This is Pastor Bart Wilkins speaking on Hebrews, Chapter 12 entitled “Preparing For Eternity”.

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Read

Hebrews 12:1-4

¹Therefore, 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 hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. ²We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven. ³Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don’t become weary and give up. ⁴After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

Reflect

I am a big fan of the TV program, “The Biggest Loser”. One of my favorite parts of the show is when the contestants have to strap on all of the weight they just lost and compete in a race. Usually, they run the race with the extra weight and then they get to take the weight off and run the race without the extra weight. The difference it amazing.

The author uses a race as an example of our Christian lives. He said that we should take off all the sin that hinders us so that our race will be easier. God goes before us setting the pace. It is easier to run if we don’t have all that extra weight.

Respond

Write down three things that hinder your progress in finishing the race that God set before you.

Based on our reading today, what can you do to run your race with endurance?

How was Jesus able to endure a shameful death on the cross? Does knowing this help you in your Christian life?

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