Let us strip off every weight that slows us down!
Hebrews 12:1-3 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
Definition:
WEIGHT: A heavy object, one that is being lifted or carried
Matthew 10:16 – “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Proverbs 28:1 – The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as BOLD AS LIONS.
“The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”
There will be things that try to stop you.
There will be giants that come against you.
1 Peter 4:16 – But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by His name!
Hebrews 12:2 – We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
John 16:33 – “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Philippians 1:29 AMP – “For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ’s sake, not only to believe and confidently trust in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,”
Philippians 1:29 MSG – “There’s far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There’s also suffering for Him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting. You’re involved in the same kind of struggle you saw me go through, on which you are now getting an updated report in this letter.”
Carrying His name comes with certain privileges that are not always “easy”.
“Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)
As sons of God, we actually come to resemble the Son of God!
Romans 8:29 – “For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”
As a child of God, I have the privilege of bearing the image, the name, the reputation and the mission of my Heavenly Father.
Personal Reflection Questions:
- What are the things in my life that may be holding me back, or weighing me down?
- What are some practical ways that I can “fix my eyes on Jesus”?
- What does it look like for me to “wise as a serpent” and “gentle as a dove”?
- How can I be “bold as a lion” this week and allow my faith to be public?
