The Pulpit Commentary — Hebrews — Section 379

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vers. 1, 2.-TI~ Chri.,;tian race. "Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so," etc. The "wherefore" shows the connection of our text with the preced- ing chapter. There the writer has exhibited the power of faith in a host of illustrious examples. To the exercise of a like faith in the prosecution of the Christian race he r:ow summons the Hebrew Christians. I. THE CBB.ISTIAN LIFE IS HERE COMl'ARED TO A RACE. The Christian is represented :is a runner competing for the prize; and the writer would arouse him to activity and perseverance by the example of those who have already triumphed, and are now bearing silent but eloquent testimony to the power of faith. The comparison of th0 Christian life to a race is appropriate and suggestive. 1 . .A race has its limitations, so has the Christian life. '.L'he racer may not run anywhere, but must pursu0 the course marked out for him. Beginning at the starting-point, he must pursue the definite course until he reach the goal. And in the Christian life "the race is set before us;'' it is marked out by the Word of God, by the examples of the faithful who have finished their course, and we may ascertain it with unerring accuracy by marking the foot- prints of Jesus the great Leader and Perfecter of faith. 2. .A race is characterized by intense activities, so is the Christian life. There is no room for sloth or indifference. The Divine life can be maintained only by constant diligence and strenuous effort; 1md it can be perfected only through conflict and suffering. Our progress in the Christian course is opposed by strong and subtle adversaries, and frequent and formidable difficulties. We have to battle with our foes and grapple with our difficul- ties, even while running the race that is set before us. 3. .A race is characterized by brevity, so ill the Christian life upon earth. The race we are running requires intense effort, but only for a short season; the goal will very soou be reached. The whole of our earthly life is but of short duration ; and the tim0 of this earnest race is still short.er. What is our life here to eternity? What, is the period of effort on the course to the age of rest and reward ? lL CoMPLIANCE WITH CERTAIN CONDITIONS 18 INDISPENSABLE TO SUCCESS IN THIS RA.CL 1. We must" l,ay aside every weight "-cast off everything that encumbers. 'fhe reference here is to things which in themselves are not positively sinful, customs and as110Ciations which in themselves are innocent, but which may wrap themselves tightly round oar heart and impede our progress. "Intercourse and friendship," says Ebrard, "with old Jewish acquaintances, the relations formed by trade and merchandise, might be hindrances of this kind for the readers, and in such a case it was right, and is still riuht, to break entirely away from such relations, and to get rid of the fetters which they i~pose as soon as they threaten to become a snare, even though in themsekes they should 'he innocent." Everything that would hinder us in running this race, every weight of cares, of interests, of attachments to the things pertaining only to this life, of relation- ships which are not favourable to advancement in the race, must be given up, abandoned. 2. We must " 1,a,y aside the sin which doth so easily beset us," or, "the sin which subtly ei,circles w." With every one of us tbcre is soIUe i;in to which we arc especially pronei CH. XII, 1-29.) 'l'Irn EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 3i3