Endurance is the key against what so easily entangles us.

Scripture Read: Heb 12:1-2 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Application: As we consider sanctification we experience a clear sense from scripture that we are t realize we are not alone. Many have come before us and are a testimony to us of what God can accomplish through someone yielded to Him. Two words in this passage really nail it here

Easily entangles - εὐπερίστατος euperístatos; from perí - around, and hístēmi to stand. Easily surrounding or encompassing, easily besetting, as sin (Heb. 12:1). Others translate this adj. relating to sin as “the sin so full of peril which so easily subjects one to calamity” (a.t.), since the noun perístasis (n.f.) sometimes means impediment, calamity.

Endurance - ὑπομονή hupomoné̄; to persevere, remain under. A bearing up under, patience, endurance as to things or circumstances. Hupomoné̄ is associated with hope (1 Thess. 1:3) and refers to that quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial - In the metaphor of the race (12:1) ὑπομονή reminds us of the tense perseverance to victory which is necessary if the prize is to be won. “The Christian runner must rid himself even of innocent things which might retard him. And all that does not help, hinders. It is by running he learns what these things are. So long as he stands he does not feel that they are burdensome and hampering.” Thus, the word “weight” has the idea of “encumbrance.” ^{[1] [2]}

Father – We really do hate the sins that entangle us so easily – We do not understand them nor how to experience final victory. How do we fix our eyes on Christ – this is our desire and yet we see failure far too often. God grant us the grace to live more conscious then ever and see the rest of my life honor You more than any other time. Jesus we want to be like You! Holy Spirit fill us with the appetites that drove Christ and empower us to scrap off the appetites that our flesh loves.  Thank You Father for making us one with Your Son. Thank You for all the examples of sinful people that – when they yielded to You – were able to see Your character reproduced in them and despite their failures – because of Christ You used them to bring You glory. Father help us live out our life glorifying You the best we can – Help us Lord Jesus – this is our desire!!!

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Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

^[2] Theological dictionary of the New Testament. 1964- (G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley & G. Friedrich, Ed.) (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.