Hebrews 12:1

[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, THEREFORE: so, since, because of this.

This statement almost always reflects back to the previous thought

process.

Referencing the FAITH of Godly people and the benefits of following in their examples. (Prior chapter 11).

It is a great way to encourage us to be / stay faithful.

The "great cloud of witnesses" of course refers to all of those before us that lived out their faith.

They are witnesses to us as encouragement.

"Throw off" his a term referring to a race.

Don't allow anything that prevents or hinders us from doing our very best. The "sin that so easily entangles" is also a metaphor for anything that keeps us from pleasing God.

Run the race with perseverance.

Example: Two runners.

Marked out for

What is marked out for us?

The course! Stay on the course. Stay in the boundaries.

All of which are given to each runner ahead of the race. God's Word. Scripture. 2 Peter 1: 3 & 4.

HEBREWS 12:2-3

[2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Our "coach" has written an entire book explaining how to run the race. He is waiting at the finish line to congratulate us on running a successful race with the words; "Well done, you are a good and faithful runner / servant.'

Remember, the SIN that so easily entangles us?

Satan does not want us even in the race, let alone finish the race.

While Jesus is encouraging us to keep our eyes on Him, Satan is actually running along side of us trying to get us to take our eyes off Jesus and trip us up and lead us away from the finish line.

Jesus never lost heart and knows how to lead us to victory! BUT, THIS WILL REQUIRE TRAINING. AND LOTS OF IT!!!

Hebrews 12:4-13

[4] In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. [5] And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, [6] because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son." [7] Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? [8] If you are not disciplined---and everyone undergoes discipline---then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. [9] Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! [1 0] They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. [1 1] No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. [1 2] Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. [1 3] "Make level paths for your feet ," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

The COACH has already run the race, way before us!

Did He finish the race?

Did he win the race?

He knows what it takes and is willing and able to train and teach us the formula to run "the" successful race.

Lame runners will never run the race successfully.

But God will heal us from our "lameness" and then train us to be able to run the race to VICTORY. This is called discipline.

Discipline creates disciples.

God's discipline teaches us how to avoid the things that prevent us from being holy as He is holy and tripping us up.

FINAL THOOUGHTS

1 . God first heals our lameness. (Salvation)

2. The He provides the training (with Him and his followers as our example).

3. He provides us with a training manual. (Bible)

4. He cheers us on. (The CHURCH)

5. Welcomes us across the finish line. (Heaven)