LISTEN
NASB:
Therefore, 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.
NIV:
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.
Observations:
The author of Hebrews is exhorting us to live our lives for Christ with everything we have.
First, he notes that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. What a mental image that is.
Throughout our lives, we have a race marked out for us to run, and the author of Hebrews gives us several practical steps as to how to run it.
Takeaways:
Know that we are not alone and are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, the body of Christ.
Throw off everything that hinders us. You know what hinders you; I know what hinders me.
Get rid of the sin that so easily entangles. We just need to eradicate it.
The race we run throughout our lives has been marked out for us, and we need to run it with perseverance and endurance.
