Hebrews 12 and 13 — The Author and Finisher of Our Faith
Introduction: Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Believers are called to run their race with endurance, seeing Jesus as their example. Pursuing holiness and love, believers demonstrate their faith through the grace of Jesus.
Note: Bible passages are from the American King James Version.
A — Jesus, Author and Finisher of Faith
“Hebrews 12:1-3 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
B — Endure Discipline as God's Children
“Hebrews 12:5-11 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to children, My son, despise not you the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of him: for whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not?”
Comments: God's discipline is a sign of love and adoption. Believers should not despise chastening but see it as evidence of God's fatherly care, knowing it produces righteousness and peace.
C — Pursue Holiness and Love
“Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
Comments: Believers must pursue holiness and peace, knowing that without holiness none can see God. This pursuit is essential to faith.
D — Let Brotherly Love Continue
“Hebrews 13:1-8 Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
Comments: Believers are exhorted to show brotherly love, hospitality, and compassion. Christ's faithfulness provides confidence to live without fear or covetousness, remembering his eternal constancy.
Reflections in Prayer
Jesus, you are the author and finisher of my faith. Help me to lay aside every weight and the sin that easily besets me, running with patience the race set before me. I thank you for enduring the cross for me. Help me to welcome your discipline as a sign of your love and adoption. Grant me grace to pursue holiness and peace with all people. Help me to show brotherly love, especially to strangers and those who suffer. Strengthen me with the assurance that you will never leave nor forsake me. Jesus, you are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.
Published 10 February 2020
Comments: Believers surround a cloud of witnesses who demonstrated faith. We must lay aside weights and sin, running with patience toward Jesus, our faith's author and finisher. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before him.