Running By Faith
This week, we had our first huddle of our new group, "Running By Faith", based upon Hebrews 12:1–2 (ESV) — 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.
During our discussion, we discussed three phrases from this passage that all Christians should be living out.
"let us also lay aside every weight" which is listed separate from the sin in the second phrase. This phrase is dealing with anything in our lives that is not necessarily bad but it is keeping us distracted and unable to focus on Christ like we should be doing.
" [let us also lay aside every...] sin which clings so closely" showing us that we can not continue to practice sin and expect to please God at the same time.
"let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith" which shows us that being a Christian is not a passive idea. It requires intensity, endurance and focus. A great example is what happened to Simon Peter in Matthew 14 when Jesus was walking on the water. When Jesus told Peter to come to Him, everything was great... at first. But then Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and started looking at the waves around him and he began to sink in fear as he cried out "Lord, save me."
I am so thankful for this opportunity to meet with these great students each week and I ask that you pray for our group to be as effective as possible in equipping these young men and women with the gospel. It thrills me to see people of all ages stand firm in the faith and our first gathering was very uplifting.
In closing today's post, here is how you can practice "Running By Faith"...
Practice removing the distractions that keep us from being who God wants us to be.
Practice repenting of our sins and turning to Jesus for strength.
Practice running with other believers for accountability. It is easy to slack off when we run by ourselves.
Practice reminding yourself to focus on Jesus by surrounding yourself with whatever helps you stay focused upon Him.
Have a great weekend. Be sure to gather with your church family and glorify God.
