Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 266

September 23, 2019;     Hebrews 12:1;      216/260(IV);      ‘Run Our Race’

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

The lives of the men and women of faith in the Bible are witnesses to us, of those who have successfully lived overcoming Christian lives.  These heroes of faith are not spoken of in the Word just so that we can read inspiring stories.  Their lives, just as Jesus life, are to be examples to us on how to ‘run the race of Christianity.’  The Christian life is likened to running a race.  Peter and Paul use running a race as an example to us of competing in an athletic event in such a manner that we win.  Peter tells us to lay aside anything that would hinder us from running as fast as we can in this race.  Sin is the primary hindrance that slows us down.  Just as a serious athlete trains rigorously so that they can run and win, refusing anything that would ‘slow him or her down.’ As Christians we can shun sin and train using the Word of God, prayer, fellowship with other believers fulfilling the ministry the Lord has called us to and win in life for ourselves and others that we minister to.  The Message Bible teaches us what Paul had to say about running his race, “I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me!” (I Corinthians 9:26).  Just as the heroes of faith, whose names and accomplishments are written in the Word of God to help us see how to live victoriously, we can ‘write our own chapter,’ living in a manner that other believers can follow.  Successful athletes receive the accolades of the world.  Jesus tells successful believers, ‘well done.’