READ: Heb. 12:14-17: Pursue peace with all people, and holiness … looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up … lest there be any … profane person …
The Hebrews are encouraged to persevere in faith, endure suffering, fight against sin, and hold on to God’s Word. In doing so, they are urged to follow Christ. This applies not only to their personal struggles but also to their attitude towards others.
The writer emphasizes, “pursue peace with all.” This primarily concerns fellow church members, although outsiders should also be treated kindly (Matt. 5:44-45; Rom. 12:18). This requires self-denial (1 Cor. 6:7; 1 Pet. 3:9). How can you have peace with God without seeking peace within His house?
As children of God, you must also strive for holiness (v.13, 1 Pet. 1:15-17). This means putting on the new self and living in godliness. Peace and holiness are two sides of the same coin (Col. 3:5-17): becoming fitting, conformed to Christ, and pleasing to God.
Your attitude towards others should reflect your concern for their eternal well-being. If someone is in danger of falling away from God’s grace, for example, by staying away from the church or showing worldly desires, then you have a responsibility. You should help prevent this from happening. This requires a good, open relationship with one another, building each other up in the faith. In a world where everyone looks out for themselves, this is not automatic in the church! Verse 15 says: Let no one fall away.
If someone is in danger of falling away, help them through admonition, and if necessary, through discipline, in meekness (Gal. 6:1). If you do not, you are complicit in allowing bitterness, discontent, and unrest to fester and infect many, causing God’s grace to fade from their view as well.
Finally, the writer warns of the danger of tolerating immorality and ungodliness, as was the case with Esau, in the church. If there is no repentance, God will withhold His abundant goodness.
Is the threat of apostasy something rare in the church?
Singing: Ps. 37:5