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Studies In Hebrews #8
Hebrews 11:1 - 12:29
"Now Faith Is..." (11:1,2)
At the close of chapter 10 the Hebrew writer said, "we are not of them that
shrink back unto perdition: but of them that have faith unto the saving of the
soul" (10:39).
These words expressed confidence that his readers would remain with those whose
faith would save them instead of returning to the Jewish religion, wherein was
no
salvation. Continuing into chapter 11 with this thought the author of Hebrews
defines what he means by faith. Faith is defined as "assurance of things hoped
for, a
conviction of things not seen" (11:1). The NIV translates it, "being sure of
what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." It is faith which stands
under and supports ("substance"--KJV) the things we hope for. It is a conviction
of things we cannot see because it is a conviction in things in the spiritual
realm, or things of
the past or future. By such a surety and certainty "the elders had witness borne
to them" that they were faithful (11:2,39).
People Who Lived By Faith (11:3-16)
The author of Hebrews could have gone into a detailed explanation of faith at
this point but he chose, rather, to show what saving faith is by showing the
lives of men
and women who lived by faith. Drawing from Old Testament characters his readers
were will acquainted with, he shows that the faith that saves is the faith that
obeys.
He begins with Abel who "by faith...offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice
than Cain" (11:4). The story of Cain and Abel is recorded in Genesis 4:1-5.
Since "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (KJV-Rom.10:17),
we understand both Cain and Abel were given instructions from God about these
sacrifices. Abel alone had the kind of faith that saves because he had the kind
of faith that motivated him to do whatever his heavenly Father would tell him to
do. He had a faith that obeyed. Through his faith, Abel had "witness borne to
him that he was righteous" (see also Matt.23:35; 1 Jn.3:12). The faith that
saves is the faith that obeys.
He next considers Enoch (11:5,6). "Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for
God took him" (Gen.5:24). God's law is that all men die (cf.9:27). Enoch,
however, did not see death. According to our author, this was due to his faith.
The faith of Enoch was seen not just at the time of his translation. Before that
time he was found to be "well-pleasing unto God". But "without faith it is
impossible to be well-pleasing unto him". For Enoch to have been well-pleasing
to God he had to have faith in God. We also must have faith in God before we can
be well-pleasing unto Him. He had a faith which allowed him to avoid the
corruption of the grave.
Next he considers Noah (11:7). "By faith" he "prepared an ark to the saving of
his house". When we consider the circumstances of Noah's story we see his great
faith. God warned Noah of something which had never happened before ("things not
seen as yet"): a "flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein
is the breath of life, from under heaven; every thing that is in the earth shall
die" (Gen.6:17). Noah, out of a "conviction of things not seen" (11:1), was
moved to do all God had commanded him to do (Gen.6:22). He possessed saving
faith because the faith he had moved him to obey God's will. Again, the faith
that saves is the faith that obeys.
Finally, there is Abraham and Sarah (11:8-12). "By faith" he "obeyed to go out
unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance" and "became a sojourner
in the land of promise". He obeyed by faith because he did what God said "not
knowing whither he went". Once again we see the kind of faith that saves: faith
that causes one to do whatever God directs them to do. Sarah also is seen a
character of faith. She was well beyond the years to bear children, being 90
years old (cf.Gen.17:17). Since she "counted him faithful who had promised", she
was able to conceive seed. Because of the faith of Abraham and Sarah, they began
the great Israelite nation which eventually numbered "as the stars of heaven in
multitude, and as the sand, which is by the sea-shore, innumerable".
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises" (11:13). Even though
they did not themselves receive the fulfillment of God's promises, they, by
their faith in God, kept going. They kept God's promises before their minds
realizing they were strangers on earth who desired a better country. With such
faith "God is not
ashamed of them, to be called their God" (11:16).
Faith In Difficult Times (11:17-40)
In this final section of chapter 11, the writer dwells upon examples of faith
put to the test. Living by faith often calls for making tough decisions,
courage, and
endurance. The original readers of Hebrews needed to have that kind of quality
faith. So do we!
The author of Hebrews first looks at Abraham as an example of faith put to the
test (11:17-19). Abraham's faith was put to a test many of us perhaps could not
pass.
He was told to offer his only son, Isaac (see Gen.22:1-19). Abraham's faith in
God was such he was willing to kill his own son to obey his Father and remain
well-pleasing unto Him. This he was willing to do in spite of the fact the
promises of God to Abraham were supposed to be fulfilled in his son Isaac (see
Gen.21:12).
He knew that to obey God's commands would not set at nought God's promises. He
knew if he obeyed everything God told him to do, he would be taken care of and,
some how, the promises made to him would be fulfilled, even if this meant
raising Isaac from the dead (11:19). Abraham passed this test of his faith.
Another example of faith put to the test is found in Moses (11:23-28). By faith
he "refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to share
ill
treatment with the people of God". The choice he made reflected the kind of
faith he had in God. Another test of his faith came when he went to Egypt to
lead God's
people out of their bondage. Once again his faith was strong enough to do as God
had directed him even though it meant going before a powerful and wicked
Pharaoh. Time and again Moses had the kind of faith that saves: faith that obeys
and faith that passes all tests.
Several other examples of living by faith and faith put to the test are given,
but the author realizes he cannot continue because of so many who are wonderful
examples of faith in the Old Testament. In summary fashion he mentions several
more names of outstanding people of faith (11:32) and alludes to several more
names of outstanding people of faith (11:32) and alludes to several things done
or endured through the centuries by faith (11:33-38).
All these "obtained a good report through faith" yet "received not the promise"
(KJV-11:39). They had lived their lives in faith and were, therefore, acceptable
before God. Yet God's appointed time had not yet come so the promises they
sought after remained unfulfilled (cf.Gal.4:4). In all these examples of faith
we see how faith truly is "assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things
not seen" (11:1).
The Race Set Before Us (12:1,2)
Chapter 12 begins with the word "therefore." What is it "there for"? It connects
what has just been discussed with what follows. In chapter 11 the writer gave
example after example of men and women who lived a life of faith "unto the
saving of the soul" (cf.10:39). He continues by encouraging his readers to have
the same kind of faith: "let us also." To encourage his readers to this end, the
writer uses the analogy of running in a race. He draws upon several aspects of
the race.
First, he mentions we are "compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses."
As we run in "the race that is set before us" we find ourselves in the midst of
a
crowded stadium. These "witnesses" are all those men and women in chapter 11 who
have already competed in this race of faith and obtained "a good report through
faith" (cf.KJV-11:39). The point is not so much that these victors of the past
are actually looking down on us as we take our turn in running in this race; but
that by their loyalty and endurance they have borne witness to the possibility
of living the life of faith. It is not so much they who look at us as we who
look to them-- for encouragement. As we run in this race we should find great
encouragement in the host of others who have already completed the course and
received the incorruptible crown.
They, by their life, cheer us on to victory.
Second, the writer encourages us to "lay aside every weight, and the sin which
doth so easily beset us." The runner in any race, if they want to be the victor,
will lay aside everything which might prove a hindrance to them in reaching the
finish line. We also must be willing to put aside anything which might hinder or
distract us in
running this race. This certainly would include putting away every sinful
activity and thought (see Gal.5:19-21). Paul said, "they that are of Christ
Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof"
(Gal.5:24). Things which are right in and of themselves can also hinder or
distract us. In such matters it may well be that what is a hindrance to one
entrant in this contest is not a hindrance to another. Each one must learn for
himself what in his case is a weight or impediment and proceed to lay it aside
so they will be able to run the race properly.
Third, we must "run with patience" the race before us. Already he has encouraged
them to be patient: "For ye have need of patience, that, having done the will of
God, ye may receive the promise" (10:36). The race we are entered in is a long
distance race; it is for the remainder of our lives. The idea of patience here
is more
the idea of perseverance; a determination, unhurrying and yet undelaying, which
goes steadily on and refuses to be distracted. It masters difficulties rather
than being
distracted by them. Mastering each difficulty produces more and more patience
(see James 1:2-4). If we want to be a victor, we must run with patience.
Fourth, there must be concentration. Every successful participant constantly has
his eye on the goal. As a participant in this spiritual contest we are to be
"looking unto Jesus the author and perfector of our faith." Why? Because He is
the example of one who completed the race victoriously. He is our example for
running this race: "For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered
for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps" (1 Pet.2:21).
"For the joy that was set before him" He "endured the cross, despising shame,
and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (v.2) He showed us how
to run this race: with our eyes on the goal! As we proceed through the course of
our Christian race, let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus to follow His victorious
steps toward the goal.
The Value Of Endurance (12:3-17)
The Jewish Christians to which this epistle was written were immature (5:11-14),
weak (12:12,13) and perhaps at the very point of falling away (2:1; 3:12). They
were in need of the endurance which they had manifested earlier in their
Christian life (see 10:32-36). The Hebrew writer proceeds by emphasizing the
value of endurance.
They are asked to "consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners
against himself." Jesus "endured the cross, despising shame" (v.2). He was able
to endure because of "the joy that was set before him." To stop and consider how
Jesus was able to endure should help them "wax not weary, fainting in your
souls" (v.3). Furthermore, they are reminded that their suffering was not as bad
as it could be (v.4). Jesus, and many of the witnesses of chapter 11, endured
suffering unto death. Looking upon Jesus, and the many witnesses of chapter 11,
should encourage us to persevere in the race set before us.
They had "forgotten the exhortation which reasoneth with you as with sons"
(v.5). The exhortation here referred to is described through verse 11: "the
chastening of the Lord." The word "chastening", and related words, "denotes the
training of a child, including instruction; hence, discipline, correction,
'chastening'" (Vine, page 175). The word carries the usual idea of correcting by
punishment, but it also includes correction by instruction. In 11 Timothy 3:16
Paul said, "Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction (chastening) which is in
righteousness." He speaks of the instruction or training which is in
righteousness. In Hebrews 12 the writer uses chastening in both the corrective
sense and in the instructive sense to stress the value of endurance.
The child who is chastened, whether it be corrective or instructional, is a
child who has a father that loves them. The Hebrews were surely the beloved
children of God since they were being chastened by the trials they were
suffering and being chastened with the instruction of the Lord as contained in
the letter itself. "As many as I love, I reprove and chasten" (Rev.3:19).
Knowing they were the beloved children of God would encourage them to endure all
these things and help them to yield "peaceable fruit...of righteousness"
(v.11).
He continues with several exhortations which would help them to endure. He
encourages strength, straightness, and healing (v.12,13); peace and
sanctification (v.14); grace and purity (v.15-17). Without each of these
things they would not be able to endure the temptations and trials awaiting
them.
Mount Zion (12:18-29)
To further encourage his readers to remain faithful to Christ rather than revert
to the Jewish religion, the author of Hebrews continues by presenting yet
another
contrast between the old way under Moses and the new way under Jesus.
The awesome circumstances under which the law of Moses was given at Mount Sinai
is first pictured (12:18-21). He speaks of the terror in the hearts of the
people because the mountain was so charged with the holiness of God. "Mount
Sinai was wrapped in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire; and the
smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain quaked
greatly. And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke,
and God answered him in thunder" (Exod.19:18,19-RSV). Then, "when all the people
perceived the thunderings and the lightnings and the sound of the trumpet and
the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled; and they stood afar
off, and said to Moses, 'You speak to us, and we will hear; but let not God
speak to us, let we die'" (Exod.20:18,19-RSV; see also Deut.4:10-12; 5:22-27).
As William Barclay put it, under the old covenant all that man could expect was
"a God
of lonely majesty, complete separation from man, and prostrating fear" (Hebrews,
page 186). The recipients of this epistle had received a new and better
relationship with God.
The mount they were "come unto" was far more glorious than mount Sinai was
terrifying (12:22-24). They were "come unto mount Zion." Mount Zion was an
example of endurance. "They that trust in Jehovah are as mount Zion, which
cannot be moved, but abideth for ever" (Ps.125:1). They had come unto mount
Zion, God's "kingdom that cannot be shaken" (v.28). By coming unto mount Zion,
through their obedience to the gospel, they had come unto "the city of the
living God, the heavenly Jerusalem"; "to innumerable hosts of angels"; "to the
general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven"; "to
God the Judge of all"; "to the spirits of just men made perfect"; "to Jesus the
mediator of a new covenant" and "to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better
than that of Abel." Note that the recipients of this epistle had already come
unto each of these things. We too have come unto each of these if we have obeyed
the commands of the new covenant mediated by Jesus.
Some of those at mount Sinai refused to listen to God. They said to Moses, "'You
speak to us, and we will hear; but let not God speak to us, lest we die'"
(Exod.20:18,19-RSV). Having come unto mount Zion we are encouraged to "refuse
not him that speaketh" (v.25). God now speaks "unto us in his Son" (1:1,2). We
need not fear our God but listen and obey His every command. Once again the
writer shows that since there was no escape under the old covenant, there surely
will be no escape under the new and greater covenant of Christ (see 2:1-4).
"Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace,
whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe: for
our God
is a consuming fire" (12:28,29).
By Alex Ogden
From Expository Files 1.11; November, 1994
