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Two spiritual truths are emphasized in this chapter. Those who faced discouragement from multiple trials and afflictions needed to “fix [their] eyes on Jesus.” We can find encouragement from Jesus’ refusal to compromise or turn away from God. Realize that God is permitting discipline in your life for a benevolent purpose so that you may share in His holiness.

Those who were presumptuous and careless in their actions were challenged to pursue holiness (v. 14), to take advantage of the privileges of the new covenant (v. 24), and to worship God acceptably with reverence and awe (v. 28).

The writer of Hebrews combined the two themes of athletics and citizenship in this important twelfth chapter. The atmosphere is that of the footraces in the arena. We can see the runners laying aside their training weights and striving to run their races successfully. Some get weary and faint, while others endure to the end and win the prize. First the writer pictures the race (Heb. 12:1–13), and then emphasizes citizenship in the heavenly city (Heb. 12:14–29). In the minds of the readers, these two themes would go together; for no one could take part in the official games unless they were a citizen of the nation.