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Sermon Introduction

The author encouraged the letter's readers to pursue peace and holiness, which no one will see the Lord. But, before that, the author explained that God disciplines those He loves because they are His children. Many speak about God’s love, but they seldom speak of His discipline. But it is made clear that one of the expressions of God’s love is His discipline. Therefore, believers should view God’s discipline as chastisement for the wrong committed and training for righteousness and not as God’s rejection to damnation. The author would then impart wisdom in preserving the unity and morality of the community. Although unity and morality were not the author's central theme in the letter, it is necessary to take heed. The central theme of the letter is that Christ is superior to Judaism. Thus, Jewish believers, should continue in the faith. The author warned the community of the consequences of turning away from Christ. Yet the author also encouraged them about the promises of God in Christ.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Hebrews 12:15-17 NASB

15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that there be no sexually immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that even afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.

Notes

The author encouraged the letter's readers to pursue peace and holiness, which no one will see the Lord. But, before that, the author explained that God disciplines those He loves because they are His children. Many speak about God’s love, but they seldom speak of His discipline. But it is made clear that one of the expressions of God’s love is His discipline. Therefore, believers should view God’s discipline as chastisement for the wrong committed and training for righteousness and not as God’s rejection to damnation. The author would then impart wisdom in preserving the unity and morality of the community. Although unity and morality were not the author's central theme in the letter, it is necessary to take heed. The central theme of the letter is that Christ is superior to Judaism. Thus, Jewish believers, should continue in the faith. The author warned the community of the consequences of turning away from Christ. Yet the author also encouraged them about the promises of God in Christ.

1. The author instructed that no one should come short of the grace of God. And the author warned against bitterness, which could spread, which means that the community should watch themselves (12:15).

2. The author also warned the Jewish Christians to make sure that none would be like Esau, godless and immoral. Esau traded his birthright for a single meal. He did not value what he possessed (12:16).

3. The author warned that apostates are like Esau. First, he lost his birthright; furthermore, he lost his father’s blessing. But it was too late for repentance, even if he begged for it with tears (12:17).

Application

1. We must understand and proclaim the grace of God. No man can save his own soul, nor can any man save another soul. Only through God’s grace through faith in Christ can a person be saved.

2. Remove all bitterness from the heart and watch out for people who spread their bitterness. Bitterness turns into gossip, and the unwise gets poisoned in the mind and heart, then the unity of the body gets disturbed.

3. The bitter and the unwise will destroy the unity of the body of Christ. Watch each other that no one becomes an apostate or an immoral person like Esau. We must call to repent while they still can.

Discussion / Reflection

1. Is there a connection between coming short of God’s grace and bitterness?

2. Why is the author concerned about bitterness concerning the community?

3. In what way can a person be like Esau?

4. How then should we apply these truths in our family, growth groups, and church community?