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THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Hebrews 12:1-13
Philippians 2:4-8
 
“Let this mind be in you,
which was also in Christ Jesus.”
 
THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST
 
Endurance may not be comfortable, but it has a worthy prize. The example of Jesus in His incarnation best represents this fact. Chastisement also inflicts pain and is far from joyous, yet it is a proven corrective measure helping those who commit offences to repent and be restored. It also fortifies future stability after that experience. This is the message that the writer was putting across in connection with redemption and sustaining biblical morality.
 
The writer declared that we are compassed with a great cloud of witnesses. This was in reference to the long list of saints cited in the previous chapter. Their life of faith was overwhelming, as none can deny. On the basis of this witness, he exhorted that we lay aside every weight of sin which easily besets us. This is to enable us to measure up to the standard of those saints. Thus, he said, we should run with patience the race that is set before us. He indicated that we cannot sustain that endurance alone, we must look to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith.
 
The weight of sin can be very heavy and anyone who refuses to lay it aside cannot make any progress in the race. The aspiration to put a mark in the arena of faith is both possible and impossible depending on the line of approach on our part. There is ability to do all things with Christ, but without Him we can do nothing. The example of Jesus is that He endured the cross because of the joy that was set before Him, i.e. the redemption of those He came to save. The sufferings of Christ are not limited to that painful crucifixion. This was only the climax of His humiliation. The incarnation of Christ as a whole was a life of suffering. He has set us a good example.
 
THOUGHT: The example of Christ is a worthy one for us to follow.
PRAYER: Father, remove every weight of sin from my path.

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