12:2 stedfastly (d-2) It means, looking away from other things and fixing the eye exclusively on one. leader (e-6) See Note, Acts 3:15 . down (f-30) The perfect tense with abiding result. read more
The Contest. Endurance, Holiness, and Divine Communion proposed to the Sons of GodInspired by the example of those victorious heroes of faith who now encompass us, we ought to run our race patiently, looking to Jesus the supreme example of patient endurance (Hebrews 12:1-2). The present sufferings are the discipline of a loving Father, and are actually evidence of our being His children. Be brave, therefore, and help others to be the same (Hebrews 12:3-13). Beware of strife and impurity, taking... read more
(2) Looking unto Jesus.—As in Hebrews 2:9, the description precedes the mention of the name, “Looking unto the Author and Perfecter of (our) faith, Jesus.” The first word is very similar to that of Hebrews 11:26; the runner looks away from all other objects and fixes his gaze on One. Jesus is not directly spoken of as the Judge (2 Timothy 4:8); but, as the next words show, He has Himself reached the goal, and His presence marks the point at which the race will close. As the last verse spoke of... read more
A Besetting Sin (a Lenten Sermon) Hebrews 12:1 Sin is a very difficult thing to define; it is so complex, so subtle. The Greek word which we translate for 'sin' means 'missing the mark'. What a true name that is for any sin which any of us commit! How sure it is, sooner or later, to 'miss the mark' for which we meant it. We do it with the idea that in some way or other it will give us pleasure. But does any sin, in the long run, give pleasure? Sins are very various, and of an infinite number... read more
CHAPTER XIV.CONFLICT."Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners... read more
CHAPTER 12 1. Looking away unto Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2 ) 2. The Contradiction of sinners (Hebrews 12:3-4 ) 3. Chastened as sons (Hebrews 12:5-11 ) 4. Exhortations (Hebrews 12:12-17 ) 5. The end of faith (Hebrews 12:18-24 ) 6. The final warning (Hebrews 12:25-29 ) Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with steadfastness the race lying before... read more
12:2 {2} {b} Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the {c} joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.(2) He sets before us, as the mark of this race, Jesus himself our captain, who willingly overcame all the roughness of the same way.(b) As it were upon the mark of our faith.(c) While he had every type of blessedness in his hand and power, yet suffered willingly the shame of the cross. read more
How rightly now Chapter 12 admonishes the saints of God to act by faith; for where faith is in godly exer-cise, every honorable and true responsibility will be willingly assumed, with the confidence of Divine help to enable its faithful discharge. "Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of wit-nesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author... read more
TRIUMPHS OF FAITH This lesson covers one of the many digressions alluded to and is first, an exhortation (Hebrews 10:19-25 ); secondly, a warning (Hebrews 10:26-31 ), and thirdly, an expression of comfort (Hebrews 10:32-39 ). This last touches on the principle of faith and gives occasion for an exhibition of its triumph in the lives of the Old Testament saints that makes the 11th chapter rank with the most notable in the Bible. The exhortation (Hebrews 10:19-25 ) keeps in mind that these... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hebrews 12:2-3
As a runner keeps looking toward his or her goal, so we should keep looking to Jesus, not primarily to the other witnesses (Hebrews 12:1). When we take our eyes of faith off Jesus, we begin to sink, like Peter did (Matthew 14:22-33). Jesus should be our primary model when it comes to persevering. The writer used the simple personal name "Jesus" to accent our Lord’s humanity, especially His endurance of pain, humiliation, and the disgrace of the cross."The writer now returns to the duty of... read more