MSB HEB Chapter 12

A Call to Endurance

(2 Timothy 2:1–13)

Therefore, [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. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author[fn] 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. 3 Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that vvv you will not grow weary [and] lose heart

God Disciplines His Sons

In your struggle against sin, vvv you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And 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.

For [the] Lord disciplines the one He loves,

and He chastises every son He receives.”[fn]

Endure suffering as discipline;[fn] God is treating you as sons. For what son vvv is not disciplined [by his] father? 8 If you do not experience discipline like everyone vvv else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Furthermore we have all had vvv vvv earthly fathers who disciplined [us], and we respected [them]. {Should we} not much more submit to the Father of [our] spirits and live?

[Our fathers] disciplined [us] for vvv vvv a short time as they thought best, but [God disciplines us] for [our] good, so that we may share in His holiness. 11 vvv No discipline seems vvv enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness [and] peace[fn] to those who have been trained by it.

Therefore strengthen [your] limp hands and weak knees.[fn] 13 Make straight paths for your feet,[fn] so that the lame {may} not be disabled, but rather healed.

A Call to Holiness

(1 Peter 1:13–21)

Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, [and] that no root of bitterness[fn] springs up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 [See to it] that [no one is] sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. vvv 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)

For vvv you have not come to a mountain that[fn] can be touched and [that] is burning with fire; to blackness, darkness,[fn] and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast [or] to a voice that [made] [its] hearers beg that no further word be spoken 20 For vvv they could not bear what was commanded:“If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.”[fn] 21 The sight was so terrifying [that] even Moses said,“I am trembling with fear.”[fn]

Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, [to the] city of [the] living God, [the] heavenly Jerusalem. [You have come] to myriads of angels 23 in 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, 24 to Jesus [the] mediator of a new covenant, and to [the] sprinkled blood that speaks a better word[fn] than [the blood] of Abel.

See to it that vvv 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? 26 At that time [His] voice shook the earth, but now He has promised vvv“Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.”[fn] 27 The [words] vvv“Once more” signify the removal of what can be shaken — that is, created things — so that the vvv unshakable may remain.

Therefore, [since] we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, [and so] worship God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.[fn] 29 For our God [is a] consuming fire.”[fn]