Read Hebrews 12:1-2 + Colossians 3:1-8 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
- What have those in Christ died to?
- What are we commanded to take off?
- When did we used to do those things?
Reflect
In order to endure well in the race of faith, the New Testament authors instruct believers to remove extra weight. Colossians uses the image of putting to death the sin that weighs us down. We’re able to put sin to death because we’ve been raised to new life through the resurrecting power of Christ.
We can be weighed down by legalism, which adds expectations beyond what God’s Word says and makes our salvation about grace and works, rather than Jesus’ finished work on the cross. Or it could be baggage from our pasts, a wound we haven’t addressed or a broken relationship that’s led to bitterness, anger, or unforgiveness. Perhaps it’s a habit slowing us down, an addiction or pattern of hidden sin that we haven’t brought into the light.
No matter what is weighing you down today, Jesus offers forgiveness and freedom, not shame or condemnation. Throwing off the weight will be a lifelong process of surrender, so what is weighing you down today? How can you invite God or a trusted believer into your situation? What adjustment can you make this week to begin removing the weight?
Respond
Pray through these questions, and write down what God is prompting you to do next. Share with a friend, and take a step to apply it.
Remember
During At the Movies, each week we’ll focus on remembering what we read. If you're new to memorizing Scripture, start by looking at one section of one verse to remember this week.
Read Hebrews 12:1-2 again to remember. If you want to begin by memorizing just part of it, start with this phrase:
“...let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”