A Bible Study on Perseverance – A Study on Hebrews 12:1-3
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Perseverance is a key virtue in the life of a believer in Yeshua (Jesus), and studying it through Scripture can offer profound insights into how we can endure trials with faith. In this Bible Study on Perseverance, we will explore the depths of perseverance as highlighted in Hebrews 12:1-3.
This passage, rich with encouragement and wisdom, provides guidance for believers facing challenges, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith. As we dive into this study, we’ll also draw from other parts of the Bible to gain a comprehensive understanding of how perseverance is essential in the journey of faith.
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Bible Study on Perseverance – Understanding the Context of Hebrews 12:1-3
The Book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were facing persecution and pressure to abandon their faith in Yeshua (hence the reason it is called the Book of Hebrews). The author, traditionally thought to be the Apostle Paul, but whose identity remains uncertain, wrote to encourage these believers to remain steadfast in their faith. The overarching theme of Hebrews is the superiority of Yeshua, the Messiah, over all previous revelations and mediators, including angels and the Levitical priesthood.
Chapter 11, often referred to as the “Hall of Faith,” sets the stage for chapter 12 by recounting the stories of numerous individuals who demonstrated great faith despite immense challenges. These individuals serve as examples of perseverance, having remained faithful to God despite not seeing the fulfillment of His promises in their lifetimes.
As we enter Hebrews 12, we see the transition from these examples of faith to an exhortation for the believers to apply these lessons to their own lives.
Verse 1: The Great Cloud of Witnesses
Identifying the Great Cloud of Witnesses
Hebrews 12:1 begins with, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses…” The “great cloud of witnesses” refers to the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11. These individuals, like Abraham, Moses, and Rahab, are witnesses in the sense that their lives testify to the power of faith and perseverance. They serve as an encouragement to believers, showing that it is possible to remain faithful to God even in the face of great adversity.
In Jewish tradition, the idea of witnesses is not just about observing; it’s about testifying to the truth. The Hebrew word for witness, עֵד ‘ed, carries the undertone of giving evidence or bearing testimony. These witnesses, then, are not merely passive observers of our struggles but active testifiers to the faithfulness of God, urging us on as we run our race.
Throwing Off What Hinders
The verse continues, “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” Here, the author makes a clear distinction between hindrances and sin. Hindrances are not necessarily sinful, but they are things that can slow us down in our spiritual journey. These could be distractions, unhealthy relationships, or even good things that are not God’s best for us at that moment. The Greek word used here for “throw off” is apotithemi, which means to lay aside or put away. It’s a deliberate act of removing obstacles from our path.
In Jewish thought, the concept of yetzer hara (the evil inclination) represents the internal struggles and temptations that can entangle us. This concept parallels the “sin that so easily entangles” in Hebrews 12:1. The imagery here is vivid—sin is like a vine that wraps around our legs, tripping us up and preventing us from moving forward. We are called to actively identify and remove these entanglements from our lives.
We talk about the yetzer hara quite a bit in our Mussar program! Feel free to join us! It’s free!
The Sin That Entangles
Sin is portrayed as something that entangles, meaning it ensnares and prevents forward movement. Sin is a barrier between the individual and God, something that must be confessed and dealt with through repentance (teshuvah). The Hebrew word for sin, chet, comes from an archery term meaning “to miss the mark.” This concept reminds us that sin is not just about breaking rules, but about failing to live up to the standard that God has set for us.
Reflecting on our own lives, we should ask ourselves: What sins or hindrances are entangling us? Are there areas where we have “missed the mark”? Identifying these is the first step towards throwing them off and running the race with perseverance.
Verse 2: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
Jesus as the Initiator and Perfecter of Faith
Hebrews 12:2 encourages us to “fix our eyes on Yeshua, the initiator and perfecter of faith.” The Greek word for “initiator” or “pioneer” as is used in some translations, is archegos, which can also be translated as “author” or “leader.” Yeshua is the one who initiates our faith, and He is also the one who brings it to completion. This dual role of Yeshua as both the beginning and the end of our faith journey is central to our understanding of perseverance.
Yeshua is seen as the fulfillment of the promises made to Israel. He is the embodiment of the faithfulness of God. By fixing our eyes on Him, we are reminded that our faith is rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people, a relationship that Yeshua has brought to its fullness.
The story of faith often begins with creation, emphasizing God’s power and sovereignty as He brings the world into existence. However, in some Christian narratives, there is a tendency to skip directly from creation to the life of Yeshua, as if the story of Israel were merely a backdrop, a prelude to the “real” story of Christianity. This approach overlooks the profound significance of Israel’s history and its central role in God’s redemptive plan for the world.
Israel is not just an unnecessary context or a long list of names and genealogies or laws that don’t apply; it is the core of the story of redemption. The covenant with Abraham, the giving of the Torah at Sinai, the prophets’ call to repentance—these are not mere preludes but essential chapters in the unfolding narrative of God’s plan to redeem His creation.
Yeshua’s life, death, and resurrection are deeply rooted in the history and promises given to Israel. He is the fulfillment of those promises, the Messiah who comes not in isolation but as the culmination of Israel’s story. To remove Israel from the narrative is to miss the fullness of God’s redemptive work, which He began with His people and continues to this day, drawing all nations to Himself through the lineage of Israel and the Messiah who emerged from it.
Enduring the Cross: The Ultimate Example
The verse continues:
“For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”.
Hebrews 12:2, NASB
Yeshua’s endurance of the cross is the ultimate example of perseverance. The “joy set before Him” refers to the joy of fulfilling His Father’s will and bringing salvation to humanity. This joy was greater than the suffering He endured.
The concept of enduring shame is significant in both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures. Shame was seen as something to be avoided at all costs, yet Yeshua “despised” it, focusing instead on the greater purpose of His suffering. This teaches us that perseverance often requires us to endure hardship, knowing that there is a greater purpose that we may not fully understand in the moment.
Practical Application: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus Daily
How do we fix our eyes on Yeshua in our daily lives? One practical way is through regular prayer and meditation on Scripture. The Psalms, for example, offer many prayers that express a deep longing for God’s presence and guidance. Another way is through the practice of journaling. Writing down our thoughts, prayers, and reflections can help us to stay focused on Yeshua and His example.
As you study the Gospels, pay attention to how Yeshua responded to challenges and opposition. His life provides us with a model for how to live with perseverance. Reflect on passages like Matthew 4:1-11, where Yeshua resists temptation in the wilderness, and consider how His example can strengthen your own resolve.
Verse 3: Consider Him Who Endured
Understanding Opposition from Sinners
Hebrews 12:3 tells us to:
“…consider Him who endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and lose heart.”
TLV
The word “consider” comes from the Greek analogizomai, meaning to think over or ponder. We are called to reflect deeply on Yeshua’s endurance in the face of opposition.
Opposition from sinners is something that all believers will face at some point. Yeshua faced rejection, ridicule, and ultimately crucifixion. By reflecting on His endurance, we find strength to persevere in our own trials. This is a reminder that our struggles are not unique; Yeshua Himself experienced the full range of human suffering.
Practical Steps to Consider Christ Daily
To keep Yeshua at the forefront of our minds, we can engage in regular study of the Gospels and Epistles. Colossians 1:15-23, for example, offers a profound reflection on the supremacy of Messiah and His role in creation and redemption. By immersing ourselves in such passages, we strengthen our faith and resolve to persevere.
Another practical step is to use multiple translations of the Bible in your study. Each translation can offer a different nuance or perspective on a passage, deepening your understanding and helping you to see new aspects of Yeshua’s endurance.
Using Multiple Translations to Deepen Understanding
Hebrews 12:3 can be particularly illuminating when read in different translations. The TLV translates the verse as, “For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and lose heart.” The KJV, on the other hand, says, “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
Hebrews 12:3 in the Tree of Life Version (TLV) reads, “Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and lose heart.” The King James Version (KJV), on the other hand, translates this as, “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
The difference between “hostility” in the TLV and “contradiction” in the KJV offers a nuanced understanding of what Yeshua endured. The word “hostility” emphasizes the emotional and aggressive opposition Yeshua faced from those who rejected Him. It conveys a sense of deep animosity and the active resistance He encountered, reflecting the anger and scorn directed toward Him.
On the other hand, “contradiction” in the KJV focuses on the verbal and ideological opposition Yeshua faced. It highlights the clash between Yeshua’s message and the beliefs of those who opposed Him, pointing to the disputes, accusations, and rejections He endured. “Contradiction” suggests a conflict of ideas and the rejection of His identity and mission.
By comparing these translations, we see that Yeshua not only faced physical and emotional hostility but also intellectual and spiritual contradiction. This dual opposition—both hostile actions and contradictory words—adds depth to our understanding of the trials He endured, providing a powerful example of perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Practical Takeaways from Hebrews 12:1-3
Key Lessons on Perseverance
The key lessons from Hebrews 12:1-3 are clear: We are called to persevere by throwing off hindrances, fixing our eyes on Yeshua, and considering His example. These lessons are not just theoretical; they are practical steps that we can take in our daily lives to strengthen our faith and resolve.
In the context of the broader biblical narrative, perseverance is about trusting in God’s faithfulness, even when we cannot see the outcome. It is about running the race with endurance, knowing that we are not alone but are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” who have gone before us.
Daily Practices to Strengthen Perseverance
To reinforce these teachings, consider adopting daily practices such as prayer, Scripture reading, and journaling. Set aside time each day to reflect on Yeshua’s example and to ask for His strength in your own trials. Engage with the Psalms, which are rich with expressions of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Additionally, consider joining a Bible study group or finding a study partner. Discussing these passages with others can provide new insights and encourage you to remain steadfast in your faith.
My Final Thoughts
Perseverance is an essential virtue in the life of a believer. As we have seen in Hebrews 12:1-3, we are called to run the race with endurance, throwing off anything that hinders us and fixing our eyes on Yeshua, the initiator and perfecter of our faith. By considering His endurance, we find the strength to face our own challenges without growing weary or losing heart.
As you continue your Bible study on perseverance, remember that you are not alone. You are part of a long tradition of believers who have faced trials and overcome them through faith. I pray you find encouragement and strength in their example and in the example of Yeshua, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.
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NASB – “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation“
Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.