Run the Race
Pastor Ken
Hebrews 12:1-2
…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Notice the objective behind Hebrews 12:1; to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” That wording conveys keeping an appointment or fulfilling a commitment. What it means for you is the “race” you’re currently running is not arbitrary. It might be a health crisis, a troubled marriage, a rebellious child, a financial obstacle, or any number of other things. Whatever it is, God has a purpose behind it and He expects you to run the race or keep the appointment.
How do you run such a race? Hebrews tells you three things you need to do…
LOSE THE WEIGHT
Hebrews 12:1
…let us throw off everything that hinders…
In this application, the word “hinders” conveys a weight you’re carrying in your arms thereby inhibiting your ability to propel yourself forward. So, the message behind the imagery is self-explanatory; there are some things you need to let go of. For example, I Peter 5 says “cast all your anxiety on Him…” That’s because anxiety is a spiritual weight which can slow you down and keep you from running the race effectively.
GET RID OF SIN
Hebrews 12:1
…let us throw off…the sin that so easily entangles.
The word “entangles” communicates a number of applications.
Sin that is easily avoided. When you think about it, most sin is a matter of choice. Therefore, it only makes sense that “choosing” sin can slow you down spiritually.
Sin that is easily admired. Let’s face it, sin is attractive. So it should go without saying that the attraction of sin can slow you down spiritually.
Sin that is easily ensnaring. The nature of sin is to entrap you and enslave you. Therefore, it only makes sense that the trap of sin will impede your ability to run the race.
Sin that is easily dangerous. Human nature makes it much too easy to forget the dangerousness of sin, until after it is too late!
FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS
Hebrews 12:2
…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
As you can probably guess, the phrase, “fixing our eyes on Jesus” is about having the right priorities: Focusing on things such as Bible study, prayer, and meeting regularly with the saints. But notice the reasoning for such “focus.”
Because Jesus is the “pioneer” of faith. In other words, from the onset, Christ was the One who’s customized and devised the race for your benefit.
But He is also the “perfecter” of faith. In other words, He’s not only customized the race for you, but He’s also customized you for the race. That is, He’s committed to supplying you with everything you need to run the race…and to win the race!
Ephesians 3:20 (CEB)
Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us.
Let me encourage you today. Stay in the race because Christ has already deemed that the race is not in vain and you will be victorious.
Have a great Monday.