Hebrews 12:1

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a large crowd of spectators [Note: Christians are pictured here as being in a crowded arena, performing in the games], we should lay aside every [excessive] weight and sin that so easily entangles us, and with perseverance, we should run the race [of life] that lies before us.

Cross References

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good battle; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith [i.e., I have been true to my commitment].

Philippians 2:16

as you hold out [i.e., offer to people] the message of [never ending] life. Then I will have something to boast about on the day of Christ’s [return, See 1:6], that I had not run the race for nothing nor had worked for nothing.

Luke 21:34

“But pay attention to yourselves so that your hearts do not become overburdened by carousing, and drunkenness, and the worries of life. [If you do], that ‘day’ [i.e., Jesus’ second coming and judgment] will arrive suddenly, like a trap [i.e., which catches an animal by surprise].

Galatians 5:7

You [Christians] were running [the race of life] well; who hindered you [from making further progress] so that [now] you are no longer obeying the truth?

1 Peter 2:1

Therefore, you should put out of your lives all malice [i.e., bad attitudes], and all deceit and hypocrisy, and all envy and unwholesome talk.

Romans 12:12

Be joyful as you hope [i.e., for future blessings]. Persevere in spite of the troubles you experience. Continue steadfastly in prayer.

2 Corinthians 7:1

[So], since we have these promises [See 6:16-18], dear ones, we should purify ourselves from everything that pollutes [our] body and spirit while living lives completely separated [from sin], out of reverence for God.

2 Timothy 2:4

No soldier on active duty, gets himself involved in the affairs of civilian life, so that he can please the person who enlisted him [i.e., his commanding officer].

James 1:3

because you [should] know that when your faith is tested, it produces perseverance.

Matthew 24:13

But the person who holds out [i.e., remains faithful to God] until the end [i.e., of this time of severe persecution] will be saved [from destruction].

Matthew 10:22

And you will be hated by everyone for being loyal to me. But the person who endures [this persecution by remaining faithful] to the end [of his life] is the one who will be saved [i.e., from spiritual and physical destruction].

Hebrews 6:15

And so, after waiting patiently, Abraham received what [God] had promised.

Romans 2:7

To the ones who continue doing what is good and who look for glory, honor and immortal life [God will give] never ending life.

Revelation 3:10

Because you have obeyed my command to remain steadfast [in the face of difficult times], I will also keep you from [giving up when] the time of trial comes, which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those living on the earth.

1 Peter 4:2

So then, you should no longer live the rest of your lives [to satisfy] the sinful desires of your body, but to do what God wants.

Luke 12:15

And [then] He said to them, “Be careful and guard yourselves against [practicing] all forms of greed, for a person’s life does not consist of having a lot of possessions.”

2 Peter 1:6

and self-control along with your knowledge, and endurance along with your self-control, and godliness along with your endurance,

Revelation 22:16

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you people about these things for [the benefit of] the churches [See 1:4]. I am the Root and the descendant of King David, the bright Morning Star.”

1 Peter 5:12

This brief message is being inscribed [or delivered] by Silvanus, whom I consider to be a faithful brother. [In it] I am exhorting you and giving testimony that it is a message about God’s genuine unearned favor upon you. So, continue to follow [and obey] what it says.

Revelation 1:9

I [am] John, your brother who participates with you in the suffering and kingdom and endurance [which we experience] in [fellowship with] Jesus. I was on the island called Patmos for [preaching] God’s message and for testifying about Jesus. [Note: Patmos was located in the Aegean Sea between present-day Greece and Turkey].

John 3:32

He testifies concerning what He has seen and heard, but no one accepts His testimony.

Revelation 13:10

If anyone goes [or “leads others”] into captivity, he will go into captivity [himself]; if anyone is killed [or “kills others”] with the sword, he will be killed with the sword [himself]. Here is [where] God’s holy people [need] perseverance and faith.

Luke 16:28

where I have five brothers. Then he could warn them so that they will not [have to] come to this [terrible] place of torment also.’

John 4:39

Then many Samaritans from Sychar believed in Jesus because of the testimony of the woman, who said, “He told me everything that I ever did.”

John 4:44

For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet does not receive honor in his own country. [Note: Jesus’ reference here to his “own country” means Judea, while in Matt., Mark and Luke it refers to Nazareth].

Galatians 2:2

[It was] in response to [a divine] revelation that I went [there] and explained to them [i.e., the apostles and elders] the Gospel [message] that I had been preaching among the Gentiles. Then [later on I presented it] privately before those who were highly regarded [i.e., the three apostles, verse 9] so [they would have verification that] my running [i.e., ministry] had not been, nor was now, in vain.

Ephesians 4:25

So then, put away lying and [Zech 8:16], “Each one should speak truthfully with his neighbor,” because we are parts of one another [i.e., in the one body].

Philippians 1:30

[So], you are now experiencing the same struggle you [once] saw me going through, and now are hearing that I still am.

1 Peter 5:1

So, the elders in the various places where you live, are to receive the following exhortation. (I too, am an elder and have witnessed the sufferings of Christ, and am also assured of partaking of the glorious [salvation, 1:5] that will someday be revealed).

Mark 10:50

So, he threw off his robe, jumped up, and [immediately] went to Jesus.