Verse: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,. Hebrews 12:1-2

What does it mean to lay aside? How is it related to Christian life? How does our relationship with sinful life change? What was the primary purpose of explaining the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11.

1. Remember Witnesses: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 
   • Witnesses mentioned in Hebrews 11, that most of them lived in a very corrupt era, and in many cases, they were the only righteous people in their times, so we have no excuses to give about our surroundings as the Bible stated them as examples [remember Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham etc all were loners during their times] – [2 Cor 5:9 Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.]
2. Lay Aside sin.
   • Grace gave us free entrance to the kingdom of God. True disciples will intentionally put all effort to lay aside the sins that are revealed in their lives, They will ask the Lord the Father to anoint them with the Holy Spirit to lay aside and be blameless [Luke 6:46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?]
3. Lay Aside Weight: let us also lay aside every weight, 
   • Consciously examining and laying aside all other hindrances that are stopping us from a godly life [is there some friendships, addictions, social media, etc that are stealing our time] – [Heb 2:1 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.]
4. Sin Clings: which clings so closely, 
   • We need to be so careful and intentional to take every precaution to protect and preserve us when we get any opportunity to sin.[2 Tim 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.]
5. Run: race with with endurance that is set before us, 
   • Jesus asked us to overcome the world and its patterns [John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”]

The Author next says looking to Jesus [Only look at Jesus if not we will fall], the founder and perfecter of our faith[Jesus started a work in us, will complete], who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross [We were so precious Jesus endured the cross], despising the shame[there is a shameful price for sin, Jesus paid it full on the cross], and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God [We have eternity and reward one day that is our hope]