Page 97 - Hebrews- Student Textbook

Hebrews 2:11; 10:10,14; 13:12 1 Timothy 2:15
1 Peter 1:2 2 Timothy 2:21
Hebrews 12:14
1 Peter 1:15-16

"without which no one will see the Lord" This is paradoxical:

1. Believers will see the Lord one day (cf. Job 19:25-27; Ps. 17:15; Matt. 5:8; 1 John 3:2; Rev. 22:4)
2. Believers cannot see the Lord now (cf. Exod.33:20; John 1:18; 1 Tim. 6:16; 1 John 4:12).

This may refer to one's spiritual eyes, in the sense of responding to the gospel. In this context it may be
metaphorical of "understanding."

12:18-21 This section is a description of the giving of the Mosaic Law on Mt. Sinai (cf. Exod.19:16-25;
Deut. 4:11-14).

12:24 "Blood ...of Jesus ...speaks better than blood of Abel" Abel's blood cried out for vengeance;
Jesus' blood cries for mercy, forgiveness, and love.

12:25 "See to it that you do not refuse Him" This is one of the two main warnings. The other being, "do
not shrink back." This is an AORIST MIDDLE (deponent) SUBJUNCTIVE. We must make a volitional decision.
What will you do with Jesus, the author and finisher of the faith?

"if" This is a FIRST CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE which is assumed to be true from the author's point of view
or for his literary purposes. Again, the awesome responsibility of rejecting a superior covenant and
person is the focus of the comment.

12:29 "a consuming fire" This may be a reference to Mt. Sinai (cf. Deut. 4:24). We dare not forget to
Whom it is we are responding (cf. 10:31). Fire can cleanse and purify or totally destroy. He will be our
heavenly Father or He will be our Judge from heaven. What we do and continue to do with Jesus is the
determiner. Believe! Hang in there!

14.4 Let’s Practice…

1. List the attributes of the men of chapter 11 and 12:18-29 that we should emulate.

2. Does verse 1 teach that the dead view the lives of the living?

3. Why does the author use so many athletic metaphors in this chapter?

4. What is God's ultimate purpose for our lives? (vv. 10,28)

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