Running the Race - Part 5

Hebrews 12:4

In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

As the author begins to transition into the next section of the chapter, Lane offers the idea that there is a link between verses one through three and verses four through thirteen. The phrase, “not to lose heart,” links the focus upon Jesus’ endurance to the Christian’s call to endure.[1] Verse four begins with a similar idea already presented in verse one. In verse one, the author presents an example of great leaders from the faith. Then, he connects those examples to an exhortation about getting rid of the sin in their lives. In verses two through three, he provides another example in Jesus. Now, verse four seeks to encourage them to resist sin that will inevitably come up into their life leading to struggles and possibly persecution and martyrdom.

Frederick Fyvie Bruce points out that these believers had “endured severe persecution for their faith” at one point, but in those moments martyrdom was not present.[2] The author now alludes to a possibility of martyrdom for these believers. Kristemaker notices a continuing comparison between Jesus and the believer. He states that “if Jesus endured the persecution and shed His blood, His followers ought not entertain illusions of being exempt.”[3] Jesus is presented as an example for believers all throughout this passage, and this example should be followed. Therefore, when the author mentions Jesus’ sufferings and His shedding of blood, He uses that as an example of a lifestyle that Christians should be willing to model. He does not state that they must shed blood for Christ to be considered a Christian. Instead, he states that they must be willing to suffer unto that point, if the need ever arises.

According to Ellingworth, it appears as if these believers had faced persecution at one point, but at that time, it did not involve martyrdom. He sees this connection in Hebrews 10:32-34. But now, the author fears that more persecution may be on the way, and he wonders if these believers will stand their ground and resist.[4] So this verse seems to be a continuation of the author’s encouragement from chapter ten. He reminds them of the persecution that they had already faced and warns them of what could come in the near future. But the key to this passage is that they are called to endure, resist the temptation to quit the race, and continue to look to the example of Jesus.

This is what we should take from this verse: Endure in the race of life, resist the temptation of those around you that may encourage you to quit, and continue to look to Jesus for encouragement and guidance in life.

Later this week, I will conclude this series on "Running the Race" by expounding on the above statement. How does this passage apply to our lives today?

[1] Lane, World Biblical Commentary: Hebrews 9-13, 417.
[2] Bruce, The New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Epistles to the Hebrews, 342.
[3] Kristemaker, New Testament Commentary: Hebrews, 373.
[4] Ellingworth, New International Greek Testament Commentary: Commentary on Hebrews, 644.

Matt