Hebrews 12:1-2 "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, 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."
Every believer who is persistently running the race of life must exercise patience while running. This is the first "rule of running." Yet patience is not enough. The author of Hebrews gives us a second rule: Run without hindrances. Just as a marathon competitor would never run a race encumbered by heavy clothing or a weight belt, every believer who is running the spiritual race of life must be sure he is not spiritually weighed down. We find two particular categories of hindrances listed.
First, we must remove every "weight"; they may not be inherently sinful, but they can prevent us from running the race effectively. These encumbrances can be people or relationships; they can be hobbies or interests - whatever we spend our time doing at the expense of our spiritual well-being. They can also be beliefs or passions - something we feel strongly about such as politics or social issues. Even if a weight is not intrinsically wrong, it becomes a sin whenever it keeps us from faithfully, patiently, and effectively moving forward in the Christian life and making the LORD our priority.
Second, we must lay aside any "sins" that "so easily beset us" (v.1). The visual picture being painted by the author of Hebrews is that of a person becoming ensnared or tangled up by something that clings to him. These transgressions can be particular beliefs, such as embracing false doctrines that lead to ungodly behavior. Or they can stem from our own pride and laziness. They can entail passions such as lust, covetousness, or idolatry. All of these sins can easily entangle us and keep us from running as we should. Let us put off sins and hindrances for our good and for GOD's glory ! MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
No comments:
Post a Comment