“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,”
Hebrews 12:1
The following is an excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Four, Lesson 5:
‘Remember how we have learned that living a faithful Christian life is much like running a race (see 1 Corinthians 9:24-27). The goal to be kept in sight is Jesus (see Philippians 3:12-14). After remember many of the faithful men and women from the Old Testament (see Hebrews 11) who looked forward to the fulfillment of God’s promise – Jesus – see what they are to Christians today.
“1. 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, 2. 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” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
All of those faithful who have died are now in heaven, watching Christians today. But more than that, they are mighty examples to us as we recognize the importance of eliminating the things that weigh us down, enabling us to run the race that is a faithful Christ-like life. Remember this, and it will help one keep their focus upon Jesus – always reminding Christians to life a life pleasing to Jesus.
Moreover, Christians are not left without instruction. And more importantly, correction for when one chooses to live wrong (contrary to God’s Word).
“5. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?”(Hebrews 12:5-7).
Remember that Christians are God’s children, and He disciplines Christians as His children. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11). Do you know of anyone who likes to get in trouble when they do something wrong? The smallest toddlers and children dislike it, teenagers despise it, and even adults do not appreciate chastisement (think: speeding ticket, etc.). Nevertheless, Christians are to remember that chastisement from God is perfect and right – and it makes Christians become more Christ-like when they receive that correction.
How can Christians prevent chastisement? “5. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:5-6).
- Conversation means “disposition; manner; mode of thinking or feeling; acting; a turn of the mind.”
- Without covetousness means “not fond of money; not a lover of money.”
- Content means “to be satisfied with.”
Once again, Christians are reminded to live a right life through Jesus and to be content with what God has given (see Philippians 4:11, and 1 Timothy 6:8). God will take care of His children.
What else is important? “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation” (Hebrews 13:7). Listening to godly pastors, teachers, and faithful Christian friends – making sure their lifestyle reflects faith taught in God’s Word. See what else Hebrews says about the importance of listening to faithful men and women of God. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17). Each person who teaches others about Jesus must give an account of that teaching. Think of it as keeping that teacher in check – not saying what they feel or think, but only what God’s Word has to say about issues. That may be one of the more difficult things a teacher does, but God will hold that teacher accountable for what is taught. So what does the writer of Hebrews add next? “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly” (Hebrews 13:18). It is important for every teacher to desire the prayers of faithful Christians, helping them to not only teach correctly, but to live right before God.’
Have you learned to keep Jesus as the goal in your Christian live, remembering the faithful who have done this?