In Hebrews 12 we find a passage of scripture that has been used by many to warn us against sins of the flesh that “so easily entangle,” and if we refuse to do so, then God will punish us. When we look at the passage in its context in Hebrews 12 as well as in its context in the entire book of Hebrews, we will see that the writer’s exhortation is not talking about staying away from sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. He’s talking about something that most modern day Christians know very little about: the temptation to give up in the face of persecution.
No amount of persecution or pressure to succumb compares to the sufferings of Jesus. He became the sin of the entire world, suffered separation from the Father on our behalf, and endured the cross. If we fix our eyes on Him, we will have the strength to endure any temptation that comes against the flesh. He purchased that strength for us. We have entered into His joy and the heart of the Father, and the joy of the Lord is our strength.1 The pressures of the system of religion that woo us to rely on the flesh for our success will challenge us to turn our eyes away from Jesus. If we fall from grace back into performance, then we will experience the “chastening” of the Lord as true sons and daughters.
“And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by 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 there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.” (Hebrews 12:5-8)2
The word “chastening” is the Greek word “paideuo” and refers to training children.3 This word does not mean punishment. It speaks of training and educating children in virtue by correcting mistakes and teaching them the truth. One of the main aspects of the Lord’s chastening is to lead us in repentance (changing our minds) by renewing our minds to truth so that we will turn our eyes back to Jesus. We can endure anything because He endured everything for us.
The Jews at the time that the book of Hebrews was written had been taught that anything they suffered, whether enemy attack or famine or hardship, was because of God’s displeasure with them for their sins. The writer of Hebrews is letting these believers know that the persecution they are enduring is not a result of God’s displeasure or an indication that they weren’t “right with God.” It was in fact the opposite. It was proof of their sonship, therefore they should regard His discipline (child training) as an honor and a privilege. Sons and daughters of God who embrace the child training of the Lord will yield a restful, peaceful existence of God’s life flowing through us. Doesn’t that sound like the life you want? The other option is falling from grace and allowing bitterness to defile us and others.
God’s desire is for us to manifest the sweet aroma of His knowledge and His presence everywhere with everyone. If we keep our eyes on Jesus and have eyes to see the heavenly reality that the great cloud of witnesses see, then we would not succumb to the voices of men who tempt us to compromise, but we would embrace the voice of the Spirit of God who always leads us in triumph!
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)
(from pages 323-325 of Unveiling Jesus)
Want more from Tricia Gunn? Check out excerpts from the Unveiling Jesus 20-part series!
Unveiling Jesus, by Tricia Gunn, is a verse by verse study of the pure gospel of grace. It’s an amazing journey of love, identity, and freedom in Christ.
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1Nehemiah 8:10
2All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
3G3811 (paideuō), Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, website: http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G3811&t=KJV, accessed 6-10-14
