Look to Him

Hebrews 12:1-2

"Therefore we also, 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, 2 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."

These verses teach us much about us in our sin.

First, we are easily ensnared and held back.  Sin sneaks up to tempt us, quickly and often.

Second, resisting sin is a race to run with endurance.  It is not a one-time, short sprint.

Third, joy comes after resisting temptation, after enduring the cross.  We usually focus on the passing pleasure of sin and forget the long, dull ache of regret that follows. 

But the main thing to remember is that we are to look to Jesus.  Not just as a tactic to defeat sin.  We look to Him because we love Him and trust Him.  When that love fades and the siren song of sin calls, we look away from Him.  We shrink from the cross of our own self-sacrifice.  We are intimidated by its shame.  But Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God, so let us look to Him.

Let us confess our sins before almighty God.

8/1/16