EXCEPTIONAL PURSUIT

Hebrews 12:14–17 CSB

Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord. Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many. And make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for a single meal. For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, even though he sought it with tears, because he didn’t find any opportunity for repentance.

Main Idea: All people must pursue peace with God and others.

Key Question: How are you pursuing God?

1. We are to pursue peace with everyone. (v. 14)

Hebrews 12:14 CSB

Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.

Romans 12:18 CSB

If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Romans 14:19 CSB

So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.

Matthew 5:9 CSB

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

2. We are to pursue peace with God. (v. 15)

Hebrews 12:15 CSB

Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many.

2 Corinthians 6:16–18 CSB

And what agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God, as God said: I will dwell and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord; do not touch any unclean thing, and I will welcome you. And I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.

Matthew 5:8 CSB

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

3. We are to pursue to others. (v. 14-16)

Hebrews 12:14–16 CSB

Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord. Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many. And make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for a single meal.

Deuteronomy 29:18 CSB

Be sure there is no man, woman, clan, or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of those nations. Be sure there is no root among you bearing poisonous and bitter fruit.

Peter to Simon in Samaria

Acts 8:23 CSB

For I see you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by wickedness.”

4. We are to pursue while we can. (v. 16-17)

Hebrews 12:16–17 CSB

And make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for a single meal. For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, even though he sought it with tears, because he didn’t find any opportunity for repentance.

Isaiah 55:6–7 CSB

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call to him while he is near. Let the wicked one abandon his way and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, so he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will freely forgive.

2 Corinthians 6:2 CSB

For he says: At an acceptable time I listened to you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. See, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation!