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# Summary of “Our Abiding Race” in Modern American English

The message from njgrace.org centers on the book of Hebrews, highlighting the shift from the Old Covenant of Law to the New Covenant of Grace. Under grace, believers rest in Christ’s righteousness, receiving every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3), rather than striving to earn righteousness through the Law.

## Key Points

1. Faith in Hebrews 11: Known as the “faith chapter,” Hebrews 11 lists pre-cross heroes like Abel, Noah, Abraham, and others who trusted God’s promises despite hardships. Unlike today’s believers, they weren’t indwelt by the Spirit but were empowered by God for His purposes. Their faith inspires us, though we have greater blessings in Christ.
2. Definition of Faith: Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” It’s confident trust in God’s promises, found in Scripture (e.g., Philippians 4:19) or revealed by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2). Faith isn’t about forcing God’s will but trusting His timing and plan.
3. Abiding Faith in Christ: True faith means abiding in Christ, the Vine (John 15:4-5), relying on Him as the source for everything. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Abiding faith unlocks God’s promises and fruitful works (John 14:12-14), as Christ is the “author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
4. Three Exhortations for the Race (Hebrews 12:1-2):

• Lay Aside Law-Keeping: The Law is a heavy burden, like running with a 25-pound weight. Living by rules exhausts us; grace frees us to abide in Christ (Acts 15:10-11).
• Lay Aside Self-Reliance: The sin that “easily entangles” is trusting our own strength instead of Christ’s (Proverbs 3:5-6). Self-reliance zigzags us off God’s path; Christ-reliance keeps us steady.
• By Faith, Abide in Christ: Fix your eyes on Jesus, trusting Him to work in and through you. This faith, perfected by Christ, leads to a fruitful life aligned with God’s will.

5. The Evil One’s Hindrances: Satan deceives believers into law-keeping or self-reliance to prevent abiding faith. The Christian life is a race, run by enduring in Christ, not by human effort.
6. Call to Action: Believers must shed legalism and self-reliance, abiding in Christ by faith to experience His promises. The “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) cheers us on to run this race with endurance.

## Socratic Reflection with Biblical Principles

Consider these questions to connect the message to your prayer life:

• Faith and Abiding: Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” How does abiding in Christ by faith, as in John 15:5, shape your prayers for God’s promises in your life?
• Laying Aside Burdens: What “weights” (e.g., legalism or self-reliance) might you be carrying in your spiritual race? How can Philippians 4:6-7 guide your prayers to release these to God?
• Trusting God’s Timing: The text emphasizes God’s will unfolds in His way and timing. How does Psalm 37:5 (“Commit your way to the Lord”) encourage you to trust Him in unanswered prayers?
• Overcoming Deception: The evil one hinders abiding faith (2 Corinthians 11:3). In prayer, how can you ask the Spirit to reveal and remove distractions from trusting Christ fully?
• Running the Race: Hebrews 12:2 urges us to “fix our eyes on Jesus.” How can focusing on Christ in prayer help you endure challenges and grow in faith?

## Prayerful Application

Pray: “Lord, I thank You for the New Covenant of Grace. Help me lay aside legalism and self-reliance, abiding in You by faith. Reveal Your promises through Your Word and Spirit, and give me endurance to run the race, trusting Your timing. Perfect my faith as I fix my eyes on Jesus. Amen.”