$^1$ Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, $^2$ looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
– Hebrews 12:1-2
The author of Hebrews equates the life of faith as a race of endurance. It doesn’t matter if you are first, as long as you endure you win the race. There are three instructions he gives in Hebrews 12:1-2 that helps us to run this race of faith. To lay aside every weight, to run with endurance. and to look onto Christ.
Lay Aside Every Weight
He first commands us to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders us. If you were competing in a race, you would do everything within your power to win! That include getting rid of things that would help you lose. So start by asking yourself Am I actively killing sin? Let this be a warning to repent and be serious about holiness.
This also include the good things that are not sins. Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:23 writes “‘All things are lawful’, but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful’, but not all things build up.” So in your life, you should also be asking yourself “Will this help me win?”, will this help me know Christ and be more like Christ?
Run with Endurance
The author then commands us to run with endurance. To run with endurance. It is easier said than done. In the book of Hebrews the author is writing to Jews who were under persecution, and some are thinking of going back to Judaism. The call to endurance here has weight behind it. So how can we endure when things gets hard? God has provided us many means of grace, that we can partake in to endure the race of faith that will help us endure.
Holding Fast to the Truth
$^{23}$ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
– Hebrews 10:23
Holding fast to the truth, by reading the Word, meditating on the Word, and keeping it in our hearts. Which regularly reminds us of who God is, what He has done, what He will do. This will help us endure.
Drawing Near to the Throne of Grace
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
– Hebrews 4:16
Christ’s blood has washed away our sin that separates us from God. So now believers, through Christ’s blood can come in to the presence of God freely. By praying and spending time with God, we can know God and trust Him. It would be foolish to trust a stranger, but you would trust someone who you know to be trust worthy. So get to know God through prayer, and you will have more faith.
Fellowship With Believers
$^{24}$ And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, $^{25}$ not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
– Hebrews 10:24-25
By gathering with other believers we can encourage each other in our walk of faith. The walk of faith can not be lived alone. By walking with other believers you can encourage, support each other and keep each other accountable.
Keep Your Eyes on Christ
And finally, the author commands us to keeping our eyes on Christ. He is the ultimate example of endurance. For the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross, suffering physical pain but also spiritual pain as He took on the the full weight of God’s wrath by taking on our sin, and shame.
Christ was able to endure because has His eyes on the prize. We too have to set our eyes on the prize, which is Christ. Having the same mind as Paul when he wrote Philippians 3:8, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ”. The goal is to endure, so that we can know Christ, and to be more like Him.
Therefore, endure the race of faith by laying aside every weight that hinders us. By holding fast to the truth, drawing near to the throne of God, and fellowship with other believers. And finally, by keeping your eyes on Christ.