Watch the trip ups

1Therefore, 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. 2We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith

                                                                          Hebrews 12:1-2.  NLT

Paul teaches here to  follow Jesus with endurance and imitate His supreme example of faithfulness. Let us remind ourselves of the suffering He endured and the way He disciplined Himself in reaching this standard. It was the only way to give us freedom.

As we walk with Jesus, we are, not only surrounded by witnesses, who know that we are Christians and view us accordingly, but we also walk in the footsteps of many mighty women and men of God who travelled the same road many years before us. Therefore, we need to 'strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.' v1 If we are in a race or just doing a heavy job, we need to avoid carrying extra weight because it hinders our progress. It's the same with sin, if we say we are Christians and yet fail to live the life then we  trip up and become entangled in its grip. It takes discipline to live this way but it pays dividends and of course, essential to our walk with Jesus.

Jesus is our supreme example of faithful endurance. This is why in moments when we are in a tight corner, we can say with confidence, 'Would Jesus do that/say that?' It gives us a good guideline to how Jesus would handle things. It all comes down to being focused on Jesus. We keep our eyes on Him. He is our champion - our role model and so, we copy or imitate Him, wanting to be more and more like Him. We can do this because scripture tells us we can, 'For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength' Philippians 4:13. So be encouraged, we are like Jesus but occasionally we have the grotty moments that let us down. However, thankfully, Jesus forgives us and points us in the right direction.

Be honest, what is the sin that so easily trips you up? We all have these moments and it is being prepared for them that helps us to avoid these times. Pray about it; talk in depth to Jesus who knows all about these times and also how to avoid them. But, it is not easy, it takes discipline, dedication and endurance to overcome these things. However, with Jesus' help we are able to do this.

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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