Hebrews 12:1-3 1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
We win in life when we accomplish our purpose. It is possible that we attain so many things in life yet fail in fulfilling the very thing that God set for us to do: to worship Him.
The real challenge is not just knowing what our purpose is; the real difficulty lies in staying within our purpose and refusing to be distracted. Paul used the analogy of a runner to help believers understand how God expects each and every one of us to consistently pursue our purpose
- Fix your Focus on Christ. Christ is our example. As He was focused on the cross, we are expected to stay focused on our purpose(v.3). Christ is our focus. We make Christ our model and our focus. The more we focus on Him, the more we become like Him.
- Free Yourself From any Obstruction. Free from any sin that so easily entangles (v.1); free from any defilement (v. 15) and immorality (v.16). Free to be holy; without holiness no one can see God (Hebrews 12:14).
- Be Forceful and Persevering. Endure hardship (v.7). Strengthen your feeble knees (v. 12). Make every effort (v.14)
- Finish your Race. Finish the lap given to you. If it’s the final lap, run in honor of God and in honor of the many believers who have gone ahead of us (Hebrews 11). We can run the race of faith because they have run their lap. It it’s not yet the final lap, run so that we could inspire other people to believe in God and worship Him as well.