Christian Fellowship Community Group
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Hebrews 12:1-13 (NLT)
1-4 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (2) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. (3) Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up. (4) After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin."
5-6 "And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, 'My child, don't make light of the LORD's discipline, and don't give up when he corrects you. (6) For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child."
7-9 "As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? (8) If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means you are illigitimate and no really his children at all. (9) Since we respected our earthy fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?"
10-13 "For our earthy fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. (11) No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. (12) So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. (13) Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong."
We "fix" our eyes on Jesus. Or, as this version says, "We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus."
Then it goes on to tell us who Jesus is! The two words in Greek are "ἀρχηγὸν καὶ τελειωτὴν " The word ἀρχηγὸν or archagon, means originator, founder, leader, beginner. The second word, τελειωτὴν, teleiotan, has to do with endings, finishing, completing a goal or task. So, for me, I see these 2 words meaning that Jesus starts our faith, and he completes it.
Here are some of the English options in various Bibles:
Author and finisher of our faith. KJV
Pioneer and Perfector of our faith. NET
Champion and perfector of our faith. Above
Source and perfector of our faith. HCSB
Founder and perfector of our faith ESV
Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. GNT
Probably, the last translation, from a paraphrase, comes closest to what the meaning is. But the other versions? ALL. Correct! No wrong answers here.
Looking to Jesus - the beginning and end of our faith! It doesn't get much better than that!
As for the rest of the verses, I'll leave someone else to get that started. Because, it IS important. God does discipline us! And for sure, it is not pleasant at times!