Hebrews 12 Run the Race

 

Hebrews 12 Run the Race

To run well, runners must let go of any weights that slow them down and just focus on the finish line. Believers must set aside any weight of sin to “run with endurance” toward the finish line of life. We know we’ll finish, because the Savior is “the author and finisher of our faith,” and He stands at the finish line to welcome us into eternity. When the hurdles of life are looming ahead of us and when the race seems too difficult, we need to get our eyes fixed on Jesus.

 

Children don’t enjoy discipline, but parents know that tough discipline is sometimes required to teach an important lesson. The same is true for God’s children. Though we love God, believers are sometimes disobedient, rebelling against His rules. God’s discipline proves that He loves His children. Discipline may come in the form of consequences, pain, or trials, but its goal is to mold and shape us. Like a loving Father, God disciplines us because He wants to keep us safe and help us mature.

 

Believers need to look out for each other, helping those who are feeling weak and guiding those who are heading in the wrong direction. This will guard against “any root of bitterness” that might spring up within the fellowship. This phrase may refer to the bitterness of unbelief that can poison a church and the bitterness between people that con poison relationships.

 

Bitterness, once planted, tends to grow quickly and cause trouble. Bitterness that is allowed to take root in our lives will spring up into actions and words that cannot be taken back. Believers can avoid the root of bitterness by dealing with their feelings immediately. When hurt or doubt are allowed to remain in one’s life, they provide hospitable soil for the root of bitterness. With God’s help, we can keep that root from having a place to grow, and if bitterness has already taken root, weed it out.

 

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Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.

J, Vernon McGee Through the Bible