Laying Aside the Sins to Run

​As previously discussed, throughout Christianity there have been many who allow various things or people to hinder their race of life, but especially their running with Jesus as their Savior.  Hebrews 12:1 states, “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”.  At first glance, this verse encourages getting rid of everything that would keep one from running a race for God, but the depth of meaning can be easily overlooked if not studied.  When a Christian allows these weights and sins to make them stand still or go backward, they are forfeiting the things God has for them and possibly their entire race.  Sin is defined as acting upon desires that are an offense to God by violating His Word.  In the life of every Christian, the Holy Spirit should guide them in the direction God has for them (Galatians 5:16).  The sinful nature of the flesh desires to do the opposite of what the Holy Spirit wants which causes opposition within each person (Galatians 5:17).  When sin wins the person is hindered by not only the separation from God until repentance takes place but also the weights of that sin that now hinder that person.  A true love for God causes a Christian to not be under the weight of the Mosaic Law because the point of view does not see the Word of God as a burden but as a guideline enforced by the Holy Spirit through conviction to holy living (Galatians 5:18).  Jesus said, “For My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).  This displays there is still something of God to be carried but a heart for God understands the commandments of God are to benefit those who submit to Jesus Christ and His Word (Leviticus 26:3; John 14:15).  The goal of weights and sins is to hinder every Christian who does not lay them aside.  Here are Bible verses that display that those who participate in these sins will not inherit the kingdom of God.  Galatians 5:19-21 lists sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery/manipulation, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, and wild parties.  1 Corinthians 6:9-11 lists sexual sins, idolatry, adultery, prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, abusive people, and cheaters.  1 Timothy 1:9-11 lists lawless and rebellious people, ungodly and sinful people, those who defile what is holy, murderers, sexually immoral people, homosexuals, slave traders, liars, promise breakers, and those who contradict the wholesome teaching that comes from God.  This list is not exhaustive but can be a resource to start laying aside sin hindering a person from running their race for God.  When a person knows the right thing to do and does not do it the Bible says that is sin (James 4:17).  Sin is not obeying God’s Word (1 John 3:4).  The Word of God is designed to lead people in a relationship with God by understanding what He sees as right and wrong (1 Timothy 1:5).  Those who love God will write His Word on their heart and not neglect it (1 Timothy 1:6).  The answer to sin is to repent of sins so they are blotted out allowing that person to be in right-standing with God (Acts 3:19).  May Christians everywhere lay aside sin and obtain victory through Jesus Christ.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.