Run With Endurance The Race Set Before Us
Let Go Of The Weight That Holds You Back
HEBREWS 12:1-2
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
”Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/heb.12.1-2.NKJ
V
This great crowd of witnesses is composed of the people of faith mentioned in chapter 11 and many of our loved ones who have passed in our life time.
They have run the race and victoriously crossed the finish line.
Their faithfulness is an encouragement for us today.
We are not in this struggle alone, and we are not the first to struggle with the trials and challenges we face.
It is inspiring to know, despite the challenges that came their way, others have run the race and won, and their witness stirs us to win too.
Long distance runners train hard carrying extra weight to build endurance and strength. On race day, their clothes are lightweight and their bodies lean, fit for the race, that they can run with endurance and power to the very end.
In order for us to run the race God has set before us, we must train hard in preparation and strip of any excess weight that can hold us back.
Sin is a very heavy weight that can bring us to a total stop.
Be wise, stand back from sin, even those little white lies that seem so harmless; a little white lie spoken with good intent is just as damaging a great whopper of deception. Furthermore, choose friends who, like you, are committed to the race.
Wrong friends will have inappropriate values and involve in activities that may deter you from the right track. Much of your weight can come from the crowd you run with.
It is time to drop activities that hold you back and get help for the addictions that disable you.
If you have a secret weight, such as alcohol or drug addiction, or pornography, or any other disabling addiction, get help immediately.
The very moment you confess to a brother or sister in Christ, the weight will fall from you.
Sin confessed to God saves you, but sin confessed to one’s brother or sister in Christ brings healing and takes away the devil’s hand; he cannot hold it over you any longer. But be wise, confess to someone you can trust and will support you and respect your confidence. Don’t give the devil an opportunity to devour you.
Therefore, Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
James 5:16 NKJV
James also tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
James 1:2-4 NKJV
My beloved, your race however challenging can be a race of joy, after all, Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith; the victory is already yours through Christ who is your strength (1 CORINTHIANS 15:57).
My brethren we shall make mistakes at times, and God will painfully discipline us, it’s part of the package. But the truth is, like in any work out, where theirs no pain, theirs no gain.
Discipline brings transformation by the renewing of the mind to our attitudes, behaviours, responses, and character (ROMANS 12:1-2), that we become more Christ like and stronger in our faith.
With it comes wisdom and strength to run the race that is set before us.
“For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Hebrews 12:3-11 NKJV
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
