Let Us Lay Aside Every Weight

Let Us Lay Aside Every Weight

September 17, 2006

Introduction

Hebrews 11 is known as the great chapter on faith, but what do we do with it? How are we supposed to benefit by the accounts of faith that are told in Chapter 11? Chapter 12 begins this way:

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, {2} looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. {3} For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." (Heb 12:1-3 NKJV)

The picture? A marathon race! The object? Finish the race! Win the prize!

Body

I. “Let us lay aside every weight.”

A. The weights that are referred to here are the training weights of the athletes.

1. For the real race, the athlete got rid of all but the barest necessities of clothing.

B. The Christian is to lay aside the weights, but what are they?

1 For many, it is the care of daily living.

a. Our Lord warned us about the cares of daily living.

(Mat 13:22 NKJV) ""Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful."

(1) It is a daily, on going struggle

(2) Paul said, “I die daily.” -- I Cor 15:31

(3) Paul also said he disciplined his body.

(1 Cor 9:24-27 NKJV) "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. {25} And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. {26} Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. {27} But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."

b. Peter encourages us to cast our cares on God.

(1 Pet 5:6-7 NKJV) "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, {7} casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

(1) That means a lot of praying.

(1 Th 5:17 NKJV) "pray without ceasing,"

c. We have to have the faith of Hebrews 11 to believe that God will take care of us.

II. The sin which so easily ensnares us. NASB: the sin which so easily entangles us,

A. What is your besetting sin, or the sin that ensnares or entangles you?

· Lack of discipline that keeps us from serving the Lord effectively

· Failure to do the good things that we know we should do, and are capable of doing.

· Attitudes that tear us and/or others down.

· Bitterness.

· Blaming others, or circumstances, or things of the past, can make us an ineffective person.

B. What is the sin that ensnares you?.

1. Once we know what it is, we need to be especially careful about that..

2. Many of you know that I am no longer to lift anything very heavy, and you will come forward to help me with any lifting.

3. Wouldn’t it be great if we were aware of our spiritual weaknesses, and could help each other with those weaknesses?

(James 5:16 NKJV) "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

C. If you are not aware of any besetting sin that you have, ask your companion if you are married.

III. Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us

A. The race is a marathon, it isn't a 100 yard dash.

B. Our encouragement is the example of others.

1. "Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses."

2. Our greatest example is Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2, "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith"

C. The promise is only to those who finish the race.

1. We are told that in Revelation.

(Rev 2:10 NKJV) ""Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."

2. Jesus had said the same thing when He was here on earth.

(Mat 10:22 NKJV) ""And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved."

Conclusion

So what is the message?

Find our besetting sin, and work hard to get rid of it.

A. Don’t forget to ask God’s help.

B. Ask your spouse, or a friend to pray with you and for you.

II. Remember what it is all about: The joy set before us: Living and reigning with God throughout eternity.

III. Is your life right with God?

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