Go! And Run With Endurance - Hebrews 12:1 Series

Go! And Run With Endurance - Hebrews 12:1

Opening Prayer:

Father God, we thank You for the privilege of gathering together in Your presence. As we open Your Word today, speak deeply into our hearts. Empower us to run with endurance the race You have set before us. Let Jesus be exalted, let the Gospel be proclaimed, and let hearts be changed for Your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Introduction: Life Is a Race Worth Running

Have you ever watched an Olympic marathon? Athletes train for years to run with discipline, endurance, and focus. Now imagine that the race isn’t just 26.2 miles—it’s your entire life, your faith journey from the moment you meet Jesus until the moment you stand before Him.

Our key passage today gives us divine encouragement and instruction for that race.

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT): “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

This verse is a divine call to action. It’s not passive. It’s not optional. It says, “Let us run.” So today, I invite you to Go! And Run With Endurance.

Point 1: We Are Surrounded – The Legacy of Faith Encourages Us

Hebrews 12:1 begins with the word “Therefore,” pointing us back to Hebrews 11—the “Hall of Faith.” Men and women like Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Rahab, Gideon—all flawed, yet faithful. They endured trials, trusted God, and finished their race.

The word for “witnesses” is µ??t??e? (martyres) in Greek, where we get our English word “martyr.” It speaks not only of spectators but of those who testify with their lives.

Romans 15:4 (NLT): “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.”

The faith of those who have gone before should encourage and embolden us. We are not the first to run this race—and we won’t be the last.

Charles Stanley said: "Our obedience may inspire future generations to trust God with their race."

I say to you—your faith isn’t just for you. It's a testimony that echoes into eternity. You may never know who is watching your journey, but God does.

Point 2: We Must Strip Off Every Weight – Let Nothing Hold You Back

The writer of Hebrews uses the metaphor of a runner shedding anything that slows them down—especially sin.

The Greek for “weight” is ????? (ogkos)—meaning bulk or encumbrance.

“Sin” is ?µa?t?a (hamartia)—literally “missing the mark.”

Sin trips us up, not just through rebellion but through distraction. Anything that competes with Christ for our heart becomes a weight.

Colossians 3:8–10 (NLT): “But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behaviour, slander, and dirty language... Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.”

Sanctification means shedding the old so we can live in the new.

The Backpack of Burdens

Imagine a man running with a 50kg backpack. He may move, but not far or fast. That’s what unrepented sin and unresolved issues do—they weigh us down.

Tim Keller said: "You don’t realise Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have."

If Jesus is all we truly need, then why carry burdens that He died to take from us?

Point 3: Run with Endurance – The Race is Hard, But Worth It

Running the race of faith isn’t a sprint—it’s a lifelong marathon. The Christian life is marked by perseverance.

“Endurance” is ?p?µ??? (hypomone)—meaning steadfastness under pressure, patient perseverance.

James 1:12 (NLT): “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

Endurance isn't about perfection—it’s about direction. Keep going. Keep trusting. Keep looking to Jesus.

The Finish Line Victory

In 1992, Olympian Derek Redmond tore his hamstring mid-race. He fell, but rose again. His father ran onto the track, helped him up, and together they crossed the finish line. That’s grace. That’s endurance.

The Father doesn’t wait at the finish line. He runs with us. He lifts us when we fall. And He ensures we make it home.

R.T. Kendall once said: "Total forgiveness is when you give up all hope for a better past and run with Christ into a better future."

That’s the promise of the Gospel—we run not in our strength, but in His.

Point 4: Jesus Is the Goal and the Strength for the Race

Though not part of our main verse, verse 2 completes the thought:

Hebrews 12:2 (NLT): “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith...”