What does "choosing to suffer" in Hebrews 11:25 teach about Christian sacrifice? Setting the Scene: Moses’ Deliberate Choice - Hebrews 11:25: “He chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” - Moses had status, luxury, and influence as “the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,” yet he made an explicit, conscious trade: • Comfort for hardship • Royal privilege for identification with enslaved Hebrews • Passing delight for eternal reward (Hebrews 11:26) Key Observations in Hebrews 11:25 - Choosing, not drifting • The verb signals intentionality—Christian sacrifice is never accidental. - Suffer “with” God’s people • Sacrifice is relational; it binds believers together (1 Corinthians 12:26). - “Fleeting pleasures” contrasted with lasting reward • Sin’s payoff is short‐lived; God’s reward endures (2 Corinthians 4:18). What Christian Sacrifice Looks Like Today - Voluntarily embracing loss for Christ’s sake (Philippians 3:7-8). - Standing with persecuted believers even when it costs reputation or safety (Hebrews 13:3). - Refusing moral compromise in career, school, or relationships, even if it limits advancement (Matthew 16:24-26). - Giving time, resources, and energy to serve the body rather than indulging personal ease (Romans 12:1). Motivation Behind the Sacrifice - Love for God’s people • Moses identified with Israel; believers identify with Christ’s body (John 13:34-35). - Confidence in a greater reward • “He was looking ahead to his reward” (Hebrews 11:26). • Present suffering is momentary and light compared with “an eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). - Obedience to God’s call • True faith results in action (James 2:17). Moses believed God’s promises, so he acted accordingly. Benefits Promised to the One Who Chooses Suffering - Deeper fellowship with Christ: “If we suffer with Him, we will also be glorified with Him” (Romans 8:17). - Spiritual maturity: trials refine faith “more precious than gold” (1 Peter 1:6-7). - Eternal inheritance: God “is not ashamed to be called their God” (Hebrews 11:16). Practical Takeaways - Evaluate pleasures—are they fleeting or eternal? - Decide beforehand to side with God’s people when pressure comes. - Remember that every sacrifice for Christ is credited by God and never wasted (Matthew 19:29). - Keep eyes fixed on the unseen reward; that perspective empowers present obedience (Hebrews 12:2). |
    |