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Run with Passion and Perspective

commentary on Hebrews 12

Hebrews 12 develops the theme of endurance. The first three verses teach us that the key to persistence is passion. You can read them below, along with commentary on Hebrews 12 from John Maxwell’s study Bible.

“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” — Hebrews 12:1–3

COMMENTARY ON HEBREWS 12

All the men and women of faith in Hebrews 11 “made it” because they felt passionate about their cause. Then, in Hebrews 12, the writer compares our lives to a race and tries to convince us that we must run with endurance if we plan to finish well.

The text also suggests that if the key to persistence is passion, then the key to passion is purpose. We must run with purpose, not aimlessly.

RUN WITH PASSION AND PERSPECTIVE

And the key to purpose? Perspective. The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to consider three things that will help us to finish well:

  • Consider them (12:1) Since a great cloud of witnesses has gone before us, we must get serious about finishing well.
  • Consider ourselves (12:1) It is now our turn to run the race and watch for pitfalls. We must lay aside every encumbrance that would prevent us from finishing well.
  • Consider Jesus (12:2–3) Jesus ran His own race and endured hardship by fixing his eyes on the rewards; we must follow His example.

Commentary on Hebrews 12 by John Maxwell

LEARN MORE ABOUT RUNNING AND HEBREWS

Did you enjoy this commentary on Hebrews 12? Looking for more well-written applications of Scripture? This article came straight from The Maxwell Leadership Bible Notes. You can get this study Bible in both NKJV and NIV formats.

GET IT FOR NKJV
GET IT FOR NIV

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22 Comments

  1. Robert Cruz

    Thank you for this short article. It is a spiritual reminder that I am to lay aside all sin and follow Jesus with passion, persistence, and purpose. The aim is to live this life in faith in Christ. Just as all the heroes of the faith mention in Hebrew 11. I also think about the countless Men and Women who had put there trust in Jesus during this dispensation of Grace. Even they are also heroes of the Faith. As the article said now is our time to live by Faith.

  2. DARREN SHEPPARD

    Hebrews 11 tells us that all these people did these things because they had faith. They believd what God had promised, and acted on that faith. Jesus believed God said he would raise him from the death, and also those who followed him, and so he went to the cross. Athletes are now told to visualise, to see themselves winning their event. They have faith in their ability. We have to faith as well, so that no matter how enticing sin may be, we resist.

  3. Don Johnson

    This verse reminds me that Satan doesn’t just provide hurdles to get over or around, he knows each of us well enough that he knows those sins that will “entangle” us. Thankfully our God knows and loves us so that by His power and wisdom, He provides a “way of escape” so that we can run with endurance to gain the “prize” He has waiting for us.

    • Virgil

      God does provides a “way of escape” however, God only provides the way. We must do the escaping ourselves. As Joseph did in Gen 39:12  Joseph ran out of the house, leaving her hanging onto his coat.

  4. Isaac martin

    In Christs experience he was always aware of the father’s presence ; delighted In that fellowship ; as a man
    This awareness of the fathers love ministered Grace peace purpose elumination.
    The level of trust exercised reflects on the outcome ! When we delight in the fathers Presence fellowship begins and an avalanche of blessings and purpose comes our way right from the throne it’s one of the keys to endurance

  5. Kc

    Thank you for sharing an amazing insight on faith. I feel everyday we owe Jesus a covenant to stand with him. Live for Him, die with him, resurrect with him regardless what comes may.

  6. GBARANEN​ VICTOR

    Thanks for sharing this short and weighty article. Believers need to know and put their entirety in the foot step of Christ. Hoping and believing in Him and Him alone as the author and finisher of our faith. The faith(expectations) can only be actualized when we acknowledge that it’s only Jesus has the power to do it. And our great expectation which is the GOLDEN CROWN can only the made possible by having faith in God/Jesus. Noting that by this same faith, men were rewarded and now remembered for their righteousness-Heb11.
    Thanks

  7. KN

    Ask, seek, knock….by grace through faith, faith comes by hearing, hearing by The Word of God… crave, treasure pursue, know ….The Word, Know Jesus…raise Jesus heart, mind, soul… He restores, strengthens, motivates, is our renewable energy…. trust, hope in Him alone….produces life blessed full of abundance bearing good fruit… being transformed… in, with, through Jesus….living Word … alive… make room in the inn… dwelling place ….constantly… consistently…praise God

  8. Feyikemi Agbana

    Yes. This is amazing. We also know that the cloud of witnesses are people who have already won the race… They ate cheering us on, and the have the angels looking at our lives as examples since they do not know about the Father but learn by the way we live our life. Also, unbelievers look to our life and we should a light and the salt of the earth.

  9. Fred Rapp

    The only way we are going to live with passion is found in John 15:9. Jesus said “As the Father has loved me so Have I loved you, abide in my love. Jesus is not referring to human love but divine love. The Greek word for love is agape (divine love). Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 13:2, “though I have all knowledge and faith so I could move mountains and have not love I am nothing.” Jesus wants to agape His church. Jesus said in John 15:5, …apart from me you can do nothing. We need Jesus to agape us in order to live this life.

  10. Kwasi Tano

    Thanks for the reminder. What I gather from this is that,as Christians we shouldn’t get distracted but keep our focus to get to the prize.
    Throughout the journey of life circumstances may become soo overwhelming that,we may want to give up but to fight a good fight,to run the race ,finish the course and to keep the faith,we have to value the crown(crown of righteousness) we are looking forward to receiving from God after this life.
    Also we have to kill self to be able to run the race.God bless you.

  11. Daniel Scruggs

    I have this bible it’s truly a great one! Thanks to you all here at Olive Tree you’ll are very helpful and faithful it’s appreciated!!!!

  12. Vesta

    First time looking at a Christian blog. Great way to read everyone’s own take on the article/study. All the different phrasing so good. So thanks to everyone it’s inspiring ?

  13. Annie Reed

    Thank for the Devotional message reminding me to finish the race that have been set before me.

  14. CherylWeston

    In the History of Boxing, Every Champion fighter had a awesome “corner man” Jesus, is our corner man. Strengthening m, encouraging, and praying for our success. Saints of the Most High, we are built to be winners and we are VICTORIOUS. Keep Pressing??

  15. Magdalena Medina-Artica

    We are called to be salt and light… thinking about the meaning of these words is encouragement to keep running until we reach the prize and be faithful. God bless all