exhortation challenges of the Believers life encouragement
I Cor 9:24-27
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest,
when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. NKJV
E. The renewal 12:12-13
1. A literal translation of v. 12
“Take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs”
2. A literal translation of v. 13
“Mark out a straight path for your feet” (12:13).
Discipline is not designed to crush but to correct. It is designed to get back on the level surface.
It is designed to get us back on course, back in the race of 12:1-2. Isa. 35:3-4
3 Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees.
4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear!” NKJV
III. The Challenges: 12:14-17 Do you like a challenge?
A. The author’s exhortations: There are three of them.
1. "Try to live in peace with everyone" (12:14 a). See Rom. 12:9-21; Matt. 5:9
Rom. 12:18
“If (Since) it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” NKJV
Matt 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” KJV
Also see: Mark 9:50; II Cor. 13:11; Eph. 4:3; James 3:18
2. "Seek to live a clean and holy life" (12:14 b-15a).
“and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God;” NKJV
3. "Watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you" (12:15b).
Three Key Words introduce each challenge: “Try, Seek, and Watch”!
B. The author's example (12:16-17): Esau is held up as a tragic example of what not to do.
The author of Hebrews points out three flaws in his character:
1. He was immoral (12:16 a). *He is called a fornicator:
See: Acts 15:20 1 Cor 6:18.
*He is also called profane:
The word "profane" here refers to one who by word or conduct treats religion with contempt, or has no reverence for what is sacred. This may be shown by words; by the manner; by a sneer; by neglect of religion;
or by openly renouncing the privileges which might be connected with our salvation.
2. He was godless (12:16 b).
3. He despised his birthright (12:16 c-17).
**Children who want nothing to do with their parents religion or faith.
**The want nothing to do with Christ!

IV. The Contrasts: (12:18-24): Two mountains are contrasted.
A. Mount Sinai (12:18-21)
1. The person (12:21): Moses.
2. The principle (12:18-20): The law of God.
B. Mount Zion (12:22-24)
1. The person (12:24 a): Christ.
2. The principle (12:22-23,24 b): The grace of God.
V. The Caution (12:25-27):
The author solemnly warns his readers about the terrible results of unbelief.
VI. The All Consuming Fire (12:28-29)
A. Our God is a coming King (12:28).
B. Our God is a consuming fire (12:29).