Intro: Once in a great while, I will find myself tripping over someone else’s foot. It is always an odd accident, but in those times I have to catch myself from falling. Well, sin is the spiritual foot of Satan to trip us up and he places that foot strategically in front of us as we seek to walk confidently by faith. Satan is counting on us spiritually falling down [due to sin], finding ourselves in a mess we have created, and then turning to blame God for not loving and protecting us.
Here’s something mighty important to remember. Sin cannot co-exist with God, because God is holy. God hates sin, because holiness is his nature. As God’s children, we need to hate sin, too, because it separates us from our Creator Father. That’s why every follower of Christ—covenant disciple—knows sin must be removed from our lives. If we do not allow God to discipline us and help us rid ourselves of sin, we limit his presence and power operating in our lives. Besides, sin is a heavy burden that God never created for us to carry. We were created to walk in liberty and obedience to our good God (Mat 11:28-30).
In our passage, today, the writer of Hebrews reminds us faith is living what we believe about God (Heb 11:6). Let’s obey and follow Christ, then we will not be slowed down from running the race God has set before us.
Hebrews 12:1-2 God’s Discipline Proves His Love
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Prayer: Lord, help me to stay in your presence and Love, today, and to walk wisely by faith in the Light you shine on my path. Satan has no power to trip me if I am focused on Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.