The Comfort & Encouragement of Hebrews 12:1-12

As an introduction to this study, please read the 1-minute devotion Punishment or Discipline.

It can be difficult to make sense of our personal suffering, but Hebrews 12:1-12 can be a helpful passage. It's rich with meaning and well worth studying and memorizing.

1. Hebrews 12:1-3

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

✔ How do the testimonies of Christians from the past help us deal with our suffering?

✔ How do we "fix our eyes on Jesus"? 

2. Hebrews 12:4-8

"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."

✔ Note the three different words used for discipline in verses 5 & 6.  

✔ How do you think we "make light" of the Lord's discipline? 

✔ How do verses 2-3 and 6-8 give us encouragement and strength?

See also Galatians 6:9.  

✔ The Greek word used in verse 8 means illegitimate children. Several versions, including the King James, translate it as "bastard." During the time Hebrews was written, many Roman noblemen had illegitimate sons whom they might support but not discipline. Legitimate sons were strictly educated, disciplined, and trained so they would be prepared to take over their father's position and responsibilities. 

3. Hebrews 12:9-11

"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."

✔ Do you think our view of our parents affects our view of God?  See Underestimated Command.  

✔ What benefits of discipline are mentioned? 

4. Hebrews 12:12

"Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees." 

Verse 13 says: "'Make level paths for your feet,' so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed."

This is a quote from Proverbs 4:26: "Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways."   

✔ Does the proverb help clarify the meaning of verse 12?

copyright 2013, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, updated and edited 2021

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