Hebrews 12:3-4

Hebrews 12:3-4 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

The photo above shows that some people still want to honor a system built on sin and misery. A war was fought over 140 years ago to end the institution of slavery that this flag represents. The system of slavery was set up for the purpose of subjecting people to hard labor for economic benefit and many Christians remained silent. Why this flag, which represents seceding states’ attempt to preserve slavery, deserves being honored is a puzzle.

This passage in Hebrews points out that Christians have a duty to struggle against and oppose sin in themselves and in the world. There is not an option to not struggle against sin, as the passage does not say, “If you struggle” but rather “In your struggle.” Believers should always begin with themselves in mortifying sin. The war against personal sin is never completely won in this life and the battles are never ending. But, Christians are called to oppose and battle against their own sin and also against sinful practices and activities of the world (Eph. 5:11). God’s grace not only enables believers to come to saving faith, but it also enables them to grow and fight the good fight in opposition to sin. This passage is an exhortation and, indeed, an expectation that believers will participate in this Christian endeavor.

While we in America have not resisted to the point of shedding our own blood, we are called to remain true to Christ even if our physical safety becomes threatened. There is a growing trend of hostility in America from the atheistic secular left toward Christians and Christian beliefs. Even Christian doctrine in the form of speech is being labeled “hate speech” and there are political leaders currently advocating the silencing of what they consider hate speech. The so called politically correct standards and rules that have so much influence in our culture are being set and controlled by the secular left, the media and university liberals. I believe a more severe form of Christian persecution in America is knocking at our door as we continue to see good being called evil and evil being called good.

However, we are to be strengthened by considering Christ who endured much hostility, suffering, pain, and death in order that believers may have eternal life. With our eyes solidly focused on Jesus we will not grow weary or fainthearted as we draw from his reservoir of grace. His grace is sufficient and his plan for our lives will not fail even in times of hardship and persecution. All things work for our good of being conformed to the image of Christ.

It should also be noted that this call to spiritual warfare against sin will involve conflict with false prophets who claim Christ, but deny his deity and his gospel. In a like manner there will be false teachers who will pervert grace by turning it into a mere momentary profession with no call to repentance or discipleship (Jude 4).

Praise God that this passage gives us instruction in our duty to fight against sin in ourselves and in the world. Let us pray that we will recognize sin for what it is and not accommodate, tolerate, or honor it, as the photo above illustrates can happen. So, let us put on the whole armor of God and report for duty to our commanding officer and King, Jesus Christ.