Looking Unto Jesus

In a practical sense, anything that was capable of weighing down or slowing down the runner was to be avoided. This meant that the runner was to carefully examine himself and determine just what it was that could hinder him from running his very best.

Spiritually, we are all challenged as the runner to remove anything that would be a hindrance to running the “race of faith”. It certainly should be obvious that we should “lay aside every weight.” These weights would be any sin that would hinder ones race of faith. It could be habits that are sinful; it could be the neglecting of Bible time, not praying, not being faithful to church, lying, stealing, watching anything or listening to anything that would be defiling and anything that violates the Scriptures.

Then there is “the sin which doth so easily beset us”. I have read much commentary on just what that besetting sin may be, but I believe that a careful study of our context tells us exactly what that sin is. It is the sin of taking our eyes off of Jesus. One of the easiest sins for the believer to commit is when one takes his eyes off of Jesus.

C. By the Challenge That Sends Us (Vv. 2, 3)

What greater challenge do we have than the challenge to look “unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith”. This section considers within its context the importance of keeping one’s eyes on Jesus. It also shows the way that the Lord chastens one to help that one keep his eyes upon the Lord. The Lord Jesus Christ is our example and in our “faith race”, He is our Goal. In this section of study, we will also be observing some of the awful consequences of taking our eyes off of Him. As we are looking at Jesus, it should be comforting just in knowing that He is the Author and the Originator of our faith. It all rests upon Him. He is the one who “endured the cross, despising the shame,” and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God”. The same power that allowed Him to conquer the cross is available to us as we exercise our practical faith. We only get in trouble spiritually when we take our eyes off of Jesus.

Can you imagine what it is like to be running in a race knowing that there are those in the grandstands who had run previously? They are there not only to observe you as you run, but they are there also to inspire you as you run. Then the greatest inspiration of all is in seeing the One who out ran them all and is now standing at the “finish line” encouraging you to faithfully run. We see Him through the eye of faith. That is exactly what is taking place as we read and study our Text. There is one who ran before us for our example. This tells us that Christ is not only a witness but a better witness.

II. THE WAY THE SAINTS ARE CORRECTED (Vv. 4-11) (through chastening)

Even as a father corrects his children, so also does the heavenly Father correct us. These next several verses give us tremendous insight as to the purpose of chastisement.

A. The Receivers of Chastening (Vv. 4-8)

According to our Text, one should never despise the chastening that comes from the Lord. The chastening should also not cause one to faint or be discouraged knowing that it comes from the Lord and is exercised towards those whom He loves and those who are His dear children. These verses show us that he deals with His children in the faith as a father would deal with his own children. A good father uses discipline and correction in the form of chastisement to correct his children because he loves them. Can anything less than that be said about our heavenly Father chastening His own children whom He loves?