Arise Young Adults | What's Holding You Back? (Hebrews 12:1-2) | Joe Rodeheaver

Main message: The sermon urges believers, grounded in the example of the "cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 11), to remove the weights and sins that hinder their spiritual race so they can run freely and patiently, keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus as the author and finisher of faith.

Key points:

• Hebrews 12:1-2 frames the message: surrounded by faithful witnesses, Christians must "throw off every weight and the sin that clings so closely" and run the race looking to Jesus.
• Distinguish "weights" (non‑sinful but distracting burdens: habits, relationships, entertainment, ambitions) from actual sin; both can impede spiritual progress.
• Sin’s seriousness: biblical teaching (e.g., James, Romans) shows sin leads to death and rebellion against God, and only being born again through Christ (John 3:5) and His atoning work frees us.
• Practical examples of hindrances: unhelpful friendships, excessive consumption (social media, entertainment), unresolved hurts, laziness, envy, pride, anger, anxiety — all must be identified and discarded.
• The Christian is called to put to death the old self and put on the renewed self (Colossians), depend on the Holy Spirit for power to change, and focus on Jesus rather than excusing sin.

Scriptures mentioned: Hebrews 12:1-2, Hebrews 11, James 1:14, John 3:5, Romans 5:12, Romans 6:14, Romans 6:16, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 10, Colossians 3:5-10