Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
— Hebrews 12:1 —
Gianluca Pollutri: Italian Theological Academy | Italy
Hebrews 11 details a list of saints, such as Abraham, Moses, and Noah, who reached the finish line of faith. These provide for us a great legacy of faithfulness to follow. In our text today, the author of Hebrews explains that these examples surround us and motivate us to imitate their lives of faith. To live a victorious life in Christ is possible, and we are not the first ones to run in such an honorable race. So let us put on our marathon attire and put off every non-essential or sin, and let’s run the race God has set before us with endurance. They stand as trophies of God’s grace and proof that God can and does preserve His own to the very end. To win this race we are required to obey three direct commandments: (i) lay aside every encumbrance; (ii) lay aside sin; and (iii) persevere to the end. Laying aside every encumbrance requires discernment to recognize what is essential to the race and what just weighs us down. The same spiritual discernment is required when it comes to laying aside sin. Only by learning God’s word are we made aware of the subtleties of sin. Though the various impediments and sinful patterns may differ slightly among believers, we can still learn from those who have preceded us as both positive and negative examples—for they all struggled with similar trials and temptations to those that we experience. So let us put on our marathon attire and put off every non-essential or sin, and let’s run the race God has set before us with endurance. Never forget that God has granted us victory in Christ. Let us learn from the saints who have gone before us and persevere in this race to the end.
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