Practical Responses to Positional Truths (Heb

Practical Responses to Positional Truths
(Heb 12:12-17)
I. Be An Encouragement to the Weak (v. 12-13)
A. Meet the needs of the weaker Christian [cf., Luke 13:11-13] (v.12)
a. Be gentle with those who struggle in running the Christian race. (Gal 5:26, 6:1)
b. Be ready to help them carry their burdens. (Gal 6:2)
B. Remove all stumbling blocks to the goal (v.13)
a. Important Definitions [cf., 1 Cor 10:23-33; Mt 18:5-7]
1. Weaker brother - This is a Christian, who because of a weakness in his/her faith, knowledge, and maturity level, is more susceptible to the flesh and can be influenced to sin against his/her conscience by the active example of a stronger Christian.
2. Stronger brother - This is a Christian who is mature in his faith, knowledge and understanding of liberty, who exercises his freedom without being influenced by the differing opinions of others, both believers and non-believers.
3. Stumbling Block - (n. skandalon, v. proskoptō, skandalizo) is used figuratively in the NT as anything that intentionally trips up or snares a person in some moral attitude or action. When used by the biblical authors, the intent normally concerns Christians who “give an offense” to another person, particularly a Christian brother or sister, which causes them to stumble.
II. Be An Example to the World (v. 14-17)
A. By pursuing stability and sanctification (v.14)
B. By curbing selfishness (v.15)
a. Don’t be driven by selfish ambition [cf., James 4:1-3, 4:7-10; Phil 2:3-6]
C. By focusing on what is important (v.16-17)
a. Don’t live your life with spiritual blinders on. [cf., Gen 25:25-34]
Points to Ponder:
Be persistent in your Christian walk and avoid conflict in your relationships by putting the Lord and others first. In this way you will make peace with those within your particular sphere of influence.
Stay focused on eternity and don’t lose sight of the goal in light of the pursuits of the world. You are in the Christian race of life, run it with purpose.
John MacArthur, Galatians, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1983), 179.
Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, The Messianic Jewish Epistles: Hebrews, James, First Peter, Second Peter, Jude, 1st ed. (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 2005), 176.
Ibid., 177.
Ibid., 179.