"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, 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Hebrews 12:1-3
The writer of Hebrews outlines a significant issue for most of us as Christians: sin. It entangles us, trips us up, makes it difficult to "soar like eagles, run and not grow weary" (Isaiah 40:31). Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 9:24 that there are many who run, but only one who will win the prize - so run to win! The 2016 Olympics in Rio were spectacular! We witnessed many amazing feats. One of which was the running of the 100 meters by Usain Bolt at a blazing time of 9.81 seconds. Imagine that he lines up for the final medal round race and attached to his foot is a metal ball and chain! Now his competitors may wish to see that, but it would be insane for Bolt to race with those conditions.
When we continue to allow sin to repeat in our lives, we are doing the same thing. Paul wrote in Galatians 5:7 "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?" In other words, you were doing so well, what happened? Why did you stop? Why are you not performing spiritually as you once were? The answer is simple: sin. But how do we rid ourselves of this persistent sin?
Pastor Gavin Ortlund gives us four basic but powerful steps to get rid of those nagging sins. Please take a few minutes to read his insight online at 4 Steps to Giving a Death Blow To Your Nagging Sin.
Blessings! Keep running the race!
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