Besetting Sins

In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
[Heb. 12:4]

Many of the great heroes of the faith of the old covenant have been set before us. The greatest hero of the old covenant is the One mentioned in Hebrews 12:1–3. His name is Jesus. He was born in the old world and lived under the law. He looked forward to the finished work of the Messiah and the reward of the coming kingdom, just as did Noah and Abraham and Malachi. More than any other prophet, he “endured opposition from sinful men,” because he was perfect. His life was a standing offense to sinners. The author of Hebrews climaxes his survey of the old covenant saints by telling us to consider Jesus and to imitate his faith (Heb. 12:3).
Literally, the Greek in Hebrews 12:4 can be translated: “Not unto blood have you resisted, striving against sin.” What does this phrase mean? One common interpretation is that these believers had not yet shed their blood as martyrs. The persecution they had experienced was not as great as the fire of trial still to become. This interpretation seems to make sense in terms of the context, but there are two problems. First, the author says that the blood comes from striving against sin, not from persecution. Second, from the time of Stephen onwards, Jewish Christians had indeed shed their blood for the faith.
It seems more likely that “resisting unto blood” has to do with striving against sin and temptation. Each of us has habitual “besetting sins” we find it hard to imagine living without. Such sins are idols. We shall strive against such sins throughout life on earth, but they are the individual sin-challenges that God puts before each of us. Working on your besetting sin is the particular project God has given you.
Ultimately, however, the sin spoken of here is the sin of not following through in our trust in God. Jesus resisted unto blood in the garden of Gethsemane. Gethsemane means “orchard of the oil press,” and blood was pressed out of Jesus as he strove against the temptation to avoid the cross. He resisted that temptation and put all his trust in the Father. We are called to do the same.

Coram Deo

What is the sin that you personally just can’t seem to put behind you? Jesus resisted temptation to the point of blood. If we are united with his victory, we can claim his strength and presence when we strive against sin—especially those most difficult sins. Ask God to show you your besetting sin(s), and today claim Jesus’ blood and striving as your help in the fight.
Sproul, R.C., Before the Face of God: A Daily Guide for Living from Ephesians, Hebrews, and James, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books) 2000, c1994.