The Strand Study Bible

HEBREWS HEBREWS 12:1 This word ( weight ) is the Greek word ’ οJNοQ ( ogkon ) and denotes a “ bulk or mass ;” hence, metaphorically, an “ outward encumbrance, an external weight .” Arthur W. Pink in An Exposition of Hebrews notes: …the writer (of Hebrews) regards the weights as external temptations which have to be resisted, evil habits which are to be dropped; and the sin as referring to indwelling corruption… 1 Pink continues: 2076

A weight is something which we are at liberty to cast aside, but which instead we choose to retain. It is anything which retards our progress, anything which unfits us for the discharge of our God-assigned duties, anything which dulls the conscience, blunts the edge of our spiritual appetite, or chokes the spirit of prayer. The cares of this world weigh down the soul just as effectually as does a greedy grasping after the things of earth. If we accept that scale of duties which the fashion of this world imposes, we shall find them weights which seriously impede our spiritual progress: spending valuable time in reading newspapers and other secular literature in order to keep up with the times, exchanging social calls with worldlings, spending money on all sorts of unnecessary things so as to be abreast of our neighbors, are weights burdening many, and those weights are sins. 1

NOTE - Whereas a weight is an external sin that is committed due to oversight and omission (trespass offering - Lev 5:15,17-18 ), a “besetting sin” ( the sin which doth so easily beset us ) is an internal sin that is committed due to sinful behaviors or attitudes that victimize and enslave the believer (sin offering - Lev 4:2 & 5:3-4 ). 12:5a This word ( despise not ) is the Greek word μη-ολιγωρει (me-oligorei). It comes from three Greek words: (1) μη, meaning not ; (2) ολιγ ο ς, meaning little ; and (3) ο ρα, meaning care , and literally means “ not to care little for; not to regard lightly (take seriously) God’s instruction, correction, and chastening (His reproof and rod – Prov 3:11 & 29:15).” NOTE – Sadly, some do not respond seriously to God’s reproof (II Chro 33:9-10); but thankfully, some do (II Sam 12:1-13/Psa 6,32,38,39,51,130). Thankfully, some respond seriously to God’s rod (Job 40:1-5 & 42:1-6); but sadly, some do not (Amos 4:6-12). 12:5b This word ( faint ) is the Greek word εκλ X ο X (ekluou). It comes from two Greek words: (1) εκ, meaning out ; and (2) λ X ο, meaning to loose or unloose , as a bow-string; to relax . When used in the Passive Voice (where the subject receives the action) this word relates to becoming faint . Thus, this word (εκλ X ο X ), when added to the word ( P ηδε - nor) before it, literally means “ not to relax and grow weary (discharge responsibility) in obedience to God’s instruction, correction, and chastening (Gal 6:9), but to be steadfast and unfaltering . “I can’t take it anymore” should not be a part of the believer’s vocabulary (Acts 13:13 & 15:36-38). 12:6 God doesn’t like spanking His kids any more than we do; however, His love for His own drives Him to do so ( For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth ). If you were an undisciplined child, then you were a “love child” rather than a “loved child.” THE ADAGE IS TRUE: You are never more loved than when you are chastened by the Lord 12:10 Unlike the Heavenly FATHER who takes no pleasure in chastening those who deserve it (Lam 3:31-36), sadly, human parents often “enjoy” ( own pleasure ) the act of disciplining their children. If, as a parent, we have enjoyed the chastening of our children even one time, then we are not like the Heavenly FATHER ; for when the FATHER disciplines, it’s always for the profit of the individual, never His pleasure. Because God is a better parent, parents need to begin searching the Scriptures as to how God raises His children, and then raise their own accordingly. According to Proverbs 29:15, II Chronicles 33:1-13, and Ephesians 6:4, God uses a two-fold method for raising kids: the rod ( nurture ); and reproof ( admonition ). Those who choose to raise their children using God’s two-fold method will discover three great truths: 1. God really does know what He’s talking about (as if there should be any doubt) 2. Others, who do not understand God’s long-term method for raising children, will criticize the process 3. Our patience with God’s program determines His purpose with your children NOTE - The key to “pleasurable” parenting (Prov 10:1) is not looking for the pleasure, but the profit that God’s training program will eventually bring to your children. Happy parenting takes place “down the road” as we patiently instill godly wisdom into the heart of our children on a day-to-day basis (See - EPHESIANS “MINI” SERIES). 12:14 a This word ( holiness ) is the Greek word ‘ DJLDσPοQ ( hagiasmon ) and is taken from the Greek word for “saint” ( hagioi ). It signifies “ separation to God ” and is normally rendered “ sanctification .” Sanctification (sainthood) is a predetermined state into which God, in grace, calls sinful men, and in which they begin their course as Christians (I Thess 4:3,4,7). 12:14 b Sadly, there are religious movements that have tried to use this Scripture to prove that practicing personal holiness (good works) is essential to gaining and keeping one’s salvation ( without which no man shall see the Lord ). Holiness, however, is an attribute of God ( Rom 1:20b - point #5), not men. No man possesses that self-affirming purity, called holiness. Holiness belongs exclusively to the members of the Triune Godhead ( Psa 89:35, Mk 1:24, Acts 4:27 and Mt 1:18 ) and, therefore, cannot even be practiced by mere mortals. Holiness can only be pursued (followed), not practiced. Until a person is saved and the SPIRIT OF GOD (the possessor of holiness) indwells him, that person cannot even “follow holiness” (pursue the One who possesses holiness). However, once a person is saved and decides to yield to the HOLY SPIRIT within him (Gal 5:16-18) and do HIS will ( I Cor 12:11b ), via the Word of God (Eph 5:18-22/Colo 3:16-22), that person can then “follow holiness.” NOTE - What the author of Hebrews meant here was, “Without holiness (without the Spirit of God, the possessor of holiness, indwelling a person upon salvation) no man shall see the Lord ( Isa 6:3 b ).

1 Pink, Arthur W. An Exposition of Hebrews . Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. 1954. Print.