Running the Race - Part 6

This is the end of the "Running the Race" Series. After all that we have talked about in Hebrews 12:1-4, how does this apply to our life? Sometimes we read Scripture, think that is a great lesson but nevre consider that it might be directly addressing us. Yet, we can and need to grasp the author's message from this passage. So here is my application for this passage:

Much like the Christians of the early church, life can be hard for the one who choose to devote their life to Jesus Christ. The world still hates those who follow Him, and just as Paul promises in 2 Timothy 3:12, all Christians will face persecution. However, the fear of persecution should not deter the Christian from the running the race that is set before him. Christians have great examples from the past that they can look to for guidance and encouragement. This passage comes directly off of chapter eleven, where the author lists many of the Old Testament heroes that endured through hard times, kept the faith, and followed God. In the same manner, Christians today have personal heroes that they have seen persevere through different circumstances of life. They too can provide Christians with encouragement. Seeing the example of personal heroes, Christians can learn to follow in their faithful footsteps. One way in doing so is through removing sin from their life. Sins will only slow down the Christian and will hinder further success in the faith.

Not only can Christians look to biblical and personal heroes of the faith, they can also look to Jesus, who ran the race of faith perfectly. One must remember that Jesus did not die just for believers of the past. He died for Christians today as well. So His example of faith continues to provide encouragement today, giving Christians the perfect example to look to. He founded the faith, beginning it and leading Christians in it throughout all eternity. He also perfected the faith, giving people the perfect example by which to live. He did this by looking to the joy before Him, despising the shame He had to face on earth, and enduring the cross. Christians must take this into consideration when they face persecution. They have the perfect example of a man who never failed in the faith. Even when things went badly and everyone was against Him, Jesus continued to persevere. So when persecution arises in the life of a believer today, they too must learn to persevere, understanding that Jesus endured much worse sufferings. But if the story ended with His death, there would be no hope today. And thankfully the story does not end with the cross. The author of Hebrews mentions Jesus’ exaltation. And because of His victory over death, we too can share in this glory through perseverance of the faith.

I hope you have enjoyed this series. It has been good for me to continue to look at the meaning behind this passage in the weeks that have followed my paper. This was not just an assignment for me but a great study of four small verses. Remember to look to Jesus for guidance in life because He is our perfect example. Let Him guide and direct you, and do not fall to the side of the track. Keep persevering in the race and finish it strong.

Matt