1. Hebrews 12:1-3
1Therefore, 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,

2. Hebrews 12:1-3
2fixing 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.

3. Hebrews 12:1-3
3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

4. Get Rid of Your Baggage! Hebrews 12:1-3

5. Some Background on Hebrews
The book does not internally identify the author, although based on the content it seems likely a learned Jewish Christian
The letter seems aimed predominantly at Jewish Christians who have lost zeal and are being tempted to go back to Jewish customs and practices
The theme is the ABSOLUTE supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ
Jesus is God’s final and complete revelation to mankind ... Hebrews 1:1-4 clearly states this author’s message ... right at the beginning

6. Some Background on Hebrews
1In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. NIV

7. Some Background on Hebrews
The book goes to great depth in demonstrating the superiority of Jesus Christ to Angels, Moses, the Aaronic Priesthood, and the Old Covenant
The author then moves to encouragement to follow Jesus Christ faithfully and with perseverance ... under pressure and hardship
Chapter 11 contains historic examples of outstanding faith under pressure
Then our passage for today teaches that Jesus Christ is the supreme encouragement for all Christians

8. Hebrews 12:1-3
1Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. NASB

9. Long-distance Race Metaphors
To better understand the metaphors in this passage, we can study Paul’s writings which are full of imagery related to athletic endeavors
Some examples are very familiar to us, such as Acts 20:24:
24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
NIV

10. Long-distance Race Metaphors
Galatians 2:1-2
1 Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. 2 I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.
NIV

11. Long-distance Race Metaphors
Galatians 5:6-7
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. 7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?
NIV

12. Long-distance Race Metaphors
Maybe the most familiar: I Corinthians 9:24-27
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
ESV

13. Paul’s Familiarity with Athletic Contests
Paul first visited Corinth during his 2nd Missionary Journey (Acts 18) in ~ 50 AD
He stayed in Corinth for 1 ½ years teaching and making tents with Aquila and Priscilla
The references to races in his letter to the Galatians precede his first visit to Corinth, but...
It is very possible that Paul experienced the ~51 AD Isthmian Games while in Corinth

14. Isthmian Games near Corinth
These games, second in importance to the Olympic Games, were held every 2 years beginning in ~580 BC.
By Paul’s time, they would have included foot races, wrestling, jumping, boxing, javelin and discus hurling, horse and chariot racing, etc.
Over the history of these games, winners received a crown of pine boughs or of a herb named selinon

15. Isthmian Games near Corinth
Excavations of the location at Isthmia reveal temples and two stadiums
Interestingly, historians have found no accommodations built for the athletes and crowds until the 2nd century AD. Historians guess that everyone lived in tents during the event.
This would have been a good place for a tentmaker to conduct business....

16. I Corinthians 9 Becomes Clearer in This Context
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
ESV

17. Now to Hebrews 12:1-3
1Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. NASB

18. What Does the Writer of Hebrews Tell Us About Our Race?
We have an incredible number of examples of faith presented throughout the Scripture ... learn from dedicated study!
Just like a distance runner, we have to get rid of the baggage and the entanglements that would cause us to fail in the race
Just like a distance runner, we have to triump through daily dedication and perseverance

19. What Does the Writer of Hebrews Tell Us About Our Race?
We have to keep our eye on:
Jesus who endured the pain and shame of the cross for us
the goal; an imperishable, eternal reward; given to us thru Jesus

20. We are called to Perseverance
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:1-5 (NASB)

21. What about that baggage... what are yours?
Some are temporary ...
Fatigue…physical or mental exhaustion
Frustration…when you feel overwhelmed by demands and/or others around you
Failure…your plans don’t work out… and doubt begins to creep into your thinking

22. What about that baggage... what are yours?
Some seem “forever”...
The demands of adult life…providing food, clothing, and shelter,
Sickness, diseases, the reality of death…sometime we feel unprepared for ourselves and those around us
Difficult, uncaring people in your life
Fear…fear of criticism, fear of responsibility, fear of commitment, fear of opinion, fear of failure, etc
We all struggle with doubt and guilt ... Satan’s war on our relationship with God (Romans 7:21-24)

23. Sinful Entanglements
Pursuit of wealth over contentment with what God has given you
Lack of honesty with people around us
Drugs, alcohol, pornography, lust and other addictions
Bitterness/jealousy/envy toward others
Lack of care for the less fortunate
Other sinful or uncaring lifestyles

24. Fixing our eyes on the right goal…
15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. I John 2:15-17 (NASB)

25. The Hebrew Writer Tells Us that the Christian Life is a Long-distance Race
Jesus Christ has already won the battle with Satan
Nevertheless we must discipline ourselves to run for the prize, and
We must be faithful to the end of the race
Paul tells us in Philippians ...
13 ... forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:13-14, NIV)

26. Let us strive with all our might and focus to be able to say, as Paul said...
6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. I Timothy 4:6-8, NIV