“…throw off everything that hinders…” Hebrews 12:1
/Depicting those recognized for their radical faith as a “crowd of witnesses”, the writers of Hebrews call for action from those first century Believers. As the letter is drawing to a close, the following action plan is provided for Christians to live victorious lives:
Get rid of anything that hinders intimacy with Christ (v.1b). This could mean distractions (Example: cable TV, unedifying material – be it hard copy or over the internet, friendships which pull one down, and even activities unrelated to The Great Commission.
Resolve to defeat the temptation to any and all sin – rebellious acts against God (v.1b). Those who have been mired in sin are usually entangled in one particular cycle or pattern which entangles one in a web of defeat, obsessiveness, and compulsion. Prayer, God’s Word, and help from other Believers empowers one to escape this pit of self-destruction.
Live for Christ as if running to win a race. Life is short… as short as a dash between one’s birth and death. There is a great contest happening which we cannot see – the contest for souls. The race is clearly marked: believers are to “GO” and make disciples, who make more disciples (v.1c).
Stay fixed on the ‘Finish Line’ of faith: Jesus Christ welcoming His own into Heaven (v.2). He is the source and refiner of our faith. He endured the suffering of the cross, demonstrating to His followers that staying true to faith through suffering is possible (v.3).
Remember whose you are – see yourself as a true heir of righteousness with a renewed mind, accepting God’s rebukes and discipline (vv. 4 – 11).
Reckon yourself healed from the disease of the sin that crippled you, and rise to walk in newness of life (vv. 12 – 13).
Seek peace with everyone (vv. 14a; 15).
Live holy lives – let your piety be seen in your good decisions (vv. 14b; 16-17).
The writers then offered a final explanation of the new covenant:
“You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: ‘If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.’ The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, ‘I am trembling with fear.’ (vv. 18 – 21; Exodus 19:12-22, 20:18)
But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. (vv. 22 – 24; Isaiah 24:23, 60:14; Revelation 14:1)
See to it that you do not refuse Him Who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused Him Who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from Him Who warns us from heaven? At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, ‘Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.’ The words once more indicate the removing of what can be shaken – that is, created things – so that what cannot be shaken may remain. (vv. 25 – 27; Haggai 2:6)
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. (vv. 28 – 29; Exodus 24:17; Deuteronomy 4:24, 9:3; Psalm 97:3; Isaiah 33:14)
Throw off everything that hinders… don’t be burdened by the world’s expectations, and prioritize the preparation of your soul for eternity. Be a part of an eternal enterprise – the redemption of souls. Live with the wonderful expectation of a great inheritance! Keep your eyes on the prize.
Have a blessed day…