Here are the quick links to each study in Hebrews
Showing posts with label Hebrews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hebrews. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Hebrews 13:1-25 – Finishing Strong = Week 46 - Wednesday
Finishing Strong
Hebrews 13:1-25
Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
- What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. Great app, better on computers or on phone)
StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)
Topics:
#HashtagsTopical Bible
Hebrews 13:1-25
Other YouTube Videos
Potential Sermon Titles: ??
Intro Questions to get us thinking:
- In one or two words, how would you describe the relationship you had with your brothers and sisters when you were growing up?
- Who has been as close to you as a brother?
Hebrews 13:1-25
Sacrifices Pleasing to God
13 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say,
“The
Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what
can man do to me?”
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. 19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Benediction
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
22 I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. 25 Grace be with all of you.
OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
Finishing Strong - Hebrews 13:1-19
May God Prepare You To Do His Will - Hebrews 13:20-25
STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
StudyLight (LEB) (Great site with commentaries by Burton Coffman)
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BlueLetter (KJV) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
Literal Word (NASB) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
Biblia.com (NCV) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- In what areas should "brotherly love" define Christians (vv. 1-7)? What consequences are spelled out here for those who do? For those who don't? What help is offered for those who struggle (vv. 6, 8)?
- What does verse 5 say about priorities when making financial decisions? What reason do we have to be worry-free when it comes to money? How are we to regard our leaders (vv. 7,17) and why? How does this reflect our regard for the changeless Christ? What do these verses say about the importance of considering our leaders as Christ's messengers?
- What "strange teaching" was a particular temptation to Hebrew Christians (vv. 9-10)? What rituals, mores, and other forms of legalism tempt believers of any age? Why?
- What is the point of the argument in verses 9-14? Based on his argument, what types of "sacrifices" is God concerned with (vv. 15-16)?
- Why does the author desire their prayers (vv. 18-19)? How would you paraphrase his prayer for them (vv. 20-21)?
- From verses 1-19, how would you sum up the Christian lifestyle?
APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)
The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)
- In which of these six areas have you made the most progress this year: (a) Loving one another as brothers and sisters? (b) Providing hospitality? (c) Caring for those suffering for their faith? (d) Keeping your marriage strong? (e) Staying free from the love of money? (f) Submitting to leaders in authority? Which area do you need the most work on?
- In which of these six areas is your church the strongest? The weakest? Would you say an obedient congregation prays for its leaders? Or would you say "A praying congregation obeys its leaders"? What's the difference?
- Considering all you have seen about Jesus in this book, write out a "sacrifice of praise" to him reflecting on all He has done for us. What sacrifice of "doing good and sharing" can you offer this week?
- What is the most significant thing you've learned from studying Hebrews? How has this affected your life?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Articles
13 Hebrews 13 – Finishing Strong
https://coryhcollins.blogspot.com/2018/11/13-hebrews-13-finishing-strong.htmlDevotions
What Would You Like To Be?
There are few things that can make you feel as vulnerable and helpless as being stranded while traveling. Connie and I were starting a vacation on 9/11 and spent a week of tumultuous emotion anticipating crossing an international border and finding a flight home when no planes were allowed in the air (spoiler alert: we got home fine). During this virus lockdown, unnumbered travelers were stranded around the world and others were placed in awkward rerouting schedules. Many sympathetic people have rallied to help and comfort anxious travelers. They have been called “travel angels.”
Sanne Wesselman was scheduled to leave Spain for the Netherlands, but had no face mask for the flight. A stranger offered to make for her a mask and the next day delivered a mask, gloves and hand sanitizer for the flight. Jess Ekstrom flew into Philadelphia late at night and had to wait for her rental car shuttle in a dim and lonely area. A competing agency’s shuttle driver pulled up and waited with her until she was safely away. Silvana Frappier took a long trip from Boston to São Paulo, going through Miami. On the first leg of the trip, she helped a passenger who was overwhelmed by traveling with an infant. After holding the baby, she shepherded the young mom through the Miami plane change. A grateful plane crew presented Frappier with an upgrade to business class for the South American leg of the journey. Even “angels” can be blessed!
“Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:1-2 NIV).
With all the bad news being piped into our living rooms from all over the earth, it’s reassuring to know that people everywhere are still acting in kindness. It seems the media would like to paint the whole world as a whirling, vicious dogfight in progress, but in truth there are good-hearted souls all around us. The Lord Jesus Christ demands that we, too, be people of good will and kindness and compassion, especially toward those who are anxious and vulnerable. We can express His love and kindness so that peace and calm and safety can float down into a troubled life.
The Hebrews verse probably refers to Abraham’s reception of the visitors who came to him in Genesis 18. The patriarch cared for the needs of his visitors and was, in response, blessed by God. We, too, may find that we are blessed by our care for others, but even if such blessing forever eludes us, we will know that we did the right thing. God is kind toward all people, giving all kinds of good gifts to people who never think of Him or obey Him. As His children, we should imitate that same kind of selflessness, thinking of the burdens and struggles of those around us. If we love one another and spend just a little energy to answer an anxious need, we will show ourselves to be followers of Jesus. We might even be called angels, but it will be better for us to be called “children of God.”
Monday, November 17, 2025
Hebrews 12:14-29 A Call to Listen to God = Week 46 - Monday
A Call to Listen to God
Hebrews 12:14-29
Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
- What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. Great app, better on computers or on phone)
StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)
Topics:
#Hashtags#Kingdom
Topical Bible
Articles
Potential Sermon Titles: ??
Intro Questions to get us thinking:
- If you could choose any city to move to with the right job, by what criteria would you choose: friends or family? Climate? Housing? Culture or athletic pursuits?
14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.
A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken
18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
25 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. 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
The author again warns against the sin of unbelief.
The Contest (12:1–4)
II. The Chastening (12:5–13): Divine discipline is the theme of this passage.
III. The Challenges (12:14–17)
A. The author’s exhortation (12:14–15)
1. “Try to live in peace with everyone” (12:14a).
2. “Seek to live a clean and holy life” (12:14b).
3. “Watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you” (12:15).
B. The author’s example (12:16–17): Esau is held up as a tragic example of what not to do.
1. He was immoral (12:16a).
2. He was godless (12:16b).
3. He despised his birthright (12:16c–17).
IV. The Contrasts (12:18–24): Two mountains are contrasted.
A. Mount Sinai (12:18–21)
1. The person (12:21): Moses.
2. The principle (12:18–20): The law of God.
B. Mount Zion (12:22–24)
1. The person (12:24a): Christ.
2. The principle (12:22–23, 24b): The grace of God.
V. The Caution (12:25–27): The author solemnly warns his readers about the terrible results of unbelief.
VI. The Consuming Fire (12:28–29)
A. Our God is a coming King (12:28).
B. Our God is a consuming fire (12:29).
STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
StudyLight (LEB) (Great site with commentaries by Burton Coffman)
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BlueLetter (KJV) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
Literal Word (NASB) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
Biblia.com (NCV) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- How do the instructions and Esau's example (vv. 14-17; see Genesis 25:29-34) relate to disciplining your weaker members (vv.12-13)?
- What is the point of the comparison between Mount Sinai (vv. 18-21) at Mount Zion (vv. 22-24)?
- What is the “better word" (v. 24) in contrast to “no further word" (v. 19)? What do the words “once more" convey (vv. 26-27)?
- How does this play on words sum up the author's argument throughout the book? What happens to any who refuse to hear God's voice (vv. 18-21, 25-29)? To those who heed his call?
APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)
The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)
- What efforts have you made to “live in peace with all”?
- In relationships that fail, do you believe it is because one or both parties didn't try hard enough? What can be done to see that people who are torn apart, despite their best efforts, do not also miss the grace of God?
- What in his passage comforts you? What makes you uneasy? What thrills you most about the city of the living God?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Amazing Race: "Unshakable"
Hebrews 12:28 “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
Other YouTube Videos
Mount Zion - Ron Bontrager
Devotions
Where were you on September 11, 2001? I'm sure you remember.
That date will be engraved on the memories of Americans everywhere for generations to come. On that terrible day when terrorists commanded several passenger planes and killed thousands of innocent people, we began to realize the true depths of evil in the human heart, and the uncertainty and fragility of life itself.
What lesson would God teach us from such an appalling tragedy? I confess I don’t know the answer. I do remember, many people for the first time faced the shallowness and emptiness of their lives, and turned to God as a result. Millions came together to pray.
But one lesson God would teach us all is this: our only lasting hope is in Him. Life has always been uncertain; September 11 only made it more apparent. Where will you turn for your security? Put your life in Christ’s hands, for only He offers us a “kingdom which cannot be shaken.”
At the 9/11 national day of prayer in remembrance service, Billy Graham shared these words:
“We’ve always needed God from the very beginning of this nation, but today we need Him especially. We’re facing a new kind of enemy. We’re involved in a new type of warfare, and we need the help of the Spirit of God. The Bible’s words are our hope: ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.’
Thought of the Day: My prayer today is that you will feel the loving arms of God wrapped around you, and will know in your heart that He will never forsake you as you trust in Him.
Friday, November 14, 2025
Hebrews 12:1-13 God’s Discipline Proves His Love = Week 45 - Friday
God’s Discipline Proves His Love
Hebrews 12:1-13
Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
- What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. Great app, better on computers or on phone)
StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)
Topics:
#HashtagsTopical Bible
Other YouTube Videos
Articles
Potential Sermon Titles: ??
Intro Questions to get us thinking:
- What discipline did you sometimes resent as a child that you appreciate now: practicing piano? Having a place for everything and everything in its place? Submitting work on time? Not overspending your allowance?
- Do you perform better before a crowd or in private? Why is that?
Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith
12 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, 2 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.
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 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.”
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.
OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
StudyLight (LEB) (Great site with commentaries by Burton Coffman)
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BlueLetter (KJV) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
Literal Word (NASB) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
Biblia.com (NCV) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- How should Christians “run the race”? What does it mean to throw off sin and hindrances? To “run with perseverance”? To “fix our eyes on Jesus”?
- What does hardship demonstrate about a person's relationship to God? How should a person respond to God when disciplined? How does Christ's discipline differ from human discipline? What benefits does discipline bring?
APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)
The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)
- What comfort do you get from knowing that a cloud of witnesses is watching you run the Christian race?
- What are two obstacles that hinder and entangle you in your race? Why?
- What have you discovered that helps you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?
- How has God disciplined you in the past? How did his discipline lead to peace for you?
- What's the hardest thing you're going through right now? How is God using this in your life?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Other Resources:
Links - https://virtualbiblestudy.com/
Discovery Bible Study
Series: Connected “Abiding in Christ”
In a time of growing isolation and individualism, we are reminded of how important it is to stay connected to God and to each other. Jesus’ metaphor of the vine and branches calls us into a life of connection over production as we abide in Him.
Title: “Purpose in Pruning” (Hebrews 12:4-13)
Bookmark: Click Here
Opening Thoughts: God prunes us for growth. Pruning is not punishment, but it can be painful. What does God want to cut away in your life so you will be more productive?
v Discipline with “untrue” words.
o Nobody really enjoys discipline.
§ Hebrews 12:11 NIV - 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
o We don’t like self-discipline.
v Review: John 15 I am the true vine, and you are the branches. – Jesus
o John 15:1–2 NIV - 1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
===============================================================
Text: Hebrews 12:4-13
God Disciplines His Children
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
===============================================================
Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the story in your own words.
v Review and retell the story.
Reflections for applications:
v God cuts off…
o dead & diseased branches.
§ Colossians 3:5 NIV - Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
o “sucker” branches
o healthy branches
· Why would God prune the good things from my life?
· Everything that happens to you is not directly caused by God
o “cuts off” = “lifts up”
§ Paul Cowdrey’s story.
· Proverbs 3:11–12 NIV - 11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, 12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
· I realized early on (when I was diagnosed) that there was a good possibility that this could be the Father warning me to refocus on my life and repent of some things before it was too late, which I did. Consequently, the Lord was faithful to His promises. I am so thankful that He loved me this way—by discipline! A hard lesson to recognize in our own lives – Paul Cowdrey
§ The pruning process can be painful.
o Hebrews 12:4-6
§ God’s discipline signifies God’s LOVE
o Hebrews 12:7-11
§ Discipline is painful but PRODUCTIVE
· What does God want to prune in your life?
==============================
Digging Questions:
· How will you respond to making “Connection to Jesus”? What transformative move needs to be made?
· What do these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?
· What is God calling us (me and you individually) to do?
Take Away Challenges
· What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
· Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
· What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts or actions need to be addressed or changed?
Hashtags #Connected #Prune #discipline
Sunday sermon link https://youtu.be/ib2nVb2Wqhg
Kevin’s Blog Link to more resources: Click here for Kevin’s Blog Notes
Comments and resources with some more resources:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12%3A4-13&version=NIV
Devotions
======================
Let’s Take A Look at Extreme Suffering
It will have to be a short look because I can only contemplate this topic for so long, but I think I need to give it a shot
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of[the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:1-2
Within the last few days, I've heard people share pain stories. There's no doubt that these people suffer real pain. In some cases it's physical. In some cases it is emotional. In all cases it involves a spiritual struggle. I almost feel like a voyeur. The pain I've known in life seems insignificant compared to the pain that others have felt.
One day this week, I opened up Philip Yancey's book, Where is God When It Hurts. I had started going over it a second time several weeks ago. My bookmark was placed at the chapter on "Extreme Cases." I think I know why I had stopped reading. Yancey opens the chapter with a discussion of the experiences of people who have been in concentration camps. I had to force myself to read that section, but I'm glad I did. Extreme suffering is spoken of in our Bibles. If there were no chapter divisions between Hebrews 11 and 12, we'd realize that the writer was talking about people who were stoned to death, sawn in two, and killed by the sword, among other things. Here's some of the things I took away from Yancey's discussion of extreme cases.
1. Even in extreme pain, we have the ability to choose our own attitude. That was the conclusion of Victor Frankl, the Jewish psychiatrist who was a holocaust survivor. He said, "…everything can be taken from a man but one thing, the last of human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances." That's huge. It says that suffering is not omnipotent.
2. God is not absent when pain is present. Yancey wrote, "God does not, in the comfortable surroundings of heaven, turn a deaf ear to the sounds of suffering from the planet" (160). In Romans 8, Paul acknowledged, "… the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God…." He then went on to say, "….the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God" (Romans 8:19; 21). An old traditional gospel song lyric assures us, "Jesus knows all about our struggles." I believe that.
3. We don't have to be able to explain the reason for our pain to endure it with dignity. Job never did learn the reason for his suffering. Gethsemane causes us to ask the question, "At that moment, did Jesus fully understood the logic behind the cross? And how are we to understand the silence of the Father when Jesus was on the cross? We may not be able to answer that question, but we do understand that our hope is anchored in Calvary. Yancey observed, "God took the Great Pain of his own Son's death and used it to absorb into himself all the minor pains of earth. Suffering was the cost to God of forgiveness" (160).
4. The concept of the New Heaven and the New Earth promises complete removal of pain. "…he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Yancey saw it this way. "We never know how suffering can be transformed into cause for celebration. But this is what we are to believe. Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse" (161).
While I can't come up with a flawless rationale in defense of God's decision to allow martyrdom, I do believe what Jesus said in the sermon on the mount.
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. - Matthew 5:11-12.
That's it for this time. The piece on suffering ran longer than I intended. Have a great week.
Grace and Peace,
Norman
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Woodrow Kroll Quote – 3 Reasons To Never Give Up On God
“Never give up on God because He never gives up on you.” – Woodrow Kroll
Devotional: 3 Reasons To Never Give Up On God
Never Give Up on the Giver
Jesus Christ gives us eternal life, but it comes at the most supreme of cost: His own life (John 3:16). So why would we want to give up on He Who gave up all for us? What if Jesus felt like giving up in the garden and decided to give up on the plan of Calvary? Who has paid the greatest price of all? It surely wasn’t us. And even if we should lose our life due to persecution, we could never pay back the Giver of Life, Jesus Christ, for all that He’s done for you and for me. Why would we want to give up on Him when He never gives up on us, even though, humanly speaking, He should!
We Forsake He Who Doesn’t
God promises to never leave us or forsake us (Deut 31:8; Heb 13:5), even though we forsake Him. He is so faithful that even at the times we do forsake Him by giving up, we seem to be drawn back to Him because He never gives up on us. The prodigal father never gave up on the prodigal son because he knew that the son would be back (Luke 15:11-32). Why else would he be standing, waiting, and watching for him in the far distance (Luke 15:20)? The son may have thought that the father had given up on him (Luke 15:18-19), but the fact is the father never gave up on his son, and in similar fashion, God never gives up on us. So if you’re a prodigal, come back. He isn’t going to give up on you!
He Never Gave Up on the Disciples
Jesus was frequently telling the disciples, “Oh, you of little faith” (Matt 8:26) and that they didn’t even seem to have the faith of a mustard seed (Luke 17:6). When he was trying to teach them about the dangers of sin by using the leavening of the Pharisees and Sadducees as an example, they only thought, “Hey, didn’t we bring any bread with us on the boat” (Matt 16:7-8)? If we were in Jesus sandals, I wonder how many of us would have become so frustrated with them that we said, “That’s it, I’m going to find another 12 disciples.” I can speak only for myself, but I believe I couldn’t help but give up on the disciples. Fortunately, God was longsuffering and patient with them, as He has to be with me, too. So please never give up on God because He is faithful and true to us and will never give up on us, even during the times that we do.
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7 Signs God Is Pushing You Into Something Awesome
Here are seven signs that God is pushing you into something much better.
Correction
When things start falling apart, possibly because you and I are doing something contrary to God’s will, He will gently nudge us with a bit of correction. The correction might come in the form of a job loss, a pay cut, or some unforeseen circumstances that nearly breaks your bank, however God isn’t going to leave you or forsake you (Heb 13:5), but He does discipline every son or daughter He loves (Heb 12:6). This correction could bring you into a different direction…and a much better one at that. If we are left to ourselves and without discipline, then we are not a child of God, so see God’s correction and being His affection.
Direction
When God rebukes or corrects us to direct us, He doesn’t leave us directionless. If we are walking with God, we are more likely to see the path that He has for us, and besides, He lights the path by His Word because the Bible acts like a light in the darkness and this can keep us from stumbling (Psalm 119:105). If you have hid God’s Word in your heart, or memorized Scripture (Psalm 119:11), it’s like you’ve got a flash light for every curve in the road and every hazard in the way. Without the guidance of God’s Word, we are depending on ourselves. It’s like taking a long journey without a map, GPS, or smart phone to a place you’ve never been, however, if you abide in Christ and in His Word, you can ask for anything within God’s will (John 15:4-5, 7), including directions on the path of life. When God corrects you, He also directs you, and directs you into something better. We know that God works all things together for our very best and it doesn’t matter whether it’s good or bad (Rom 8:28)
Inspection
The Bible teaches us to examine ourselves to see if we’re really in the faith (2nd Cor 13:5). A little self-examination never hurt anybody. The interesting thing is, when you examine the Word of God, the Word of God examines you, and if you’re like me, you are found wanting. If God is giving you a greater hunger for the Word of God, and it’s like you can’t get enough of it, He may be pushing you into some sort of teaching ministry. That hunger and thirst for God’s Word is not from a human source, because none of us seek God on our own (Rom 3:11); it is God Who seeks us (John 6:44), so if you want to inspect yourself, inspect the Word of God because it will inspect you. Perhaps it will reveal something better that God desires for your life.
Protection
If God sees that you’re about to hurt yourself, then He might move things around in your life to get you out of that situation, whether it’s a job or in a relationship. God may be pushing you, or prompting you, by His Sprit, to change things. The Spirit of God knows what is best for us, better than we do ourselves, so try to listen to the Spirit’s prompting of His telling you to do something or to stop doing something. God may be pushing you out of or into a situation for your own benefit. That’s certainly something better and certainly something to think about.
Bonus Content
Reflection
After a cousin of mine passed away, everyone could see how hard her grandchildren took, and so I spoke with them about their grief. Of course I can’t take it away…only God can comfort them in His way and time will help some, but really, you never get over the death of someone you loved. What might help is the fact that we will see them again. We have a hope in a future where all our lost loved ones who trusted in Christ will be waiting for us. That’s something you can reflect on. God is a God of hope, so for these grandchildren, it’s not goodbye, but see you later.
Perfection
When a friend of mine said he was praying for patience, I thought, “Uh oh…wonder what’s next?” Sure enough, the man had a rough couple of weeks, but after the brief chaos was over in his life, I asked him, “Do you have more patience now?” He laughed…and said, “Yes.” When we see trials as a means that God uses to refine us like gold passing through the fire, our perspective will change, and we can learn to be content, which is what Paul had to do. And since Paul had great suffering, he had lots of opportunities to practice patience and contentment.
Affection
God’s desire is for us to know Christ better, and that should be our desire too, but how can we know Him better? The Apostle Paul gives us some help. He wrote, “For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too” (2nd Cor 1:5). The more you know of Christ and His sufferings (Isaiah 53), the more you’ll know about Him, and the more you get to know Him, the more you’ll love Him, so God wants something better for us, and that is a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, which also gives you that same relationship with the Father, for whoever loves the Son, loves the Father.
Conclusion
God can use correction, direction, inspection, for our protection, and for our reflection, as He’s working us toward perfection, and that “push” sometimes hurts, but God’s corrections are done from affection. The trials of life work together and move us forward in sanctification, and becoming more Christ-like. Can we learn to praise Him in the storm, in the uncertain future, and when we’re being pushed outside of our comfort zone? I say, “Yes!” He is a God whom we can trust because only He can see around the blind corners of time. What He does in our lives may not always feel “better,” but we know that God doesn’t make mistakes. All we can do is obey His Word, trust in God, and then leave everything else up to Him..
May God richly bless you,
Pastor Jack Wellman
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