WHEREFORE
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed
about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay
aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily
beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is
set before us,
Heb 12:2 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 is set down
at the right hand of the throne of God.
Wherefore - consequently- because of the truths
presented in chapter 11;
A. Use of the heroes to instill
idealism and provoke to action.
B. every conceivable hindrance to a
life of faith has been set before us and the challenge
met.
C. The blueprint for the desired
achievement is here in these two verses.
1. Lay aside the weights. These
are different from the 'sins' which are also mentioned.
These are encumbrances.
a. Martha had a problem.
Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much
serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not
care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her
therefore that she help me.
We can get so busy doing 'stuff' that we don't have
time for the Lord!
b. Abraham could not enter the
promised land while encumbered with his family. From Ur
to Haran was as far as he could go.
c. Peter and his brother had to
leave the family business.
d. Matthew had to leave his tax
gatherers table.
e. Paul had to lay aside his
past accomplishments.
Phil 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the
flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he
might trust in the flesh, I more:
Phil 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of
Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the
Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
Phil 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church;
touching the righteousness which is in the law,
blameless.
Phil 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I
counted loss for Christ.
Phil 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss
for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my
Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things,
and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Phil 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have
apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those
things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those
things which are before,
Phil 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the
high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
2.And the SIN which doth so easily
beset us. Trying to run the race of faith with
unconfessed sins is like trying to run the 100 meter
race with an arm load of dirty laundry.
a. How do we 'lay it aside'? Not
by tying up the loose ends and somehow getting it under
control, but by allowing Him to remove it from us.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from
all unrighteousness.
E. Let us RUN-- The life of faith is
NOT a spectator sport.
1.Consider the words used in
connection with this kind of life.
Come, labor, fight, work, go, follow. While the soul
rests secure in Christ, we must RUN and finish our
course.
F. With PATIENCE. this word
means endurance Only winners are crowned and only those
who finish the race are winners.
1 Cor 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race
run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye
may obtain.
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my
course, I have kept the faith:
2 Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,
shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto
all them also that love his appearing.
G. Looking unto Jesus
Don't be sidetracked. Keep your eyes on the prize.
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