Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with PERSEVERANCE the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He ENDURED the Cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who ENDURED such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)
The words perseverance (v. 1) and endured (2x in vv. 2-3) are all the Greek word hupomone. This word means: not swayed from the goal, not hesitating to run the race, pushing forward no matter what.
These three verses also identify three thing that could trip us up:
- Sin. Not just blatant sin, but any area where I am hesitating to respond to the Holy Spirit.
- Shame. Paying attention to how I look in the eyes of others, and then feeling ashamed that I don’t measure up to their standard.
- Opposition. The attacks from the devil and his willing agents.
Fortunately, this same passage also tells us the three ways to avoid these trip-ups:
- Throw off the sin! Make the changes the Holy Spirit has shown me—do it immediately.
- Keep my eyes on Jesus. After all, it doesn’t matter what anyone else things of me. If I keep my eyes on my Savior, I can be fueled by the same joy that kept Him from getting tripped up.
- Consider the opposition. The Greek word for “opposition” is literally a combination of “anti” and “logic.” The opposition has opinions that are illogical, but I have the logical Truth in Jesus!
No regression. No hesitation. Only upward and onward every single day!
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Craig T. Owens 