58 - Hebrews 12:1-3: Running God’s Race

Hebrews 12:1-3

“Because we have such a vast number of witnesses surrounding us, let us strip ourselves of every encumbrance and any sin that would entangles us and run with determination the race we have entered. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the One who perfects faith, who knowing the joy that would follow His sufferings, endured the cross, heedless of its shame, and has now taken His rightful place at God’s right hand. Compare your experiences with His, who submitted to grievous opposition and bitter hostility, so that you do not become weary and faint-hearted.”  (paraphrased)

v. 1
These opening verses challenge us to apply the principles of faith set forth in chapter eleven. The saints in heaven are allegorized as a vast cloud of “witnesses” (marturou), from whence we derive our word “martyr”. But marturou can also refer to “those who have borne witness to the truth.” This heavenly throng includes patriarchs, prophets, judges, apostles and missionaries. The grandstands are not filled with idle spectators, for every one of them has run this race. They are not pictured as actually observing us. The writer’s point is that we should revere them and emulate their heroic faith.

The figure of a footrace is common in Pauline literature. In the era in which this epistle is written, the Olympian Games were already legendary. Comparing the Believer’s life to a footrace, the writer challenges his readers to persevere. We are to run persistently in order to obtain, while keeping our bodies disciplined (I Cor. 9:24-27). Paul pressed on toward the goal in order to finish his course and win Christ (II Tim. 4:7 & Phil. 3:14). Believers must run well, allowing no one to hinder them (Gal.  5:7 & Phil. 2:16). David used the analogy of a strong man running a race with joy (Ps. 19:5). However, joy is impossible if the runner is encumbered.

Anything which weighs down a runner can affect his endurance. The concept of “weight” (onkos) is an unnecessary bulk or mass. The word is used concerning obesity, which hinders good health. It also refers to superfluous impediments which one is free to cast aside. We must relinquish everything that would impede our spiritual progress. Such weights can include habits and hobbies. Even legitimate things can become hindrances. For first-century Christian Jews, such “weights” could include temple ceremonialism for those tempted to return to legalistic Judaism.   

The concept of excess weight is closely tied to easily-besetting sins. Whereas “weight” could refer to sins in general, the writer alludes to any pet sins. “Easily beset” (euperistaton) means “that which encompasses or surrounds.”  Even primitive sportswear was designed to minimize weight and maximize freedom of movement. The author compares sin to a long garment that would entangle the feet and prevent a victorious finish. Besetting sins impede running.

The familiar phrase “let us” places the writer on par with his readers. He has previously encouraged them by stating, “let us strive to enter into rest” (4:11), “let us hold fast our confession” (4:14), “let us come boldly to the throne” (4:16), “let us go on to maturity” (6:1) and “let us draw near with a true heart” (10:22). Once again he joins them by saying, “Let us lay aside every weight…and let us run our race with endurance.” One of the greatest dangers for Believers is lack of spiritual progression. Unless one is moving proactively forward, the tendency is to backslide.

The Olympian Games called for rigorous self-discipline. The Christian life is a race demanding constant preparedness, perseverance and deliberate progression. The word “patience” (hupomones) is the same word used earlier regarding our need for “endurance” and refers to the steady determination to continue (10:36). Although the life of a true Christian is demanding, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13).

“Race” is agona and bespeaks strenuous effort. It is from this term we derive the word “agony.” The writer has in mind a marathon rather than a sprint. Stamina and endurance are mandatory. The rules of this race are set forth in the Word of God. We must follow the prescribed course God has laid out for us. The length of the course and the hurdles we must overcome are formidable. But these witnesses have all run the same race, followed the same track and overcome the same obstacles.

v. 2
We are encouraged to run, not because others have done so, but for Christ’s sake. Concentrating on the things of God allows us to run and not be weary (Isa. 40:31). The Lord Jesus is our grand incentive to stay in the race. “Looking” (aphorontes) means to fix one’s gaze upon something, to the exclusion of everything else. Paul encourages us to forget what is behind us and press toward the goal of Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:13). Distractions can cause a runner to stumble or fall. It is imperative to fix our eyes upon Christ alone (II Cor. 3:18). Jesus has provided us with the perfect example of overcoming faith. “Author and Finisher” is Leader (archegos) and Completer (teleiotes). “Author” is also translated “Prince” in Acts 3:15. Christ is earlier referred to as “the Pioneer of our salvation” (2:10). He is not among the “great cloud of witnesses” surrounding us, but is the Leader of all who live by faith. Because Christ is our Forerunner, all who follow Him perseveringly can win the race (6:20). 

The writer points to the heroic character of Jesus’ faith. He joyfully anticipated the inauguration of the plan of salvation. Because it was foremost in His mind, He willingly endured and succeeded. When Jesus prayed, He mentioned the glory He enjoyed with the Father before the world existed (Jn. 17:5). He weighed this joy against His sufferings and found them not worthy of comparison. Like Paul, we should calculate that the sufferings of the present world are unworthy to be compared with heaven (Rom. 8:18). As Christ anticipated future joy, so we must fix our eyes upon the joy awaiting us.

Christ has run and completed His race by enduring the cross. A brief overview of crucifixion will prove helpful. The original concept of impalement came from nailing slain barnyard rodents on the side of a building in vengeful merriment. Bodies of executed persons were sometimes hung from the walls of a stockade to discourage disobedience and to mock defeated enemies (I Sam. 31:8-10). The Romans used crucifixion to intimidate all who opposed the power of Rome. To instill fear, such executions were always public. It was the most degrading form of execution known. The cross was a warning, a torture, a humiliation, and a deterrent. A crucified man was said “to be cursed,” as Christ was cursed for us (Gal. 3:13; Deut. 21:23 & Acts 5:30). This form of capital punishment was usually reserved for revolutionaries, spies, thieves, and those guilty of sedition. In the case of multiple crucifixions, the worst criminal was crucified in the most prominent and central position (Mk. 15:27).

The agonies of the cross were so horrible, even the cruel Roman soldiers offered a cup of alcohol and drugs to those they crucified. Because the victim was forced to press down upon the nail in his feet in order to breathe, many died from sheer exhaustion in the attempt get air into the lungs. Death by asphyxiation was slow. Victims often struggled convulsively for several days prior to death. To ensure death would soon follow, both legs were often broken by a forcible blow (Jn. 19:32). Insects and birds often began to consume the body even prior to death. This hellish torture is hard to conceive in the twenty-first century. However, the writer had no need to elaborate upon his mention of the cross, for its ignominy and reproach were familiar to his readers. But Jesus “despised the shame” of the cross. “Despise” (kataphronesas) means to disregard something as unimportant. When weighed against what the cross would accomplish, the shame of His sufferings was not worthy of comparison.

The writer has already reminded his readers that Christ’s exaltation to the right hand of God was a reward for His vicarious atonement. When He had purged our sins, He sat down on the right hand of God (1:3). After He had suffered death, He was crowned with glory and honor (2:9) Jesus sat down on the right hand of the throne of God in heaven (8:1; 10:12). Christ promises those who overcome will “sit with Me on My throne, even as I overcame and sit with My Father on His throne” (Rev.3:21). 

v. 3
We are asked to “consider” Christ. “Consider” (analogizomai) is used only here in the New Testament. It is from this term we derive the word “analyze.” The mathematical concept behind this means to carefully examine, compute or estimate by comparison. Our trials are insignificant in contrast to His. Meditating upon His perfect record of endurance should inspire anyone tempted to give up. To ponder Christ’s trials, persecutions and injustices forces us to remember the patience He exemplified. “Contradiction” is antilogian, meaning “to speak against” and refers to the verbal and physical abuse Christ endured at the hands of His enemies. It also suggests their opposition of Christ was against their own best interests. Throughout His three years of public ministry He was relentlessly derided, mocked and insulted. Sinners constantly twisted His words and lampooned His claims. He was branded as a glutton, a drunk and accused of sedition. Despite tremendous persecution, He steadfastly set His face toward Jerusalem and what awaited Him there. In the end, He was beaten, scourged, condemned and nailed to a cross. Never once did He falter or retaliate, but patiently bore the horrors of Calvary. 

“Weary” (kamete) means to be exhausted, discouraged and ready to quit. The writer approaches his final warning against apostasy, challenging his readers to compare His severe sufferings with their current situation. When Jesus warned His disciples about their coming trials and tribulations, He was quick to add…“but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). 

QUESTIONS: RUNNING GOD’S RACE

Hebrews 12:1-3

1. To successfully run the Christian race, what two obstacles must first be removed? (12:1)
                                             
2. What did Paul strive to win?  (Philippians 3:8)

3. Like excess weight, what must Believers “cast off”? (Rom. 13:12)

4. The writer refers to Christ as the Author and Finisher of faith. What does John say about Him in Revelation 22:13?

5. Crucifixion was:
A. a warning
B. a humiliation
C. a deterrent
D. a torture
E. all of the above

6. Crucifixions were always:
A. performed by the Pharisees
B. reserved for the worst criminals
C. public
D. both B & C
E. none of the above

7. What will happen to those who suffer with Christ?  (II Timothy 2:12)

8. If we deny Christ, what will He do?  (II Timothy 2:12)

9. What will happen to those who overcome?  (Revelation 3:21)

10. Each of you name your pet sin, the one that is a constant temptation. Discuss with your spouse possible solutions.