pain currently felt makes us lose sight of the goal of the correction. That goal is to bring us into a closer union with God. Should we bear the punishment and not murmur, then what God does is bring us closer to him. He is just. Verse 12.
We must start by realizing that when believers suffer it is not
just coincidence, blind chance, or simply the misery from our
circumstances. The
difficulties come from God to try us and to purify us by this fire. It is therefore foolish
for us to rebel, refuse to learn the lessons from God, or complain about
the difficulties that we face. The writer gives us a
series of advice to counteract our tendency to concentrate on our misery. Though this was directed
at the Hebrews, today it can be said about us.
This is because of the way we conduct ourselves as Christians, for
sometimes we are sluggish, and inactive in prayer, when the Bible
instructs against such attitudes. We as Christians should
be ready to be active in every duty given us by God. We should be
courageous against our enemy, for our strength lies in Jesus, a proven
victor. Bear patiently every burden, and be cheerful when difficulties
come, for God sets it for our own good. We should exhort others; remind
them of the great things God has done. Simply put we are to deal
first with ourselves and get our own hearts properly focused,
understanding our troubles. The word used for
‘strength’ is in the plural imperative, implying that this is a joint
effort to be made by many, for we can help each other, and work together,
offering encouraging words and mutual prayers, sharing our testimony with
those undergoing trials. A solo effort is ruled out for every believer has a responsibility to other believers. Verse 13.
This really means that we must watch how we influence others,
for we must be careful not to make others who travel with us, who are
weaker, stumble. We have to
avoid making others get sprains or twisted joints. Our feet sometimes tend
to lead us into trouble, just like our tongues.
Still if we watch our feet and tongues carefully, we can get a
blessing from them, and pass along that blessing to others. God’s way is narrow.
We have been given his ordinances, and so let us walk worthy of the
trust given to us. Trials and
tribulations will come our way, but we are given promises that will allow
us to overcome them and to ensure that our place is with God.
Let us bring this message to those who need to hear it, the world. The Apostle seems to be really quoting from Isaiah 35:4 where he said: “ Say to them that
are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not; behold, your God will come
with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you.” God will deliver. CONCLUSION
Verses 14 and onward then
show us the practical results when we have trials in our lives.
They make it possible for us to live a new kind of life, a life
that demonstrates the reality of the living God. It is only this kind of
life that will impress the world, for they cannot live that kind of life. Believers are urged to
get right with God and with man. There
must be personal holiness, and this will be shown in right moral conduct. Discipline will produce
the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
It definitely will not produce the
“root of bitterness”, against which there is a stern warning.
Believers are not to sell their birthright of intimacy with God as
cheaply as Esau sold his birthright. We have a responsibility to love God and to love our neighbour. This only comes when there is discipline from God. Let us accept it, and keep on changing for the better. |