an exhortation to constant faith, patience, and godliness

Hebrews 12, part 1

An exhortation to constant faith, patience, and godliness

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Hebrews 12:1 (AV) — 1 Wherefore 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 patience the race that is set before us,Witnesses = μαρτύρων, (martyrōn) from μάρτυς (martus)— A witness.

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and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Witnesses = μαρτύρων

Matthew 18:16; (1 Timothy 5:19); Matthew 26:65; Acts 1:8; Revelation 3:14

2 Corinthians 1:23

Acts 22:20; Revelation 2:13; 17:6 3



every = πᾶς (pas); a prim. word; all, every

weight = ὄγκος (ogkos); bulk, an encumbrance:

ὄγκος, . . . that which serves to hinder or prevent someone from doing something—‘hindrance, impediment. (Louw Nida)

1 John 3:224

In the epistle to the Hebrews is pointed out the single-hearted purpose that should characterize the Christian's race for eternal life: “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 and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1, 2. Envy, malice, evil

thinking, evilspeaking, covetousness—these are weights that the Christian must lay aside if he would run successfully the race for immortality. Every habit or practice that leads into sin and brings

dishonor upon Christ must be put away, whatever the sacrifice. The blessing of heaven cannot attend any man in violating the eternal

principles of right. One sin cherished is sufficient to work degradation of character and to mislead others. (Acts of the Apostles, p. 312.1)

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1 John 3:4; Romans 3:3; 4:20; 11:30–32;

Hebrews 3:12, 19; 4:6, 11

Hebrews 11, is a portion of scripture worthy of earnest contemplation and study. It contains a definition of faith, and many illustrations of the

same in the lives and actions of the ancient worthies. From what is written in that chapter as a whole, the Apostle makes an application in

the first verse of chap.xii: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, (who are these witnesses? Those just mentioned in the previous chapter. And what did they bear witness to? To the efficacy of saving faith,) let us lay aside every weight, and the

sin which doth so easily beset us, (what is this sin? That which these witnesses have testified against, which is the want of faith, or unbelief,) and

run with patience the race set before us”. (Uriah Smith, Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, October 15, 1857, page 192.7, emphasis supplied)

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doth so easily beset us = εὐπερίστατος (euperistatos); from 2095 [εὖ: good] and 4026 [περιΐστημι to stand around, turn

around]; easily encircling

so easily entangles us; which clings so closely

However close a sin may cling and however painful the process of separation may be, it must be laid aside if victory in the race of life is to be attained. (SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 481.



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weight = ὄγκος (ogkos); bulk, an encumbrance:

What are some weights in your life?

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1 Corinthians 9:24–27; Galatians 2:2; Philippians 2:16

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Hebrews 3:6; 4:14; 10:23, 36–39

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We must be sanctified through the truth, be wholly consecrated to God, and so live out our holy profession that the Lord can shed increasing light upon

us, and that we may see light in His light, and be strengthened with His strength. Every moment that we are not on our watch we are liable to be

beset by the enemy and are in great danger of being overcome by the powers of darkness. Satan commissions his angels to be vigilant and overthrow all

they can; to find out the waywardness and besetting sins of those who profess the truth, and throw darkness around them, that they may cease to be watchful, take a course that will dishonor the cause they profess to love,

and bring sorrow upon the church. The souls of these misguided, unwatchful ones grow darker, and the light of heaven fades from them. They

cannot discover their besetting sins, and Satan weaves his net about them, and they are taken in his snare. (Early Writings, p. 105.1)

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God is our strength. We must look to Him for wisdom and guidance, and keeping in view His glory, the good of the church, and the salvation

of our own souls, we must overcome our besetting sins. We should individually seek to obtain new victory every day. We must learn to

stand alone and depend wholly upon God. The sooner we learn this the better. Let each one find out where he fails, and then faithfully watch that

his sins do not overcome him, but that he gets the victory over them. Then can we have confidence toward God, and great trouble will be

saved the church. (Early Writings, p. 105.2)

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Hebrews 12:2 (AV) — 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the 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.

We are now to fix our eyes on Jesus, after a glance at “the cloud of witnesses,” for he is the goal.

2 Corinthians 3:18; Luke 21:26–28; 2 Corinthians 4:8; Philippians 3:20; Titus 2:13; 1 John 1:1

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Through the merits of Christ, through His righteousness, which by faith is imputed unto us, we are to attain to the perfection of Christian

character. Our daily and hourly work is set forth in the words of the apostle: “Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.” While

doing this our minds become clearer and our faith stronger, and our hope is confirmed; we are so engrossed with the view of His purity and

loveliness, and the sacrifice He has made to bring us into agreement with God, that we have no disposition to speak of doubts and

discouragements. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 744.1)

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No man, woman, or youth can attain to Christian perfection and neglect the study of the word of God. By carefully and closely searching his word

we shall obey the injunction of Christ, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” This search enables the student to closely observe the divine Model, for they testify of Christ. The Pattern must be inspected often and closely in

order to imitate it. As one becomes acquainted with the history of the Redeemer, he discovers in himself defects of character; his unlikeness to

Christ is so great that he sees he cannot be a follower without a very great change in his life. Still he studies, with a desire to be like his great

Exemplar; he catches the looks, the spirit, of his beloved Master; by beholding he becomes changed. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and

finisher of our faith.”16

It is not in looking away from him, and in losing sight of him, that we imitate the life of Jesus; but in dwelling upon and talking of him, and

seeking to refine the taste and elevate the character; seeking to approach through earnest, persevering effort, through faith and love, the perfect

Pattern. The attention being fixed upon Christ, his image, pure and spotless, becomes enshrined in the heart as “the chief among ten

thousand and the one altogether lovely.” Even unconsciously we imitate that with which we are familiar. By having a knowledge of Christ, his

words, his habits, his lessons of instruction, and by borrowing the virtues of the character which we have so closely studied, we become imbued

with the spirit of the Master which we have so much admired. (The Review and Herald, November 28, 1878, par. 3)

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author = ἀρχηγός (archēgos); from 757 and 2233; founder, leader:—author(2), Prince(1), prince(1). The chief leader or

ruler.

. . . one who causes something to begin—‘initiator, founder, originator. (Louw Nida)

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Acts 3:15; 5:31; Hebrews 2:10; 12:2



finisher = τελειωτής (teleiōtēs); a completer, finisher.

From τελειόω (teleioō); to bring to an end, to complete, perfect

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Revelation 14:12; Romans 3:22; Galatians 2:16

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As these false doctrines were urged [novel and startling . . . doctrine[s], more pleasing to many minds, but not in harmony with the fundamental

principles of the gospel], differences sprang up, and the eyes of many were turned from beholding Jesus as the Author and Finisher of their

faith. The discussion of unimportant points of doctrine, and the contemplation of pleasing fables of man's invention, occupied time that

should have been spent in proclaiming the gospel. The masses that might have been convicted and converted by a faithful presentation of the truth were left unwarned. Piety was rapidly waning, and Satan seemed about

to gain the ascendancy over those who claimed to be followers of Christ. (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 580.2)

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Last night I had a wonderful experience. I was in an assembly where questions were being asked and answered. I awoke at one o'clock, and

arose. For a time I walked the room, praying most earnestly for clearness of mind, for strength of eyesight, and for strength, to write the things

that must be written. I entreated the Lord to help me to bear a testimony that would awake His people before it is forever too late.... (Special

Testimonies, series B, no. 19, p. 29.2, August 15, 1902)

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My soul was drawn out in the consideration of matters relating to the future carrying forward of God's work. Those who have had little

experience in the beginning of the work often err in judgment in regard to how it should be advanced. They are tempted on many points. They think that it would be better if the talented workers had higher wages, according to the importance of the work they do. (Special Testimonies,

series B, no. 19, p. 29.3)

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But one of authority stood among us in the assembly in which I was present last night, and spoke words that must decide the question. He

said: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith, trace His work after He assumed humanity, and remember that He is your pattern.

In the work of soul-saving, His divine-human life in our world is to be your guide. He made the world, yet when He lived on this earth, He had not where to lay His head.” (Special Testimonies, series B, no. 19, p. 30.1)

Hebrews 12:2 (AV) — 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the 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.

For ≠γάρ (gar) but rather ἀντί (anti); a prim. prep., also a pref.; over against, opposite, hence instead of

Christ endured the cross in return for the joyous prospect of a universe free from sin. (SDABC, vol. 7, p. 481)

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Hebrews 12:2 (AV) — 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the 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.

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Isaiah 53:3, 11; Matthew 5:12; James 1:12; John 16:20–22

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Let us, then, cheerfully suffer something for Jesus’ sake, crucify self daily, and be partakers of Christ's sufferings here, that we may be

made partakers with Him of His glory, and be crowned with glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life. (Early Writings, p. 114.1)



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Hebrews 2:10; 5:7; Matthew 27:46

Revelation 2:11; 20:6, 14; 21:8

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“The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23. While life is the

inheritance of the righteous, death is the portion of the wicked. Moses declared to Israel: “I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil.” Deuteronomy 30:15.

The death referred to in these scriptures is not that pronounced upon Adam, for all mankind suffer the penalty of

his transgression. It is “the second death” that is placed in contrast with everlasting life. (The Great Controversy, p. 544.1,

See also, Early Writings, pp. 294, 295)

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Oh, why are we so sensitive to trial and reproach, to shame and suffering, when our Lord has given us such an example? Who would wish to enter into the joy of their Lord while they were

unwilling to partake of His sufferings? What! the servant unwilling to bear the humility and shame and reproach which the Master

bore unselfishly for him! the servant shrinking from a life of humility and sacrifice which is for his own eternal happiness, by

which he may finally obtain an exceedingly great, an eternal reward! The language of my heart is: Let me be a partaker with

Christ of His sufferings, that I may finally share with Him the glory. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 490.2)



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Genesis 48:13–18; Exodus 15:6; Psalm 63:8; 110:1; Matthew 20:21; 26:36; Hebrews 1:13

Hebrews 12:3 (AV) — 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and

faint in your minds.

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Consider = ἀναλογίζομαι (analogizomai)

an-al-og-id´-zom-ahee

From the root: λέγω (lĕgō) to relate or a discourse

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λογίζομαι (logizomai); from 3056 (in the sense of an account or reckoning); to reckon, to consider:—consider(6), considered(2), counted(1), counting(1), credit(1), credited(9), credits(1), dwell(1), maintain(1), numbered(2), propose(1), reason(1), reckoned(2), regard(4), regarded(3),

suppose(1), take into account(3), thinks(1).

ἀνά (ana); a prim. prep. and adv.; as a prep. denotes upwards, up, as a pref. denotes up, again, back:—among*(1), apiece(1), between*(1), each(3), each one(1), within*(1).

ἀναλογίζομαι

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to estimate, i.e. (fig.) contemplate:—consider

Hebrews 3:1

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The exhortation to consider Jesus and also the reason therefor, are given in Hebrews 12:1-3: “Wherefore 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 patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the 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. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” It is only by constantly and prayerfully considering Jesus as He is revealed in the

Bible that we can keep from becoming weary in well-doing and from fainting by the way. (E. J. Waggoner, Christ and His Righteousness, p. 6.2)

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Again, we should consider Jesus because in Him “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3. Whoever lacks wisdom is directed to ask of God, who gives to all men liberally and upbraids not, and the promise is that it shall be given him, but the desired wisdom can be obtained

only in Christ. The wisdom which does not proceed from Christ and which does not as a consequence lead to Him is only foolishness, for God, as the Source of all things, is the Author of

wisdom; ignorance of God is the worst sort of foolishness (see Romans 1:21, 22) and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ, so that he who has only the wisdom of this world knows,

in reality, nothing. And since all power in heaven and in earth is given to Christ, the apostle Paul declares Christ to be “the power of God and the wisdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:24. (E. J. Waggoner,

Christ and His Righteousness, p. 7.1)

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There is one text, however, which briefly sums up all that Christ is to man and gives the most comprehensive reason for considering Him. It is this: “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30. We are ignorant, wicked lost. Christ is to us wisdom, righteousness, redemption. What a range! From

ignorance and sin to righteousness and redemption. Man’s highest aspiration or need cannot reach outside the bounds of what Christ is to us and what He alone is to us. Sufficient reason this why the

eyes of all should be fixed upon Him. (E. J. Waggoner, Christ and His Righteousness, p. 7.2)

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3. Consider him. Verses 3–11 deal with the nature, purpose, and results of divine discipline. No Christian is called to undergo a more strict course of discipline than Christ was. By considering the way in which He met trials and temptations we can avoid growing weary or fainthearted. Christ endured, and by His grace we too may endure.

Endured. See on v. 1.

Contradiction. Or, “hostility.” The hostility of priests and rulers, scribes and Pharisees, dogged the footsteps of Christ throughout His earthly ministry. Eventually, the tide of popularity turned against Him, and His own people demanded His life blood. The cumulative hostility of a race of sinners was turned with the full force of diabolical ingenuity on the Prince of sufferers.

Lest ye be wearied. A glance at the burden Christ bore will make our burdens seem light by comparison (see Matt. 11:28–30). If we will only look unto Jesus and consider what He endured, every difficulty and disappointment we meet will be easier to bear. (SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 482)

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To be continued

an exhortation to constant faith, patience, and godliness

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