Hebrews 12:1-2 emphasizes the importance of viewing our faith journey as a race that requires dedication, endurance, and focus. As Christian believers, we are encouraged to cast aside any hindrances or sins that may impede our spiritual progress and wholeheartedly commit to the race set before us. The imagery of being surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” serves as a reminder that we are part of a larger community of believers, both past and present, who have faced similar challenges and triumphs in their own faith walks. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the ultimate example of unwavering faith, we can navigate through life’s obstacles with confidence and perseverance, growing ever closer to Christ and fulfilling the unique purpose He has for each of our lives.
Historical Background:
The book of Hebrews was written for Jewish Christians facing persecution and struggling to maintain their faith. In this letter, the author emphasizes the superiority of Christ over the Old Testament system and urges readers to persevere in their faith despite the challenges they face.
The Message of Hebrews 12:1-2:
Verse 1: “Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” Refers to the faithful men and women who have gone before us and encourages us to persevere in our faith.
“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us”: This emphasizes the importance of letting go of anything that might hinder our spiritual growth or lead us into sin.
“And let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” This means that we must be willing to persevere in our faith even when faced with challenges or setbacks.
Verse 2: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” Reminds us that our faith is rooted in Christ and that He is the one who leads us on the path of righteousness.
“Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” This highlights the sacrifice that Christ made for us and serves as an inspiration to persevere in our faith journey.
Understanding the importance of persevering in our faith and looking to Jesus can be incredibly beneficial for believers. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and encourages us to let go of anything that might hinder our spiritual growth. It also reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice and inspires us to persevere in our faith journey.
Consider:
John had always struggled with addiction. He tried to overcome it many times but always fell back into old habits. John had been to many rehabilitation centers, but nothing seemed to stick. One day, on a lunch break, Steve, a co-worker, and Christian led John to Christ. He told John about his struggles with addiction and that through faith and perseverance in Christ, he had been clean for ten years. Steve invited John to church and told him to read Hebrews 12:1-2. Later that evening, John opened his new bible and read the words of Hebrew 12:1-2. The phrase struck him, “Let us lay aside every weight and sin which so easily ensnares us.”
With this newfound perspective, John began approaching his addiction with more determination. He decided to let go of anything that might hinder his spiritual growth and run with endurance the race that was set before him. He knew that it would not be an easy journey, but he also knew that he could look to Jesus as the author and finisher of his faith.
Through this experience, John learned the truth of Hebrews 12:1-2 and the power of looking to Jesus in times of struggle. He overcame his addiction and found freedom in Christ, knowing that he could persevere in his faith journey through the strength that comes from Him who loved us.
Applying His Word to Life:
- How can you identify the things in your life hindering your spiritual growth, and how can you let go of them?
- How can you cultivate endurance in your faith journey, even when faced with challenges or setbacks?
- How can you look to Jesus as the author and finisher of your faith, and what does this mean for your daily life?
Lesson Topic Questions:
- Why must believers persevere in their faith journey, even when faced with challenges or setbacks?
- What are some common obstacles or hindrances to spiritual growth, and how can we let go of them?
- How can we cultivate endurance in our faith journey, and what role does discipline play in this process?
- How can we look to Jesus as the ultimate example of perseverance and faith, and how can we apply His example in our lives?
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Get more information and more lessons in the Going Deeper Growing Stronger Bible Study here!
