31/08/2026
Hebrews 12 verses 1 and 2 state:
1 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,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
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The text distinguishes between weights and sin. There must be a stripping for the race. The true athlete strips himself of all that is unnecessary, all that would hinder or burden, so that he can run his race at whatever distance and over whatever terrain.
Returning to the Belfast marathon illustration, the preacher imagines himself entering the marathon wearing a heavy army topcoat and Dr. Martens boots, fully clothed. People would laugh and tell him to wise up—to take off the heavy coat and boots, put on a lightweight top, shorts, and running shoes, get into good physical condition, shed excess body fat, adopt a strict diet, and submit to rigid discipline.
The runner is not asking whether the coat or the boots are sinful—there is nothing sinful about wearing an army coat or Dr. Martens. The question is not “Is it sinful?” but “Will it help me or hinder me to run?” That is the searching question. The things we occupy our time with should be examined by this standard: Is it helping me to run after Christ?
This principle extends to friendships. How many Christians have ungodly, worldly friends? Is that friendship helping them run after Christ? The same question applies to ambitions, mindsets about time, desires, and careers. The true Christian runner must lay aside all that would hinder or hamper him in his race. The question is not “How closely can I resemble the world?” or “How closely can I live in conjunction with this ungodly, anti-Christian, anti-God world?” The question is “How can I faithfully run after Christ?”
Service Details Date: SUN 11:30am 30th August 2026Preacher: Rev. David McLaughlinBible Reference: Hebrews 12:1-3 Podcast Sermon Summary Why the Theme [...]
