Let’s read through the book of Hebrews one verse at a time in 2023. Every day explore a single verse and its cross references. AI-generated text draws the passages together. RSS feed.
choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
These cross references all share a common theme of choosing God and His ways over sin and the pleasures of the world. They emphasize that God's ways are better than the fleeting pleasures of sin, and that we should strive to live a life of faith and obedience to Him. The passages also speak of the suffering and trials that come with being a follower of Christ, but that these are ultimately worth it and bring glory to God.
| Passage | How It’s Related (AI-Generated) |
|---|---|
| Job 36:21: Take care; do not turn to iniquity, for this you have chosen rather than affliction. | Both passages emphasize the importance of making wise choices. Hebrews 11:25 specifically speaks to the choice between the fleeting pleasures of sin and the suffering that comes with being part of God's people. Job 36:21 encourages us to make the right choice and avoid iniquity. Both passages encourage us to make wise decisions that are in line with God's will. |
| Psalm 84:10: For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. | Both passages highlight the benefits of living a life devoted to God. Hebrews 11:25 speaks of the rewards of choosing to suffer with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. Psalm 84:10 emphasizes the joy of being in God's presence and choosing to serve Him rather than living in the tents of wickedness. |
| 2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. | Both passages emphasize the importance of making a choice between a life of sin and a life devoted to God, as Moses did. Hebrews 11:25 encourages us to choose to suffer with God's people over the fleeting pleasures of sin. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us that when we choose to follow God, we are made new and the old life of sin is gone. We can have a new life in Christ and a new identity as a beloved child of God. |
| 2 Timothy 2:3-10: Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. | Both passages emphasize the importance of putting God first and not being distracted by the fleeting pleasures of the world. Hebrews 11:25 speaks of forsaking the pleasures of sin in order to be with God's people, while 2 Timothy 2:3-10 encourages us to be disciplined and focused on our spiritual goals like a soldier or athlete, so that we can receive God's understanding. |
| 1 Peter 4:12-16: Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. | Both passages emphasize the importance of a Christian's willingness to suffer for the sake of their faith. Hebrews 11:25 speaks of the spiritual benefits of choosing to suffer with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 1 Peter 4:12-16 encourages believers to not be surprised by the fiery trials that come their way, and to rejoice in the fact that they can share in Christ's sufferings and be blessed by the Spirit of glory. The passage also reminds Christians that if they suffer as a result of their faith, they should not be ashamed, but should glorify God in their suffering. |
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of faith that you have set before us in your Word. We thank you for the reminder that we should choose to be mistreated with your people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. Help us to remember Job’s counsel to take care and not turn to iniquity, and to remember that a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. We thank you for the reminder that if we are in Christ, we are a new creation and that we should share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Help us to remember to rejoice in our suffering, that we may also rejoice and be glad when your glory is revealed. We ask for your strength and guidance as we strive to glorify you in everything we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This reading plan reads through a single verse each day, six days a week, paired with the most-popular cross references for the verse. AI-generated (and human-reviewed) text provides an opening thought and concluding prayer along with an explanation for how each cross reference relates to the verse. In 2023, this reading plan works through Hebrews one verse at a time. Every seventh day is a catchup day. Want more info? Try this blog post.
Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com.