Hebrews 12:14–17 “Walking Straight”

Hebrews 12:14-17 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• MATT REDMAN – The Heart Of Worship
• Goodness of God – Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson | VICTORY
• Gratitude – Brandon Lake

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• God’s Story: Easter – Lesson for Kids
• Walk By Faith – Song for Kids
• Priceless Treasure | Treasured VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Million Reasons | Shipwrecked VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Earlier, the author urged, “Make straight paths for your feet” (v.13), and in the following verses, he explains what that looks like in more concrete terms.

For Christians, walking straight first means to “live in peace with everyone” (v.14). A more accurate translation would be, “Pursue peace.” The word “peace” is translated from the Greek eirēnē, but the author likely had the Hebrew concept of shalom in mind. Due to our sinful nature, humans tend toward division and conflict. Therefore, unless we actively pursue peace, it cannot be achieved. Since we have received the forgiveness of sins through the eternal and perfect High Priest, that grace must flow outward to our neighbors. Just as God forgave us, we must strive to forgive and be reconciled with those who wronged us.

For Christians, walking straight also means, secondly, to “strive to live a holy life.” In order to come before God (“to see the Lord”), the barrier of sin must be addressed. Jesus Christ, as the eternal High Priest, offered Himself as the sacrifice to resolve our sin once and for all. Therefore, believers are now able to grow in holiness. God declared, “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). In Jesus Christ, we can now live according to this expectation of God.

The author then explains more specifically what it means to “grow in holiness.” First, when we grow in holiness, we will not become those who “fall short of the grace of God” (v.15). Rather than the translation “fall away from,” the rendering in the Revised Korean Version, “fail to reach,” better captures the meaning. Second, in order to grow in holiness, we must make sure that “no bitter root grows up” among us. This metaphor is drawn from Deuteronomy 29:18 (“a root that bears bitter poison and produces bitter fruit”). If someone lives in hidden corruption within the faith community, their life can negatively influence others. Third, to grow in holiness, we must guard against living with a worldly mindset, like Esau did (vv.16–17).

Meditation:

Earlier in this letter, the author of Hebrews carefully explained what Jesus Christ accomplished for us through his death on the cross. It was God’s gracious gift, given to solve the problem of sin that we could never resolve on our own. Through his sacrifice, we have been cleansed of our sins and restored as children of God. Though we were destined for eternal destruction because of sin, we now enjoy God’s forgiveness and love.

The reason God poured out such grace upon us was to restore us to the image we had before we were broken by sin. He solved our sin problem so that we would no longer live as slaves to sin but as God’s beloved children. Therefore, if we have received the grace of Jesus Christ, we must now live a life worthy of that grace. The author of Hebrews calls this “walking straight.” Since we have received God’s grace of forgiveness and love, we should treat others with that same forgiveness and love. Since we have been delivered from sin, we must strive to grow in holiness.

This does not happen automatically. It is something we must actively pursue and strive for. And it is not a solitary battle. We are called to grow together as we gather in the community of faith, encouraging one another, holding each other accountable, and walking side by side. When doing so, we can persevere in the faith journey until our last breath.

Prayer:

Lord, help us to walk straight. Let us grow in your holy character and share your peace with everyone. Please hold us fast, so that the grace you have poured out on us will not be in vain. In your holy name we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Because Jesus forgave our sins and made us God’s children, we are called to live differently, walking straight in God’s ways by sharing peace with others and growing in holiness every day, not alone, but together in our church family.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What does it mean to “walk straight” with Jesus?
  • Can you think of a time when someone helped you feel peace or love? How did that feel?
  • Why do you think Jesus wants us to grow in kindness and goodness?
• For Youth
  • The Bible says to “pursue peace” and “strive for holiness.” What does that look like in your everyday life at school, home, or church?
  • What are some “bitter roots” (like anger, jealousy, or hurt) that could grow in a community? How can we prevent them while still being true to who we are?
  • Esau traded something very important for something temporary. What helps you stay focused on what really matters in your faith?