Hebrews chapter 12:12-13:24

Chapter 12:12-13:25

The Appeal to Hold On• “We’re holding on

with nothing left to hold on to.”

1968

Battle of the Bulge

• General Tony McAuliffe were not only in a bind being nearly frozen and low in supplies, they were facing a surge of 250,000 Germans.

"Us surrender? Aw, nuts!"

Surrounded by the Enemy

HOLD ON!

Observations concerning Perseverance

• Don’t give up because choices can’t be reversed at the Judgment (12:15-17, 29)

Decision• Don’t give up because the

cross is 100% effective (12:18-24). Dependence

• Don’t give up because the church will last into eternity

(12:25-28). – Destiny

Choices Can’t be Reversed on Day of Judgment - Decisions

• Profane – pornos - a word that embodies all that’s secular.

• One wrong ‘gut’ decision cost him a great legacy. • When Christians become profane it means that

they sin to the point that God gives them over to their desires.

• At the judgment one will have no more opportunity to decide to follow Jesus or beg his way into heaven by earnestly pleading, “I use to be a member of the church, I use to be active, I once was faithful” (see Rev. 2:10). Decide to be faithful!

The Cross is 100% Effective (12:18-24)

• This speaks about one’s dependence

• Moses did not let the lightening, the thundering the fire and smoke prevent him from doing the bidding of Jehovah. He depended upon God to take him where God wanted him to go.

What Dependence Does for the Saint

• First, it makes them come v. 22 They were turning from mount Jerusalem to

heavenly Jerusalem, the church. • Then it brings them into fellowship v. 23

We’re leaving tracks for others to follow. • And third, it develops hope v. 24.

The blood of Able only cried out, “Justice!” The blood of Jesus continually cries, “Mercy!”

The Church Will Last Into Eternity (12:25-28)

• This speaks about one’s destiny.

• When they assembled at the mount the earth shook from the voice of God. In the end, the

earth will dissolve and the heavens will evaporate (2 Pet. 3:9ff).

• The church is the portal on earth through which one reaches heaven.

Things that Prevent Faithfulness

• A lack of brother love 1-3.• A lack of self control vs. 4-6, 16.

• Being disrespectful to the church overseers v. 7, 17.

• Attempting to reinvent Jesus v. 8.• Embracing conflicting doctrines about Jesus, his

church and salvation 9-11.• Becoming weary of suffering for the cause vs. 12, 13.

• Making the church physical rather than spiritual vs. 14, 15.

• Failing to pray for one another v. 18.• And becoming sour over rebuke v. 22.