RUNNING THE RACE || A Study of Hebrews: Guarding Against Drifting

This year, our Bible study will take us through the powerful and hope-filled book of Hebrews. Each month on the 2nd Friday, we’ll discover how its timeless truths strengthen our faith, anchor our hearts, and help us run our race with victory in Christ.

Drift is rarely intentional.

It doesn’t announce itself.
It doesn’t feel rebellious.
It often feels subtle… even reasonable.

Hebrews 2 opens with a gentle but serious reminder:
We must guard ourselves against drifting away from God.

Drift happens when we stop paying close attention — not because we reject God’s Word, but because we grow passive toward it. We read without reflecting. We hear without responding. We know truth but delay obedience.

The writer of Hebrews urges believers to do more than listen. He calls them to engage, to anchor themselves intentionally, especially during seasons of pressure and fear.


A Word Spoken into Fear

The original audience of Hebrews was made up of Jewish believers who were facing increasing persecution from the Roman authorities. Many were tempted to abandon their faith — not because they stopped believing, but because following Jesus had become costly.

Fear has a way of tempting us to retreat.

So instead of scolding them, the author of Hebrews does something far more powerful: He reminds them who Jesus is and what He has done.

When faith feels fragile, truth becomes our anchor.


Why Jesus Came

Hebrews 2 draws our attention to the heart of the gospel — not in abstract terms, but in deeply personal ones.

Verse 9 tells us that Jesus, the Son of God, became fully human for a specific purpose: to suffer and die in our place.

Verses 10–12 remind us that Jesus obeyed God perfectly. Through His painful death on the cross, He paid the penalty for the sins of the entire world. His suffering was not accidental. It was purposeful. Redemptive.

Verse 14 declares a powerful victory:
Through His death, Jesus defeated the devil — the one who held the power of death.

Verse 15 tells us the result of that victory:
Those who lived enslaved to sin and fear were set free.

Verse 17 brings it home:
Jesus’ sacrifice fully satisfied the debt our sin created before God.

Nothing was left unpaid.
Nothing was unfinished.


A Savior Who Helps Us When We Are Tested

Hebrews 2 ends with one of the most comforting truths in all of Scripture:

Since He Himself has gone through suffering and testing, He is able to help us when we are being tested. ~ Hebrews 2:18

Jesus is not distant from our struggles.
He is not impatient with our weakness.
He is not disappointed by our need.

He stands with us as our faithful High Priest — present in temptation, steady in suffering, compassionate in our humanity.

Because He suffered, He understands.
Because He was tested, He helps.
Because He overcame, we can stand firm.


RHW Victory Lens

Drift is prevented by devotion.
Fear is answered by truth.
Weakness is met with mercy.

Victory does not come from trying harder.
It comes from staying anchored — paying close attention to Jesus and His Word then intentionally living out what we believe.

You are not running this race alone.

The One who defeated death walks beside you.
The One who understands your weakness strengthens you.
The One who paid your debt stands with you — faithful, compassionate, and near.


Reflection Questions

    • Where might I be drifting instead of anchoring?

    • What has my attention been focused on lately?

    • How does knowing Jesus understands my weakness change the way I face temptation?

    • What does it look like for me to “pay closer attention” to God’s Word this week?


Closing Prayer

Jesus, thank You for not standing far off from my struggles. Thank You for entering suffering, defeating death, and freeing me from fear and sin. Help me guard my heart against drifting. Teach me to pay close attention to Your Word and put it into practice in my daily life. When I am tested, be my help. When I feel weak, be my strength. I trust You as my faithful High Priest and my constant companion in this race. Amen.

Worship Reflection

As you reflect on Hebrews 2, let this song be a prayer — a reminder that when we are weak, tested, or tempted to drift, we are invited to run to Jesus, our faithful High Priest who understands and helps us.

THE TWELVE STEPS TO VICTORY™ || Step Ten || Staying Honest with Ourselves

In The Twelve Steps to Victory column, we’re reframing the traditional 12 Steps with a focus on victory vs continually looking back at our missteps and failures. Each Step aligns with the months on the yearly calendar. This series publishes on the first Friday of each month in 2025.

We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it, seeking victory in constant self-examination. ~ Step 10

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life. —Psalm 139:23–24 (NLT)

We’ve come a long way on this victory journey. By Step 10, we’ve faced the truth, made amends, and begun walking in freedom. But victory isn’t a destination—it’s a daily decision. Step 10 reminds us to stay honest with ourselves and God, one day at a time. This simple but powerful step protects the progress we’ve made and keeps our hearts tender and teachable.

At its core, Step 10 is a daily practice of spiritual honesty. It comes from the traditional wording: “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.” In our journey toward spiritual victory, it means we remain open to correction, quick to confess, and eager to stay aligned with God’s truth. We don’t wait until we’ve drifted miles off course—we check in daily to make small course corrections, keeping our hearts in sync with the Holy Spirit.

Without ongoing self-examination, old patterns can creep back in. Resentment, fear, or pride may resurface if we’re not paying attention. But grace gives us the courage to face ourselves honestly. This isn’t about shaming ourselves—it’s about inviting the Lord to shine His gentle light into our hearts. When we respond to conviction instead of resisting it, we grow stronger in truth and steadier in grace.

Whether through journaling, prayer, or a quiet moment before bed, these questions keep our hearts soft. If something needs to be made right, we take care of it promptly. If all is well, we give thanks and rest in peace. Step 10 is less about perfection and more about staying responsive—keeping short accounts and open communication with the Lord.

Victory doesn’t come from getting everything right—it comes from staying honest and humble. When we commit to living this way, we walk in the freedom Jesus died to give us. Step 10 invites us to live with nothing hidden, hearts wide open before God, walking one honest day at a time toward lasting spiritual victory.

🕊 Step 10 Reflection: Staying Honest with God and Myself

A Simple Evening Examen for Victory

Step 1: Ask God to bring to your awareness the moment today for which you are most grateful.
✧ If you could relive one moment from today, which one would it be?
✧ When were you most able to give and receive love today?
✧ What was said or done in that moment that made it so good?
→ Breathe in the gratitude you felt and receive life again from that moment.

Step 2: Ask God to show you the moment today for which you are least grateful.
✧ When were you least able to give and receive love?
✧ What was said or done that made that moment difficult?
✧ How did it feel—emotionally, physically, spiritually?
→ Take deep breaths and let God’s love meet you there, just as you are.

Step 3: Offer it all to God.
✧ Thank Him for walking with you through it all.
✧ Ask for grace where you need healing, courage, or change.
✧ If helpful, share your reflections with a trusted friend or sponsor.

I know I’ve shared this song earlier this year, but it still captures the cry of Step 10 better than anything else I’ve found. I pray it speaks even deeper to your heart this time around. Be blessed! ❤️