Peace Without the Poison

Hebrews 12:14-17

14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.

Notes

God designed the church community as a vital part of His plan. Through it, believers grow and mature in Christ Jesus. It is a haven of spiritual growth, biblical truth, encouragement, comfort, accountability, and correction. Yet, this same community can be endangered by the creeping influences of sin and stubbornness. The author of Hebrews instructed the readers to pursue peace and holiness and to protect the community from any poison that can lead to a falling away from the gospel and the community. The author tried to protect the Jewish believers from people, convincing them to leave the church community.

1. Pursue Peace

   The writer of Hebrews instructed the believers to pursue peace with everyone. Their goal was to live peaceably, avoiding conflict as much as possible. However, aside from peace, the believers must also pursue holiness. Therefore, it is not peace for the sake of peace; it is a pursuit of peace and holiness.

   
   14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

   Application: Let us proactively pursue peace with everyone, especially in the church community. However, as members of the church community, we must not tolerate sin, especially one that destroys the community. Our peace must be in harmony with holiness.

   
   

2. Root of Bitterness

   The church members must encourage each other to live under God's graciousness and remain there. One way to remain is to avoid the root of bitterness, which is about having a hardened heart against the word of God. The hardened heart breeds rebellious self-confidence.

   
   15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled (Hebrews 12:15).

   Application: No one is safe against God's justice and discipline. Let us ensure that we do not have rebellious self-confidence. We must forgive to avoid letting bitterness take root in our hearts, which could defile many. Unforgiveness can lead to hate, rebellion, and ungodly false confidence. Therefore, we must forgive; if we feel hurt or offended, let us be careful how we share with others. Moreover, we must not listen to such. Instead, we should stop them.

3. Could Not Repent

   One expression of rebellion and stubbornness against God is willful sexual immorality. The believers must hold each other accountable to prevent such. The writer warned us to avoid the example of Esau, who lost his birthright. Esau could not repent.

   
   16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears (Hebrews 12:16-17).

   Application: We must never trade the gospel for the world's pleasures or the church community for friends in the world. By His grace, we must determine never to fall away from it. If we sin, we should repent immediately so it does not become a habit or, worse, defile others.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Why should the pursuit of peace be with holiness?

2. What is the root of bitterness?

3. What does it mean that Esau found no chance to repent? Explain.