LAYING ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT

LAYING ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Hebrews 12:1-2 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”

Supporting Texts: Colossians 3:8-10; Ephesians 4:22-24; Galatians 5:7-9; Matthew 11:28-30

Description: To finish the Christian race victoriously, we must intentionally remove every burden, distraction, and sin that hinders our progress and keep our focus on Jesus Christ.

INTRODUCTION:
The Christian journey is often compared to a race—a race that demands focus, endurance, and spiritual discipline. Just as an athlete sheds unnecessary baggage to run faster, believers are called to lay aside every weight that slows them down. These weights may not always be sinful but can still hinder our progress in walking with God.

In Hebrews 12:1-2, the Bible paints a vivid picture of a stadium filled with witnesses, cheering us on as we run. Yet, we cannot run effectively while carrying burdens such as fear, doubt, bitterness, unforgiveness, distractions, or even good things wrongly prioritised. The race is too important, and the finish line too glorious, for us to allow anything to hold us back.

Laying aside every weight requires deliberate action, humility, and reliance on God’s strength. When we unburden ourselves and focus on Christ, we experience greater spiritual freedom, clarity, and power to overcome challenges. This teaching challenges us to identify and remove whatever slows us down so we can run with patience and finish well.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF WEIGHTS
Weights are anything good or bad that slows your spiritual progress or weakens your walk with God.

a) Weights are not always sinful (1 Corinthians 6:12)
Some things are permissible but not beneficial. Good activities or relationships can become hindrances if they distract you from God’s will.

b) Weights drain spiritual energy (Galatians 5:7)
Carrying unnecessary burdens saps your strength, leaving you spiritually exhausted and vulnerable to defeat.

c) Weights hinder your focus on God (Luke 10:40-42)
Like Martha distracted by many things, weights divert your attention from the one needful thing, Jesus.

d) God calls you to travel light (Matthew 11:28-30)
Christ offers rest for your soul when you surrender your burdens and trust His yoke.

Biblical Example: Lot’s wife looked back to Sodom because her heart was weighed down by attachment to her past, and she became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26).

2. IDENTIFYING THE WEIGHTS IN YOUR LIFE
You cannot lay aside what you refuse to acknowledge or confront.

a) Weights of unforgiveness and bitterness (Ephesians 4:31-32)
Harbouring offences weighs you down and blocks God’s blessings in your life.

b) Weights of fear and worry (Philippians 4:6-7)
Fear paralyses progress and keeps you from stepping into God’s promises.

c) Weights of unhealthy relationships (2 Corinthians 6:14)
Partnerships or friendships outside God’s will can lead you astray and drain your spiritual vitality.

d) Weights of misplaced priorities (Matthew 6:33)
When worldly pursuits take precedence over God’s kingdom, your race becomes sluggish and ineffective.

Biblical Example: Demas forsook Paul, having loved this present world, showing how misplaced priorities can derail a destiny (2 Timothy 4:10).

3. LAYING ASIDE SIN THAT EASILY BESETS US
Sin entangles like vines, trapping believers and preventing progress in the race of faith.

a) Sin creates spiritual bondage (John 8:34)
Even a small compromise can hold you captive, making it difficult to move forward in obedience.

b) Sin breaks fellowship with God (Isaiah 59:2)
Unrepented sin erects barriers between you and God, weakening your spiritual life.

c) Repentance restores freedom (1 John 1:9)
God’s mercy and forgiveness cleanse you, enabling you to start afresh and run unhindered.

d) The Holy Spirit empowers victory (Romans 8:13)
You cannot overcome sin in your own strength. Rely on the Spirit’s power for daily triumph.

Biblical Example: David’s sin with Bathsheba nearly destroyed him, but his repentance restored his walk with God and renewed his strength (Psalm 51:10-12).

4. FOCUSING ON JESUS, THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH
Fixing your gaze on Christ keeps you steady and motivated to keep running.

a) Jesus is your perfect example (Hebrews 12:2)
He endured the cross because His eyes were on the joy set before Him.

b) Jesus provides strength for the journey (Philippians 4:13)
In your weakness, His power sustains you and carries you forward.

c) Jesus offers rest for the weary (Matthew 11:28)
When burdens weigh you down, He invites you to find rest in Him.

d) Jesus guarantees your victory (John 16:33)
Because He overcame the world, you too can overcome every obstacle.

Biblical Example: Peter walked on water as long as his eyes were fixed on Jesus. When he looked at the storm, he began to sink (Matthew 14:29-30).

5. RUNNING WITH PATIENCE TO THE FINISH LINE
The race requires perseverance, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to God’s purpose.

a) Perseverance builds character (Romans 5:3-4)
Trials shape you into a mature believer equipped for every good work.

b) Patience ensures lasting victory (James 1:4)
Quick fixes and shortcuts will not sustain you. Endurance brings full reward.

c) Consistency brings eternal rewards (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
God honours those who remain faithful to the very end.

d) The witnesses inspire perseverance (Hebrews 12:1)
The heroes of faith who have gone before encourage you to keep running with courage.

Biblical Example: Paul pressed toward the mark, forgetting past failures, and completed his race faithfully (Philippians 3:13-14).

CONCLUSION:
Laying aside every weight is not a suggestion—it is a command for victorious living. The journey is too important to allow distractions, burdens, or sin to derail your destiny. God has given you His Spirit, His Word, and His grace to empower you to run freely and finish well.

As you shed unnecessary weights and fix your eyes on Jesus, you will experience renewed strength, clarity, and joy. The finish line is ahead, and your crown of righteousness awaits those who persevere.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, reveal every weight in my life that hinders my progress.
2. Father, grant me the strength to lay aside every burden and distraction.
3. Lord, deliver me from every besetting sin that entangles my destiny.
4. Father, renew my focus on Jesus and His purpose for my life.
5. Lord, break every unhealthy attachment that slows my spiritual growth.
6. Father, empower me to persevere with patience and endurance.
7. Lord, help me to maintain holiness and discipline as I run my race.
8. Father, keep me from growing weary or faint-hearted in my journey.
9. Lord, let my life inspire others to run their race with faithfulness.
10. Father, crown my efforts with eternal rewards and victory in Jesus’ name.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. You shall run your race unhindered and finish strong.
2. Every weight slowing you down is removed by the power of God.
3. You shall overcome every temptation designed to derail your destiny.
4. Your focus shall remain fixed on Jesus, and you shall not be distracted.
5. You shall walk in renewed strength and perseverance.
6. You shall not faint or grow weary before your breakthrough.
7. Your patience and endurance shall produce lasting rewards.
8. You shall finish well and receive your crown of righteousness.
9. You shall inspire others by your steadfast faith and testimony.
10. Your life shall glorify God as you run your race with joy and victory.