Keep Running! (preaching resource for 8/24/25, 11th Sunday after Pentecost)

This post exegetes Hebrews chapter 12 providing context for the Epistle reading on 8/24/25. the 11th Sunday after Pentecost. Insights are drawn from Warren Wiersbe (The Bible Expository Commentary) and F.F. Bruce (The Epistle to the Hebrews).

Olympics marathon runner (public domain via Wikimedia Commons)

Introduction: run with perseverance 

Hebrews 12:1

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews chapter 12 is about persevering in the faith.  The author wants this book's readers to “run with perseverance the race marked out” for them (Heb 12:1b).  For most Christians this “race” is a marathon with many obstacles. Because it’s long and hard we can be tempted to “grow weary and lose heart” (Heb 12:3).  Because the original Jewish Christian readers of Hebrews were being persecuted, they were tempted to abandon faith in Jesus and return to Judaism and the Law.  The author exhorts them to keep the faith, emboldened to do so by the “great cloud [assembly] of witnesses” (Heb 12:1a) described in chapter 11.  These Old Testament saints lived by faith despite terrible obstacles, including martyrdom.  To this ‘cloud’ he now adds the supreme witness to faith, namely Jesus, who, as the ultimate martyr, persevered despite extreme suffering and death.

Hebrews chapter 12 addresses perseverance using two analogies: sports and citizenship.  These were intertwined in a culture where sports were prized for personal well-being and victory in sports for bringing honor to the community.  The exhortation begins with encouragement to get rid of any hindrances in the way of running well:  “throw off everything that hinders” (Heb 12:1b).  Runners in that day wore weights in training to build strength and endurance. But the weights were removed for competition. The analogy is clear: Christians must shed the excess weight of the “sin that so easily entangles” (Heb 12:1).  It is sin that keeps us from running well.  Probably the sin of unbelief is in view here.  It kept Israel out of the Promised Land and hinders Christians from the fullness of their spiritual inheritance in Christ.  

Through faith in Jesus we are released from the weight of unbelief and granted his perseverance in the faith.  The author exhorts us to persevere with a three-part charge: 1) Look to Jesus, 2) Be reassured of God’s love, and 3) Rely on God’s grace.  

1. Look to Jesus 

Hebrews 12: 2–4 

2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

Jesus is “the author [pioneer] and perfecter of our faith.” He is the one, “on whom faith depends from start to finish” (NEB).  He is the ‘pioneer’ of faith because faith originates with him in his relationship with the Father through the Spirit.  He is also pioneer in that he has led the way in living by faith—this is true even of the Old Testament saints—it was Jesus who led them out of Egypt and was the Rock that sustained them in the wilderness.  And now, in Jesus’ incarnation, life, death, resurrection and ascension, faith finds ultimate expression and completion.  Faith is the governing principle of Jesus’ life.  While on earth, he lived day-by-day through faith in his Father. In doing so he persevered through much suffering. Ascended to heaven, he “sat down at the right hand of the throne of God,” bringing faith to its perfect (complete and full) expression in his work as our high priest.  Look to Jesus—share his trust in God; share in his perseverance!

On earth, Jesus endured far more than any Old Testament saint named in Hebrews 11.  He is thus the supreme ‘witness’—the supreme inspirer to the kind of faith that endures. In faith, Jesus endured the cross! This involved shame, suffering, and “opposition from sinful men” (Heb. 12:3). Though the readers of Hebrews suffered persecution, they had not yet “resisted to the point of shedding…blood” (Heb 12:4). None had yet been martyred.  Jesus had.

What was it that enabled Jesus to endure such suffering? He never used his divine power to shield himself from suffering. Rather it was Jesus’ faith that enabled him to endure. Through faith he kept his eyes focused on the goal—“the joy set before him.” From Psalm 16:8–10, he knew that he would come out of the tomb alive. In that psalm (verse 11) David speaks about “fullness of joy” in the presence of the Father. Also, from Psalm 110:1, 4, Jesus knew that he would be exalted to heaven in glory. So “the joy set before him” would include Jesus’ completing the Father’s will, his resurrection and exaltation, and his joy as our high priest in presenting humanity perfected to the Father (Jude 24). 

Throughout this epistle, the writer emphasized the importance of future hope. His readers were prone to look back and want to go back, but he encouraged them to follow Christ’s example and look ahead by faith. The heroes of faith named in the previous chapter lived for the future, and this enabled them to endure (Heb 11:10, 14–16, 24–27).  Since Christ is the “author and perfecter of our faith,” trusting him releases his power in our lives. As we fix our eyes on him through the word and by his Spirit, he increases our faith and enables us to run the race.  Look to Jesus!

2. Be reassured of God’s love 

 Hebrews 12:5–13

Here is a hard saying: “The Lord disciplines those he loves” (Heb 12:6).  In Greek, discipline means “child training, instruction.” A Greek boy was expected to work out in the gymnasium until he reached maturity. It was a part of his preparation for adulthood. In similar manner, the writer viewed the trials of the Christian life as spiritual discipline that helps a believer mature. Instead of trying to escape these trials, we should rather be trained by them so that we might grow (Heb 12:11).  But when we suffer (like the Jewish Christians), it’s easy to think God does not love us.  So the writer gave three proofs that discipline does indeed come from the Father’s heart of love for our good: 

a. The Scriptures (vv. 5–6) 

5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

The “word of encouragement” here is a quote from Proverbs 3:11–12—something his readers had known but had forgotten. Because they had become “dull” toward God’s word in Scripture (see Heb 5:11-12) they lost an important source of encouragement and were ready to give up. The key word in this quotation is “son.” It refers to an adult son and not a little child. God deals with us as adult children because we have been adopted and given adult standing in his family (see Rom. 8:14–18; Gal. 4:1–7). And the fact that the Father disciplines us is proof that we are maturing, and it is the means by which we can mature even more. Discipline is thus evidence of the Father’s love. Satan wants us to believe that the difficulties of life are proof that God does not love us, but the opposite is the case. Sometimes God’s discipline is seen in his rebukes from Scripture or from circumstances. At other times he shows his love by punishing us with suffering. Whatever the experience, we can be sure that his disciplining hand is an expression of his loving heart.  So be reassured of God’s love and keep on running!

b. Personal experience (vv. 7–9) 

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 

All of us had a father and, if he was faithful, he disciplined us.  Left to himself, a child grows to be selfish. The writer’s point is that a father chastens only his own sons, and this is proof that they indeed are his children (Heb 11:7-8).  All true children of God receive his discipline.  

Why do good earthly fathers correct their kids?  So that they might show the father respect and obedience. This is why our Heavenly Father corrects us: he wants us to respect (revere) him and obey his will. Why?  For our ultimate good!  Any of God’s children who rebel against his authority are in danger of death: “How much more should we submit to the Father or our spirits and live!” (Heb 12:9).  The inference is that, if we do not submit, we might not live. Indeed, “there is a sin unto death” (1 John 5:16). 

Comment: We see now how chapter 12 relates to the five exhortations in Hebrews.  As a Christian drifts from the word and backslides, the Father disciplines him to bring him back to the place of submission and obedience. If a believer persists in resisting God’s will, God may permit his life to be taken.  Certainly this extreme discipline, which expresses God’s love for us and for others, is unusual, but it sometimes happens. 

c. The blessed results (vv. 10–13) 

10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Discipline is not enjoyable, but the benefits afterward make it advantageous. What are the benefits? For one thing, there is sharing “in his [God’s] holiness” (Heb 12:10b).  Because the rebellion that separates the child from God has ceased, the child is restored to loving fellowship with God—indeed the triune fellowship of the Father and Son in the Spirit is the essence of God’s holiness.  The discipline that restores us to fellowship within the triune circle of God’s life involves being trained (Heb 12:11b) – exercised in spiritual matters by the Father’s loving discipline that yields, over time, “a harvest of righteousness and peace” (Heb 12:11)—the fruit of life conformed more and more to the love and life of God (see Rom. 14:17).  This conforming is not a ‘one shot—quick fix.’ Rather it’s a journey. As Paul and Barnabas told the young churches of South Galatia, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).

Of course, the important thing is how God’s child responds to such discipline. He can despise it or faint under it (Heb 12:5), both of which are wrong. Rather he should respect the Father by submitting to his will (Heb 12:9), viewing his discipline as opportunity for spiritual ‘training’ (Heb 12:11) that will “strengthen…feeble arms and weak knees” (Heb 12:12b—a quote from Isa 35:3f).  We have our part to play in this training; we are to “make level paths for [our] feet”—get the obstacles out of the way.  If we do, what is now “lame” (our weak humanity) will not lead us to additional disability, but will take us toward ultimate healing (Heb 12:13). All of this sounds like a coach exhorting his team:  Lift up your hands! Strengthen those knees!  Get those lazy feet out on the track! Keep running; victory is ahead! 

3. Rely on God’s grace 

Hebrews 12:14–29

14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God…

As we run the Christian race, what is our goal? The writer notes two: “Peace with all men, and to be holy” (Heb 12:14, also see Heb 12:11). These two goals remind us of Jesus’ high priestly ministry—he is both King of peace and King of righteousness (Heb 7:2).  It requires diligence and an ability to endure suffering to run toward these goals.  Failing to do so can lead us to be one who “misses the grace of God” (Heb 12:15).  God’s grace is ever abundant and never-failing, however we can fail to take advantage of it and thus “miss” it.  And so the writer encouraged his readers to rely on God’s grace by looking in three directions:

a. Look back—the bad example of Esau (vv. 15–17) 

15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.

Esau certainly failed to rely on God’s grace. The account is given in Genesis 25:27–34; 27:30–45. Esau was “godless” person—he lived for the world and not for God. Esau despised his birthright and sold it to Jacob, and he missed the blessing because it was given to Jacob. Afterward, Esau tried to get Isaac to change his mind, but it was too late. Even Esau’s tears availed nothing. 

What sins will rob us of the enabling of God’s grace? These verses tell us: lack of spiritual diligence, bitterness against others (see Deut. 29:18 and Heb 3:12), sexual immorality, and living for the world and the flesh. Some people have the idea that a “godless” person is blasphemous and filthy; but Esau was a congenial fellow, a good hunter, and a man who loved his father. He would have made a fine neighbor—but he was not interested in the things of God.  God’s grace does not fail, but we can fail to depend on God’s grace. Esau is a warning to us not to live for lesser things. 

b. Look up—the glory of the heavenly city (vv. 18–24) 

18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned." 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I am trembling with fear." 22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Here the writer contrasts Mt. Sinai and the giving of the Law (the old covenant) with the heavenly Mt. Zion and the blessings of grace in the church under the new covenant. He describes the solemnity and even the terror that were involved in the giving of the Law (Heb 12:18-21). The people were afraid to hear God’s voice, and even Moses feared and trembled! God set boundaries around the mount, and even if an animal trespassed, it was stoned. Of course, God had to impress on his people the seriousness of his Law, just as we must with our own children. This was the infancy of the nation, and children understand reward and punishment. 

What a relief it is to move from Mt. Sinai to Mt. Zion!  Mt. Sinai represents the old covenant of Law, and Mt. Zion represents the new covenant of grace in Jesus Christ (see Gal. 4:19–31). The heavenly city is God’s Mt. Zion (see Psa. 2; 110:1–2, 4). This is the city that the patriarchs were looking for by faith (Heb 11:10, 14–17). The earthly Jerusalem was about to be destroyed, but the heavenly Jerusalem would endure forever. 

He described the “citizens” that make up the population of this city. Innumerable angels are there. The church is there, for believers have their citizenship in heaven (Phil. 3:20) and their names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). “Firstborn” is a title of dignity and rank. Esau was actually Isaac’s firstborn, but he rejected his privileges and lost his blessing and birthright. 

God is there, of course, and so are the Old Testament saints (“spirits of righteous men made perfect”). Jesus Christ the mediator is there, the one who shed his blood for us. We learned that Abel is still speaking (Heb 11:4); and here we discover that Christ’s blood speaks “a better word than the blood of Abel” (Heb 12:24). Abel’s blood spoke from the earth and cried for justice (Gen. 4:10), while Christ’s blood speaks from heaven and announces mercy for sinners. Abel’s blood made Cain feel guilty (and rightly so) and drove him away in despair (Gen. 4:13–15); but Christ’s blood frees us from guilt and has opened the way into the presence of God. Were it not for the blood of the new covenant, we could not enter this heavenly city! 

When the days are difficult and we are having a hard time enduring, that is when we should look up and contemplate the glories of heaven. Moses “persevered because he saw him who is invisible” (Heb 11:27). The patriarchs persevered as they looked ahead to the city God was preparing for them. One way to rely on God’s grace is to look ahead by faith to the wonderful future he has prepared for us. 

c. Look ahead—the unshakable kingdom (vv. 25–29) 

25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." 27 The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken-- that is, created things-- so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our "God is a consuming fire."

God is speaking to us today through his word and his providential workings in the world. We must listen! If God shook things at Sinai and those who refused to hear were judged, how much more responsible are we today who have experienced the blessings of the new covenant! God today is indeed shaking things. He wants to tear down the temporary and reveal the unshakable realities that are eternal. Alas, too many people (including Christians) build their lives on things that shake. 

The “shaking” quotation is from Haggai 2:6 and refers to that time when the Lord will return in glory to fill his house with glory. Until that day of the final consummation of the Kingdom, this temporary will experience much shaking. But a Christian living in a shaking world can be confident, for he shall one day receive an unshakable kingdom. In fact, he is a part of that kingdom even now.  What shall we do as we live in this shaking world? Listen to God speak and obey him. Receive grace day-by-day to serve him “with reverence and awe” (Heb 12:28).  Do not be distracted or frightened by the instability and massive change all around you. Rely on God’s grace!

Conclusion

Let us all run with perseverance the Christian race marked out for us:

• Keep looking to Jesus! Run with him.
• Keep remembering that your Heavenly Father loves you!  He will never abandon you.
• Keep relying every day on God’s grace!  It’s sufficient for all your need.

God will see you through. Keep running!