Having laid a foundation of former faithful followers from Israel’s past, the writer of Hebrews encourages his audience to lay aside every hindrance and sin so that they might faithfully run the race set before them. By enduring hardship and suffering, the church is strengthened by a disciplined life. He goes on to encourage peaceful living with one another, making sure that no root of bitterness springs up. He continues to encourage hopeful perseverance by reminding them that they are not headed to Mount Sinai, a physical mountain where the Lord shook the earth in holiness; they are headed to Mount Zion, an unshakeable kingdom where the peace of Christ reigns and the redeemed saints gather to live forevermore.