HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class
The Discipline of Suffering (Hebrews 12:1-7)

1) Memory Verse:
a. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. ~ Hebrews 12:6
2) First Thoughts
a. The Scriptures teach us that the Christian life is more like a marathon than a sprint.
i. Key measure is endurance in faith.
ii. Goal – to finish well.
iii. Prize – the high calling of God. “Well done…”
iv. Isn’t easy. Must embrace the training and discipline. Stay focused on…Jesus Christ.
b. Only Jesus qualifies as the Author and Finisher of saving faith.
3) Understand the Context
a. Throughout Hebrews, God combines explanation and exhortation to persuade us to cling to Jesus and grow in our faith.
b. Jesus is our Great High Priest, new covenant in His shed blood, draw near to Him in faith, fellowship of the church, O.T. models of living by faith, etc. Now press on, finish well, embrace/understand Godly discipline. Discuss the type of suffering.
4) Explore the Text
a. Verses 1-3 – Enduring
i. Notice “we” and “us” --- local church
ii. Notice “let” – choice --- Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. ~ Romans 6:12
iii. “every weight” --- fear, unbelief, bitterness, self-pity, condemnation
iv. Notice the progression --- Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. ~ Psalm 1:1
v. What’s it saying? Confess sin, move forward with patience, stay close to Jesus.
b. Verses 4-7 – Disciplined
i. What’s this all about --- “striving against sin”. Holiness. Our character.
ii. Wrong reaction to God’s correction --- despise, faint.
iii. Right reaction --- endure, receive, understand God loves you!
iv. Result --- righteousness and holiness (verses 8-14)
v. Warning --- Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; ~ Hebrews 12:15