Hebrews 12:1

Hebrews 12:1 says, Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,   There were many, many people who bore witness to the transforming power of Christ.  When we accept Christ into our lives, we can lay aside every weight of this world.  This does not mean that we don't have responsibilities, but that these responsibilities should no longer cause us to always live in stress and unhappiness.  

Verse two adds, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  The reason that we can live without the world weighing us down is because of Jesus.  He is the author and finisher of our faith.  We are not partially or sometimes saved by faith in Jesus Christ, but we are totally and forever saved.   Jesus endured the shame and humiliation of the cross so that we might enjoy the gift of salvation.  Salvation is a completed fact, if we accept Jesus Christ through faith, and Jesus is now setting at the right hand of the throne of God.  When the time is right, Christ will return to claim His church, those who have put their faith in Him throughout history.  

Verse three continues, For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  We are called on to remember what Jesus Christ suffered if we start to grow weary and faint in our minds.  Sin always begins with a thought, and if Christ is not at the center of our thoughts, if we begin to be weary of following Him, then we may see the world as overpowering.  We as followers of Christ must always follow His example and put the will of God first.  

Verse four concludes, Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  The writer said that those he was writing to, which includes us today, had not yet died from resisting sin.  Even if we do though, we must be obedient to Christ.