TEXT: Hebrews 12:1-3
Second, we need to unhitch ourselves from weights. These things are not necessarily sinful but they are holding us back from what God wants us to do. Maybe you are being held back in advancing in your profession or school because you are spending too much time on movies or video games. Maybe you are putting personal entertainment above God’s work. Bob Deffinbaugh said, “There is obviously a connection between “weights” (which are hindrances) and besetting sin. Both hinder one from running the race with endurance and perseverance. But there are differences that must be taken into account as well. It seems to me that in our text “weights” are distinguished from besetting sin. A weight isn’t a sin; it is just a hindrance. But a besetting sin is sin. When the author speaks about the “weight” we are to lose (by setting it aside), he speaks of “every” weight. Even though “weight” is singular, “every” suggests to me that there may be many things which could serve as hindrances to our running well. When running a race, almost anything that adds weight to the runner is a hindrance.” You need to put aside the distractions that are taking your attention away from your goals and God’s will.