Hebrews 12:14-17
Notes
Transcript
Hebrews 12:14-17
Hebrews 12:14-17
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 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; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 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.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
This is not passive
The writer doesn’t say keep the peace, he says STRIVE for peace
The Losers, similar to the A-Team
Old Tibetan Philosophy
“Don’t Start none, won’t be none”
The writer says Strive, not achieve
Everyone in Greek = Everyone
Al Mohler “We are not only to seek peace with those in our own circles of concern, but with everyone with whom we engage.”
God’s Kingdom is not advanced by ungodly methods
for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
vs 15
See to it
Hebrews: An Introduction and Commentary (ii) The Avoidance of Moral Inconsistency (12:12–17)
It literally means ‘to exercise oversight
Beware lest there be among you a man or woman or clan or tribe whose heart is turning away today from the Lord our God to go and serve the gods of those nations. Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit, one who, when he hears the words of this sworn covenant, blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall be safe, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart.’ This will lead to the sweeping away of moist and dry alike.
The people of God have always had a responsibility to care for and shepherd one another
Convoy operations: Constantly looking at where you are going and looking back to make sure nobody is falling behind
Guthrie
Hebrews: An Introduction and Commentary (ii) The Avoidance of Moral Inconsistency (12:12–17)
The writer links bitterness with defilement here (and by it the many become defiled), since bitterness, wherever it exists, extends its influence. Bitterness indeed always corrupts and spoils.
Esau gave up the blessing of the birthright for temporary needs/desires