Hebrews 12:4-29 - In Jesus, We Have a Better Kingdom

Introduction

This passage contrasts the earthly kingdom of Sinai with the heavenly kingdom we have in Jesus.

It encourages us to endure trials and to worship God with reverence and awe, since we belong to a kingdom that is unshakeable.

We are called to persevere through trials, knowing we are part of an unshakeable kingdom established by Jesus Christ, which offers true hope and future glory.

We saw Jesus as the perfect example in Heb 12:1-3, and we are to fix our eyes on him and run the race of the Christian life with endurance.

1. We Have a Heavenly Father Who Disciplines Us Perfectly

Hebrews 12:4-13

v.4 - The struggle against sin, against falling away is real. But we are reminded we haven’t shed blood, we haven’t been killed like Jesus “who for the joy set before him endured the cross” (v.2)

v.5-6 - The author reminds us that we are children of God and then quotes Prov 3:11-12

Discipline, though initially painful, reveals our Father’s love and is designed to produce holiness in us.

I want to tell you about a couple times in my life I experienced severe discipline from our Father in heaven.

1) When I was a young man, God took soccer away from me through an series of injuries because it had become my first love. And through it, he taught me to love him first.

2) When COVID hit, I lost my job and was unemployed for 4 months. I was finding my identity in my ability to provide for my family (prior to that my identity in being a pastor). The Father was teaching me to trust that he is good and does good and that my identity is in Christ.

v.8 - The Father’s discipline of us is proof we are children and that we will receive our inheritance

v.9-11 - If we respect our earthly fathers for their discipline, how much more God?!

When we see trials as a means to grow closer to Christ and become more like Him, we find strength and encouragement in our struggles, recognizing that they are part of God’s grander plan to prepare us for His unshakeable kingdom.

v.12-13 - The race imagery continues. The discipline of becoming a long distance runner/athlete is hard, but it’s worth it! The one who wins receives the prize.

jiujitsu training is hard, warmups are hard, drills are hard, wrestling is hard. It’s worth it to submit a young man in his prime half my age!

We have hope that our trials and suffering have meaning. We are being disciplined to win! To be holy!

We are a child of the king! It doesn’t get any better than that!

2. It Is a Kingdom of Peace and Holiness

Hebrews 12:14-17

v.14 - If the prize is the kingdom of God, we are running in such a way to pursue peace and holiness now.

Here, it is the opposite of falling away.

Hebrews Exegesis

Seeking holiness is the opposite of falling away or apostasy. Holiness should not be understood in terms of sinlessness but describes those who continue to seek and pursue the Lord. The reward is described here in personal terms. Those who seek holiness will see the Lord, i.e., they will “experience eternal life.”

v.15 - Falling short, or turning away/apostasy is not continuing in grace.

He then speaks of a root of bitterness (ROB) that defiles a person as an example of falling away from grace.

v.16-17 - Just as Esau despised his birthright, so we too despise our birthright as Christians if we don’t remain in grace.

Hebrews Exegesis

This passage is designed to awaken people to danger, not to make them give up hope. Warning is the counterpart to promise; both pertain to the future. Warnings disturb people, while promises encourage them, but together they serve the same end, which is encouraging people to persevere in faith

Again, the bigger context is so helpful to understand the passage. If I ended on this verse, you might leave with heavy burdens and a false fear.

The book of Hebrews is a sermon on Psalm 110. Watch what the author does here. He warns but then gives hope.

3. Even Now We Have Present Grace as We Await Future Glory

Hebrews 12:18-24

v.18-21 - you have not come to Mt. Sinai and the Old Covenant. Remember, it could not save, it could not make holy, it could only condemn.

The sacrifices could never save Hebrews 10:1 “For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.”

v.22-24 - you have come to Mt. Zion, to the New Covenant. to Jesus!

Through Christ, we are invited to draw near to God without fear, underscores the transformative power of the new covenant.

You have come to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” )

Jesus completely saves those who come through him (Hebrews 7:25 “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” )

We come with full assurance (Hebrews 10:22 “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” )

We come by faith (Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” )

Our secure standing in the divine kingdom Christ has established provides confidence and joy in our trials and suffering.

v.24 - Jesus is better! (κρείττων)

We have a better hope (Heb 7:19)

We have a better covenant (Heb 7:22; 8:6)

We have a better sacrifice (Heb 9:23)

We have a better possession (Heb 10:34)

We have a better country (Heb 11:16)

We have a better resurrection (Heb 11:35)

We have a better “blood” than Abel’s (Heb 12:24)

4. Praise the Unshakable King

Hebrews 12:25-29

v.25-27 - One more warning. The last of the book (the sermon). Do not refuse God, who speaks through Christ

If Israel did not escape when warned on earth, then believers won’t escape the one who warns them from heaven

v.28-29 - Be assured, unlike earthly kingdoms, God’s kingdom cannot be shaken.

Let us be filled with grateful and thankfulness for Christ!

Acceptable worship (in spirit and truth John 4:24), remembrance, submission, service.

Our God is a consuming fire (the language of Sinai). God provides a way of escape from his own character through Jesus! And a way for eternal fellowship with him as his children!

Conclusion

Encouraging worship and reverence for God with gratitude, this point can remind believers of the certainty of their hope and the worthiness of God’s eternal kingdom, inspiring awe and reverence in daily life.