Hebrews 12:1-13

After directly referring to almost 20 heroes of the faith by name (and indirectly referring to many more faithful men and women from the Old Testament), the author of Hebrews goes on to set up the image of a great race with these heroes as the spectators (but not only spectators, also examples of those who have run the race before us).

1. We are surrounded
--by a multitude. No Christian should view themselves as a lone ranger. Even if we have no visible companionship for a time. We are part of a greater body.
--The dead, not the living, are the spectators. There is no age we reach prior to death in which we become observers and cease to participate.

2. Cloud of witnesses
--They are expert witnesses in that they are illustrations of the victory of faith
--They are cheering witnesses (this may imply the souls of the deceased are aware of earthly happenings)

Since we're in this great race with so many watching...

1. We must eliminate hindrances
--False teachings (Luke 11:52)
--Selfish fighting (1 Peter 3:7)

2. We must eliminate sin
--Any/all sins that hinder (9:43-48)
--Anything that becomes a priority over Christ becomes sin (Luke 14:26)

Once we subtract the negatives (those things which weigh us down) we can begin to discuss the positives (those things that make us great victors).

1. Run with perseverance
--We run, not walk, because this is a serious life
--It's hard, not easy, so we'll need to keep pushing
--It's old, not new, the road is marked out for us

2. Fix our eyes on Jesus
--He is the Captain/author of our faith (Hebrews 2:10)
--He is the Finisher/perfector of our faith

Jesus is here set apart from the heroes of chapter 11 because He is the greatest hero of all. He is the Captain, if you will, of the Faith Hall of Fame. He is the leader of the team of men and woman throughout history who journey on the path of faith. He walked it perfectly from start (author) to finish (perfector). His great example reminds us that we should not give up.

The author of Hebrews was writing to a group of people who were on the verge of giving up. But they are encouraged to continue because:

1. They aren't even bloody yet (the author switches metaphors to that of a fighter)

2. The struggle is for our best

3. Hardship implies that God is not indifferent toward us, but has a plan

In light of this call to press on, these Christians should:
1. Strengthen their feeble arms
2. Strengthen their week knees
3. Make level paths for their feet (Proverbs 4:25-27)

They should do whatever it takes to race well, to fight the good fight, and to press on no matter what.