Shake, rattle and dissolve
The author is concluding chapter 12 with a crescendo. He’s telling the Hebrews to listen to the words of our Lord Jesus because our world and earthly things will be shaken until there is nothing left! He’s calling his audience to focus on a new, unshakable Kingdom. And that’s how we end Hebrews 12 today. It’s the last warning from the book… There is a final chapter, chapter 13, which is an epilogue of the book, so today we cover the book’s last warning.
Scripture
Heb 12:25-29 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. (26) At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” (27) This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. (28) Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, (29) for our God is a consuming fire.
Bible Study Questions
Verse 25 refers to two different people. Firstly, the author refers to the “one who is speaking,” and then “him who was refused.” Who are the two people the author referring to? (Heb 12:25)
What punishment was given to those who refused him on earth? What punishment do you think will befall those who refuse the one who is speaking? (Num 21:6; Num 26:10; Num 25:32)
What voices do we tend to hear that drown out the voice of our Father? (Heb 12:25; Titus 3:3-7; Phil 3:13-14)
Verse 26 says that at the time, God shook the earth but that in a short while, the heavens and the earth will be shaken. What is meant by the shaking of the earth and what is meant by the shaking of the heavens? (Heb 12:26; Hag 2:6-9)
What things will be shaken and no longer remain? (Heb 12:27)
The passage concludes by saying that our God is a consuming fire. Is this counter to His loving nature? (Heb 12:29; Rom 1:18; Jon 3:36)
What can we do to ensure we hear God’s voice, escape His wrath and consuming fire, and inherit His Kingdom? (Heb 12:29; Prov 1:7; Jos 1:8)
Prayer
Father in Heaven, thank you for speaking to us. Help us to hear your voice amidst the noise and distractions of this busy life. Please grant us discernment to understand what the things of this world are, and a deep understanding of their temporary nature. Help us not to put value in these worldly things, knowing that they will pass away, but rather set our gaze on the true hope of things to come, your unshakable Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Worship
Your glorious cause O God
Engages our hearts
May Jesus Christ be known
Wherever we are
We ask not for ourselves
But for Your renown
The cross has saved us so we pray
Your kingdom come
Let Your kingdom come
Let Your will be done
So that ev’ryone might know Your Name
Let Your song be heard ev’rywhere on earth
Till Your sov’reign work on earth is done
Let Your kingdom come
Give us Your strength O God
And courage to speak
Perform Your wondrous deeds
Through those who are weak
Lord use us as You want
Whatever the test
By grace we'll preach Your Gospel till
Our dying breath
Service
When it comes to having faith in Jesus Christ, the Bible tells us the many are called but few are chosen. Most people put their faith in worldly things and hold out hope in these things. But we know that faith in worldly things is unfounded and foundationless and will ultimately result in damnation. What can we do to plant seeds of the Gospel, to give people hope in eternal life in God’s unshakable Kingdom?