Let us run with perseverance (Heb 12aq)

LET US RUN WITH PERSEVERANCE

Hebrews 12:1-13

Key Verse 12:2

1.       Here our life is viewed as a race toward a goal. What other views about life are in our society? How do they differ from the view of the author of Hebrews? What are the things that entail a race? Describe them in term of the final goal, length, difficulties and mindset of those who run the race.

2.       What are the two admonitions for those who set off the race?(v1) What might the two kinds of things that create a havoc for the race infer? Give some examples of each. What is the core problem of those who are entrapped on these two kinds of problems? (v1)

3.       Who are the witnesses for our race? How many of them are they and what are they doing? What does it mean that they are “witnesses” for our race? (v1) Are there any counter examples of this race that led to failure?

4.       What does it mean that Jesus serves us as the author and perfecter of our faith? What is the most convincing proof of this? What is the prominent mark of Jesus’ life that led him to the victory?(2) How might this be the most vulnerable point of those who run the race? (v2-3)

5.       Where does the opposition come from? What might be the bad outcome and the worst outcome in fighting against the opposition? (2-3) In this regard, how does Jesus serve best? Think about this in terms of what Jesus did and what he is doing now.

6.       What might have stalled the race among the receivers of this letter? (v4) Why should the threat of blood shed not deter their race for the truth and the kingdom of God? How might the receivers of this letter take such threat?

7.       In view of the teaching in v5-13, what might have been their assumption about the hardship they were facing(7)? What is the truth about the hardship they were facing?(v5) What is the basis of God’s discipline?(6) How is the will of the Father fundamental in the relationship with his son(7-8)? How is this played out in our earthly father as well? ( 9) What is the purpose of discipline? (v10b)

8.       What is the outcome of such discipline? (11) Please reason how discipline can produce righteousness and peace in our lives. How do ordinary or ungodly people seek “righteousness and peace”? How is discipline an integral part of attaining to ‘righteousness and peace’?

9.       What are the final admonitions? What is the path that needs to be leveled? What is at the heart of issue in solving or resolving hardship and troubles of life in Christ? Are they feeble arms and weak knees or harsh discipline or something else?