The Need to Lay Aside Every Weight
The life of faith is not easy. It’s a marathon that calls for endurance and trust in the Lord.
“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, 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 is sat down at the right hand of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2.
The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to people who were being persecuted for abandoning Judaism to follow Christ. As such, there was a danger they would become
discouraged and give up. Throughout the Epistle is the constant reminder that Christ is better: better than the angels, better than Moses, better than Melchizedek and the
priesthood, better than the Old Testament sacrifices. Therefore, there is particular emphasis on being steadfast in faith.
In Hebrews 11, the Heroes of Faith Hall of Fame are reminders of those who were steadfast in their faith. These heroes of faith are referenced as a cloud of witnesses in
Hebrews 12:1. They are witnesses in that their lives bear witness to the value of faith. Chapter 11, verse 6 reminds us that without faith, it is impossible to please Him. By their
exemplary lives, they inspire us in running the race of faith.
The Need to Lay Aside Every Weight
As we seek to follow in the footsteps of those who have successfully run the race of faith, there are three elements that are necessary to run the race of faith, as presented
in our text. The need to lay aside every weight, the need for endurance, and the need to focus on the Lord Jesus.
Note the illustration of running. A runner who seeks to run a successful race and win does not carry unnecessary weight that would hinder their performance. The runner
wears clothing that is light and allows freedom of movement. Excess weight can be the difference between defeat or victory, quitting, and finishing. In the race of faith, we too
must lay aside every weight.
Every weight are things which hinders our spiritual growth. Weights may be harmless things in and of themselves, yet they may hinder, or they may be harmful things that the Scriptures identify to put off or lay aside. Consider these three passages.
But now you yourselves are to put off all these, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy
language out of your mouth. Do not lie one to another, since you have put off the old
man with his deeds. Colossians 3:8-9
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking. 1
Peter 2:1
Therefore, lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness… James 1:21
Running The Race is Difficult
Such things make running the race of faith difficult, if not impossible. Is there a weight in your life that you must lay aside? Our text says to lay aside every weight and the sin
that so easily ensnares us. All sin, of course, must be laid aside, but most especially, the sin of unbelief. Throughout the Epistle are warnings not to be overtaken by doubt
and worry.
Remember, the Epistle is written to those suffering persecution. We must have complete confidence in the promises of God. We must have complete confidence
that the life of faith is assured triumphant victory.
With full assurance of faith and every weight laid aside, we can run the race of faith as God intended. Once we have identified and removed the weights that hold us back, we must face the reality of the long road ahead. Next time, we will explore the vital need for endurance in this spiritual marathon.
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