“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB1995)

When we read the Scriptures, it is good if we can remember that when they were originally written that they did not have chapters and verses. So chapter divisions are not necessarily a division of thought and words spoken, but from one chapter to another it could be one continuous thought and message. It is also good if we can remember that when a sentence begins with the word “therefore,” we should look to what was being said previously, for the word means “for that reason,” “because of this,” or “as a result.”

Therefore, we should go back and read Hebrews 11, which is regarded as the “faith chapter” of the Bible, for it lists the names of many people of faith throughout biblical history, many of whom believed God’s words to them and thus they obeyed God and did what he instructed them to do. I believe they are this “great cloud of witnesses” spoken of here in chapter 12. And they serve as examples to us of endurance in faith, and of faith which produces obedience to God, which then serves to encourage us in our walks of faith.

Faith in Jesus Christ is not just a “get of jail free card” which promises us forgiveness of all sins and heaven as our eternal destiny. Faith in Jesus Christ, which comes from God, and which is authored and perfected by Jesus Christ, and which is not of our own doing, teaches us to forsake our sins and to walk in the ways of the Lord, and to put out of our lives all hindrances to our walks of faith in obedience to our Lord. And many people of faith throughout biblical history serve as godly examples of what faith looks like.

So, when we believe in Jesus Christ with God-gifted and God-persuaded faith in him, the result is that we deny self, die with Christ to sin, and follow our Lord in walks of obedience to his commands, all in the power of God. This doesn’t mean we will be absolutely perfect in every way from that moment forward, but that sin should no longer be what is ruling our lives, taking us captive, and leading us to continue in addictive sin. Now obedience to our Lord and to his commands is what should be ruling our lives, by God’s grace.

[Matthew 7:13-14,21-23; Luke 9:23-26; John 1:12-13; John 6:44; John 10:27-30; Acts 26:18; Romans 1:18-32; Romans 6:1-23; Romans 8:1-14; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10,19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:10,15,21; Galatians 5:1-26; Ephesians 2:8-10; Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:3-6; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 1:1-10; 1 John 2:1-6; 1 John 3:4-10]

Do Your Best

Based off of 2 Timothy 2
An Original Work / November 7, 2011
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

Love You, Father, love You, Lord.
Be strong in the grace of Christ.
Endure hardship for your Lord.
Your commander, live to please.
You’ll receive the victor’s crown.
By the rules, run in the race.
Your Lord, you’ll see face to face.
Jesus Christ, raised from the dead;
Of your life, He is the head.
Endure all for the elect.

Love You, Father, love You, Lord.
If we died, we live with Him.
If we last, with Him we’ll reign.
If we disown Him today,
He will have to look away.
Even if we faithless be,
Faithful He’ll remain always.
He cannot disown Himself.
He’s our Lord and Savior, King.
He will reign o’er ev’rything.

Love You, Father, love You, Lord.
Do your best; present yourself
As one who’s approved by God.
Work as one who’s not ashamed;
Rightly share the Word of Truth.
Wander not from what you know.
Destroy not the faith of some.
God’s foundation; it stands firm.
The Lord knows those who are His:
Those who turn from wickedness.

Love You, Father, love You, Lord.
In a house are wood and clay,
Gold and silver, all array.
Some are noble, some are bad –
Cleanse your life, and you’ll be glad;
Useful to the Master’s work.
A pure heart – in righteousness,
Pursue faith and love and peace.
Bad desires you want to flee.
Gentle servant you must be.

Run the Race with Endurance
An Original Work / April 3, 2026
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love