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Strip Off!

It's not what you are thinking!

In Hebrews 12:1, the writer urges that;
'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.'

If you are serious with your run for Jesus, you must also be willing to strip down whatever slows you down in the path of righteousness and especially sins that easily trips us up.

Why?
Witnessed Life of Faith
The writer urges because 'we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith'. This can be bith interpreted as a promise and a challenge.

As a promise, if you read back the previous chapter, Hebrews 11 or what many calls as the 'Chapter of Faith', it gave examples of those who were recorded in the scriptures who lived out their faith. We can strip it down because we have such a huge crowd of witnesses or examples to live by when it comes to living by faith.

It could also be a challenge since it implies that our lives are an example to a huge crowd of witnesses. We are a testimony. So it must be evident.

What must we 'strip down'?
It said in the Word 2 things:
1. "Slowers"- as it says in the verse, 'every weight that slows us down'. What are the things, hobbies, attitude, sins and even people that slow you down or weigh you down in your run for Jesus? I have never seen a marathon runner before that carried a backpack or luggage while running especially if their goal is finishing the race and winning the prize. Same with us, we must stip off our excess baggages if we want to finish the race.

2. "Trippers"- the next one is more specific; 'the sin that so easily trips us'. What are those sins that easily make us tempted and stumble? I've heared one preacher said that satan will always go back to that sin where he was once successful. Before having a relationship with the Lord Jesus, think back of the things that used to be a constant struggle or sins which used to bond you or enslave you? It could be an addiction, a relationship, an attitude or person.

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