This sermon was originally recorded at Mood Bible Institute’s Founder’s Week in 2007 at the Moody Church in Chicago, IL.

What’s the “therefore” there for in Hebrews 12:1? This is a unique “therefore,” occurring only one other time in the New Testament. It’s, perhaps, a “therefore” of exasperation. The Hebrews Hall of Faith is not just some boring list of old names that are dead and turning into dust in some grave—they’re evidence.

We have so many men and women of faith who have gone before us, who believed in something they didn’t see and are now witnesses. Therefore: look back. Consider the evidence. Lay aside every encumbrance. Consider Him who endured the greatest hostility against Himself by sinners so that you and I will not grow weary and lose heart.

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, 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. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. -Hebrews 12:1-3