Weekly Devotion: Letting Go of Sin that Entangles

Hebrews 12:1-2

1 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.

Last week, we explored how the weights of our past can slow us down in our spiritual race. But today, we turn our attention to something even more dangerous: the sin that entangles. While weights make the race harder, sin paralyzes us—it stops us completely.
 
Sin isn’t just something we struggle with; it is something that wraps around us, clinging to us like thick vines, restricting our ability to move forward in faith. Just as a runner cannot finish a race if their legs are bound, we cannot run effectively if we remain entangled by sin.
 
The question we must ask ourselves today is:
What sin is entangling me?
Is it control—the refusal to fully trust God?
Is it fear and worry—crippling anxiety that keeps you from walking by faith?
Is it pride and selfishness—putting yourself at the center instead of Christ?
Is it unforgiveness—holding onto past hurts instead of releasing them?
 
The good news is that Jesus has made a way for us to be set free. The author of Hebrews doesn’t just diagnose the problem—he gives us the solution: Lay it aside and fix your eyes on Jesus.

Heavenly Father,
 
I recognize that sin can easily entangle me and stop me from running the race You have set before me. Forgive me for the ways I have allowed sin to cling to me. Today, I lay it aside and fix my eyes on Jesus. Strengthen me to run with endurance, free from the weight of sin. Help me to trust You fully and follow You faithfully.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 1: Recognizing the Sin that Entangles
 Hebrews 12:1 – Identify what sin is hindering your spiritual growth. Journal about it and pray for God’s strength to overcome it.
 
Day 2: The Danger of Holding onto Sin
John 8:34 – Sin doesn’t just trip us; it traps us. Read this verse and reflect on how sin has affected your walk with God.
 
Day 3: Laying Sin Aside Through Faith
Romans 14:23 – Anything not done in faith is sin. Ask yourself, Am I living by faith or by fear? Take a step of faith today.
 
Day 4: Fixing Your Eyes on Jesus
Hebrews 12:2 – Spend time in worship and prayer, shifting your focus from your struggles to Christ. Meditate on His power to set you free.
 
Day 5: Running the Race with Endurance
Colossians 2:13-14 – You are forgiven! Remind yourself of the freedom found in Christ and commit to running the race without looking back.