Let’s read through the book of Hebrews one verse at a time in 2023. Every day explore a single verse and its cross references. AI-generated text draws the passages together. RSS feed.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
These cross references all relate to the idea of running the race set before us. They emphasize the importance of endurance and self-control, as well as the reward of faithfulness. They also warn against the distractions and temptations of the world that can lead us astray. Ultimately, these cross references remind us that we are running for a greater purpose, and that we should not give up or give in to the temptations of the world.
| Passage | How It’s Related (AI-Generated) |
|---|---|
| Luke 21:34: “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. | Both passages emphasize the importance of living a life of faith and self-control. Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers to lay aside sin and run the race of faith with endurance. Luke 21:34 warns of the dangers of getting distracted by the cares of this life, which can lead to a lack of spiritual self-control. Both passages emphasize the need to remain vigilant and focused on the path of faith. |
| 1 Corinthians 9:24-27: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. | Both passages discuss running a race and the importance of self-control. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to lay aside every weight and sin and to run with endurance the race that is set before us. 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 further explains that every athlete exercises self-control in all things so that they may obtain the prize, and that we should not run aimlessly or box as one beating the air, but instead discipline our bodies to keep them under control. |
| Philippians 2:16: holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. | Both passages reference a race. Hebrews 12:1 refers to a race that we must run, and Philippians 2:16 references a race that we must not run in vain. Hebrews 12:1 calls us to lay aside sin and the weights that hold us back and to run the race with endurance. Philippians 2:16 encourages us to hold fast to the word of life and not run in vain, so that we may be proud of our efforts in the day of Christ. |
| 2 Timothy 4:7: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. | Both passages refer to the Christian life as a race. Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers to lay aside every weight and sin and to run with endurance the race that is set before us. 2 Timothy 4:7 speaks of Paul's own experience of having fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. |
| Hebrews 10:35-39: Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. | Both passages in Hebrews emphasize the importance of faith and endurance in the Christian life. Hebrews 12:1 encourages readers to lay aside sin and run with endurance the race that is set before them, emphasizing the need for perseverance and dedication in following Christ. Hebrews 10:35–39 further encourages readers to not throw away their confidence and to have faith in God, for when we do the will of God, we will receive what is promised. This passage also warns against shrinking back and being destroyed, emphasizing the need for faith and perseverance in order to preserve our souls. |
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of faith that You have set before us. Help us to lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and to run with endurance the race that is set before us. Guide us to not be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the cares of this life, that we may not be caught off guard on the day of Your coming. Help us to exercise self-control in all things and to not run aimlessly, so that our labor may not be in vain. Strengthen us to fight the good fight and to keep the faith, that we may receive the great reward You have promised. In Jesus' name, Amen.
This reading plan reads through a single verse each day, six days a week, paired with the most-popular cross references for the verse. AI-generated (and human-reviewed) text provides an opening thought and concluding prayer along with an explanation for how each cross reference relates to the verse. In 2023, this reading plan works through Hebrews one verse at a time. Every seventh day is a catchup day. Want more info? Try this blog post.
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