Why Do We Pursue Holiness and Peace?

PART FOUR

Hebrews 12:16-17

Why do we need to pursue these and become fruit bearing believers?

#1 - Without these we will not see the Lord (Heb. 12:14).

THERE IS HOLINESS IMPARTED THROUGH CHRIST – THIS SAVES US!

THERE IS HOLINESS PURSUED AS DISCIPLES OF CHRIST – THIS BEARS FRUIT!

#2 – Without these we may miss God’s grace (Heb. 12:15).

3 Characteristics of those who fail in the school of God’s Grace:

We become a bitter root (rather than a good plant)

- root that bears bitter fruit

- “Sufferings are apt to sour the spirit and sharpen the passions” (Matthew Henry, p. 1280).

We become a trouble maker (rather than a grace giver)

- such growth is slow but it will manifest itself in time (just like the good fruit).

Our bitterness spreads like a weed (rather than maturing and producing good fruit)

- Bitterness can take root and ruin my life.

- My bitterness can multiply itself and ruin others lives.

- This could speak of the rank and rotten end of apostasy.

- “Bitterness defiles people and makes them unfit to stand before God” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary).

#3 - Without these we may become sexually immoral (Hebrews 12:16).

Heb. 12:16 – “see that no one is sexually immoral”.

Why do we need to pursue these and become fruit bearing believers?

#1 - Without these we will not see the Lord (Heb. 12:14).

#2 – Without these we may miss God’s grace (Heb. 12:15).

#3 - Without these we may become sexually immoral (Hebrews 12:16).

#4 - Without these we may become godless like Esau (Hebrews 12:16-17).

Bebhlos – profane, irreligious, godless

BAG: accessible to everyone, profane, unhallowed, in NT not in ritualistic sense, but as an ethical and religious term.

1) Of things: useless

- I Timothy 4:7, “profane and old wives fables . . . worldly old wives’ tales . . . godless myths and old wives’ tales (NIV)”

- I Timothy 6:20 and II Timothy 2:16, “profane and empty talk . . . godless chatter (NIV)”

2) Of People: unholy

- I Timothy 1:9, “godless or profane . . . irreligious (NIV)”

- Hebrews 12:16 , “irreligious or profane or godless”

3) Other uses: disrespect

- Matthew 12:5, “priests in the temple profane the Sabbath . . . priests in the temple desecrate (NIV)” – The disciples were picking heads of grain and eating them on the Sabbath.

- Acts 24:6, “hath gone about to profane the temple . . desecrate the temple (NIV)” – Paul is being accused of this by the Jews.

Who is Esau?

“as you know” of verse 17.

Genesis 25 - 28

I’m not sure we know.

I have never done a lot of study on Esau; nor have I ever preached a series on Esau.

I know who he is and have told his story before and made reference to him, but today I preach the my first message on this one who is held up as being godless.

What a bummer for Esau and the Edomites (his offspring).

Esau is not being set up as THE most godless man . . . there were plenty of more ungodly men and women in Scripture and in history.

Esau was, however, for the Hebrew people . . . and now for the NT church of the Living Lord Jesus Christ . . . the notorious example of what it would mean for us to be godless.

Esau comes boiling to the top of this strong encouragement to NT believers to make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy.

In order to understand the whole message of Hebrews 12:14-17, I will think a bit about the man Esau.

The older brother of Jacob.

Think of sets of brothers that you know:

Scott and Tim (there was a time when, if I would let my scruffy beard grow out, it would turn red – maybe that means I should be Esau – means red). By the way, when I look closely at my brother today something inside makes me want to reach out and touch his Michael W. Smith beard – I haven’t the courage to ask him to let me do it . . . yet.

Kent and Craig (Warroad Baptist’s very own sons of thunder) – maybe we should flip a coin to see who would represent who – do either of you have a preference? Jacob have I love, but Esau have I hated (Romans 9:13).

Norm and Mel (Mel said to me once in a café - you think your talking to my brother) – No, I am a little bit dull about these things, but I can tell the difference between Norm and Mel. Esau was red and hairy all over . . . Jacob was non-hairy.

Zachary and Anthony – Jacob and Esau probably played Star Wars sword fights together.

Tommy and Caleb or Drew, Aaron, and Dane – Jacob and Esau were twins, but the mega issue becomes this: the elder will serve the younger – very ironic, but made known by the Lord Himself.

In this OT pot of stew – Esau comes boiling to the top as the perfect illustration of being godless.

Why?

1) Esau was reckless with his inheritance rights.

2) Esau was rejected when he sought the blessing.

3) Esau was remorseful but it was to late.

Genesis 25 & 27

That is what the writer of Hebrews says is godless.

If we pursue peace and holiness . . .

We will not be reckless with the things of God.

We will not set ourselves up for rejection from God.

We will not repent when it is to late.

Esau is not the most ungodly person in Scripture. We don’t view these problem as incredibly ungodly for us. But, the leave us godless . . . as if we have no God.

But according to Hebrews 12 this is a big consideration for each of us; so we will look and hopefully learn.

This is for all who want to become fruit bearing believers – not determined rebels.

Sons and daughters of God who want to grow deep in their relationship with God.

Pursue peace; Pursue holiness.

“Make every effort!”