Running the Race with Endurance

Intro: Though the original intent of this first lecture of Week 1 is to help us pace ourselves over the 40 days of GLDI, I think the lesson is quite relevant to our walks with God. Our speaker Pastor Ben Shin spoke from Hebrews 12:1-2

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Biblical Dissection:
v. 12:1 Lay aside every weight (encumbrance) and sin that slows us down.Sins obviously keep us from coming to the Father in full, so the point to highlight here is the weight we carry (the encumbrances). Encumbrances are not necessarily negative things (such as sin is inherently a bad thing), but they definitely can slow us down in chasing after God (i.e. texting, Facebook). A question to keep in mind: Do you have mastery over these things, or do they master you? Summed up: Travel Lightly.

v. 12.2 Focus your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. We take no part in shaping our own faith except for listening and obeying Him -- therefore do not let efforts to perfect yourself cause you to stumble and become self-righteous. Just fix your eyes on Jesus. Through hardships, remember that "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame." Do not worry over your own sufferings, just keep looking to Him with faith in his provision and love for you! Remember that in all things, He works for the good of those who love Him.

Take note in the use of "us" in the passage. It implies we do not walk alone, but rather alongside brothers and sisters! Additionally, the "cloud of witnesses" as mentioned in v.1 refers to the Saints as described in Hebrews 11. This illustrates a bleacher of fans in heaven - the Saints - who are watching us in our walk with God and are cheering us on. We are also included in the cloud of witnesses to each other, so we shall be encouraging to our brothers and sisters. Run like Him, to Him, to be with Him, and we are sure to reach the finish line.