Running the Race ‘Looking unto Jesus’ Daily for Strength

by Jamie Pantastico

On July 20, 2024

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Daily Devotional | Daily Encouragement

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, 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.”

Life often feels like an endless series of challenges. “If it isn’t one thing, it’s another”—another bill, another loss, another tragic event, it seems like it’s never ending. The author of Hebrews encourages us to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders us, and to run with endurance, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. The Lord of glory is our ultimate example, having endured the cross for the joy set before Him.

‘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.’

Hebrews 12:2

As we move forward in our walk with Christ, we must let go of the things that hold us back, including our past sins and failures. The gospel empowers us to run this race with endurance, knowing that Jesus has already secured our victory.

The Daily Battle and How to Fight

Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and the rulers of darkness. This spiritual battle requires the most powerful weapon God has given us—His Word. Daily and faithful study of the Bible strengthens us to be “strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

Put on the whole armor of God and keep your eyes on Jesus, trusting in His strength and guidance. As ambassadors for Christ, our perseverance and faith can inspire others to also run the race with endurance.

Prayer

Dear Lord and heavenly Father, I come to You with a humble heart full of thankfulness. Please help me to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders me. Give me the endurance to run the race set before me, keeping my eyes fixed on You. Amen.

Daily Power-Up

Take a few minutes to study these passages that pertain to the theme of today’s devotional:

**Ephesians 6:10-18** – The Armor of God
**Philippians 3:13-14** – Pressing Toward the Goal
**2 Timothy 4:7** – Fight the Good Fight

Reading and meditating on these verses will help you stay focused on God’s will and strengthen you for the race ahead.

Thank you for reading.

Please consider sharing this post on social media.

Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

← Prev: The Gospel: The Power of Salvation '1 Corinthians 15:1-4' Next: Daily Cleansing Through God's Word is Necessary →

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-4; 2cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?