“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us…” (Heb. 12:1).
We need to recognize that there are sins that easily beset us. This type of sin is that which always stands around us, or acts as a competitor in a race against us.
Have you noticed that at just about the time you are ready to get in this faith race, BAM! – here it comes trying to cause you to stumble and fall. Why is that? It’s because that thing is always standing around or competing against you. It’s trying to prevent you from going in the right direction.
This Scripture is telling us that we have to deal with that sin. We have to blow it out of the way with the Word of God. We have to do what is required to get rid of it – period. As you stand strong in faith, God’s Word is able to give you total victory over every situation.
Now the word “sin” here means to miss the mark in a moral sense. It also means that which is addictive, or a weakness. We are to lay aside any sin that causes us to have moral failures – this will require a decision and effort on our part for sure.
There are too many Christians who think they cannot have a moral failure. Oh yes you can, every Christian can have a moral failure. Many times we just want to focus on adultery and fornication. But moral failure goes far beyond that. It goes into all kinds of areas.
In fact, Proverbs lists things God hates. Some of which are: feet that run swiftly to mischief, hands that shed innocent blood, a lying tongue, and so on.
You may not commit adultery, but you were lying about your co-worker yesterday. And a lying tongue stinks in God’s nostrils just as much as adultery.
So how do we lay aside every sin? We do it by getting in the Word of God and finding out what it takes to win. We do it by faith. Focusing on God’s Word will help get rid of the weights and sins, thereby strengthening you to stay focused on the spiritual race that is set before you.
With the Word first in your life, you’ll surely reach the finish line.
Scripture References: Proverbs 6:16-19; Colossians 3:1-10
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Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).