Interesting chapter of Scripture to consider for those who believe that grace does away with any and all hardships and that all difficulty is from Satan and never approved by God. Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. 5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” Wait a minute, did the Scripture just say that God punishes? Is the concept being conveyed here that God will punish disobedience in His children? Is this telling us that God will bring correction into our lives through difficulties and hardships in order to train us in what is right? Hebrews 12:7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. 12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. A big reason for this correction has to do with others even more than it does ourselves. At least that is what I gain from verse 13. Our living sets a path for others to see and if the path we are walking isnt straight then those who follow our example and are weak or lame will stumble and fall. If we love our brothers and sisters in Christ and we claim to love the lost we will attempt to fit in with that which is ungodly but we will rather seek to set good examples before them to follow after. We will not hide who we are in Jesus by trying to be like those without light thinking it will help win them somehow. At the same time we will not be obnoxious and hateful about our walk. Hebrews 12:14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. 16 Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. Seems like sound instruction for believers to follow.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 14:20:09 +0000
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