Perseverance – Essential for Spiritual Renewal

Perseverance is essential for spiritual renewal because no one needs to convince you of the reality that spiritual fervor, growth and consistency are not easy!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)

First steps

There is very much opposition to our faith. For that reason, we must learn to eliminate some things from our life that add to the opposition.

Sin is the first thing that is mentioned. We can all acknowledge that sin must not reside in our lives if we are to be spiritually strong. So, we must repent of our sin and ask God to cleanse our hearts. Sin is neither necessary nor inevitable.

But what are the other ‘weights’ that hinder our spiritual lives?

Those weights…

Our culture. Followers of Jesus have always lived in a worldly culture. No matter what kings and rulers and governments do, we will always live in a worldly culture. Escaping the culture by retreating to a hermit life is not the answer. But we must not be conforming to the culture.

Our family and friends. There will always be people in our lives that would like us to be more like them. Whether family or friend, they can influence us and slowly draw us away from a full devotion to Jesus.

Our ambitions. If we let our ambitions rule our lives, we will end up walking away from the life of a disciple of Jesus. Our ambitions are fueled mostly by our own thoughts, aspirations and pride.

Our circumstances. Whether good or bad, circumstances can distract us from being fully devoted followers of Jesus.

The difficulties of life. So often the challenges of life derail the faith of many. We must never allow this to happen.

Our attitudes and life experiences. Everything we ever experience in life can influence the way we think and act. Awareness of this can help us set guardrails to keep us on track.

And anything else God helps us identify. We are not talking about sin but about distractions, discouragements and relationships that we might need to abandon.

Most of the things mentioned are realities in our lives that cannot be avoided. The act of laying aside these things means we do not allow them to rule our lives or get in the way of following Jesus.

Some scriptures that can help

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6–7 (ESV)

Our lives are to be rooted in Jesus, fixed to his plan and leadership. Then we grow spiritually being built up. That results in a strengthened faith and much thanksgiving.

And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:12–13 (ESV)

Jesus shared this word in the context of the end of the age. Since we don’t know when the end of the age is coming – it may be now – this becomes a sort of universal guide. We have the promise here that if we stand firm to the end, we will be saved. This is the final aspect of our salvation: heaven! There is a great reward for us if we persevere.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. John 15:4–10 (ESV)

Jesus urges us to remain in him (this takes perseverance). If we remain, we will bear much fruit, save ourselves from judgment, have our prayers answered, bring glory to God and show the world that we are his disciples.

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. Hebrews 10:36 (ESV)

Here is a great promise, we will receive “what is promised.” And that is eternal, abundant life. It also envelopes the concept of full salvation, finally realized in heaven. His promise includes his presence in our lives and so much more!

This is all contingent on our perseverance. Of course, God’s Spirit within us empowers us to do this!

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)

Nothing we do in obedience to God’s leadership is wasted effort. In the context of this verse, we start with the ‘therefore.’ Therefore, since the resurrection is real, we can stand firm and be unmoved! Resurrection power is real and at work in our lives. Our work in the Lord bears fruit is very meaningful. Even when we cannot see what is happening, something is happening. As we continue to live lives of obedience, God is making a difference through us.

What are some other benefits of perseverance?

It builds character!

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Romans 5:3–4 (ESV)

It helps us mature.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2–4 (ESV)

Encourages others

Demonstrates God’s power

What are we to persevere in? (there are many things but here are a few)

Prayer

 “So I say to you, keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9–10 (HCSB)

Praise

Faith

Proclamation

Partnership

Purity

How do you persevere?

Keep your eyes on the goal.  You are following Jesus. He provides a vision of what your life will be like. Stay focused on him! Remind yourself always – you are a child of the King. Study Jesus’ life and imitate him.

Remember that hardship is always temporary. Just make it through the next day, or hour, or minute. Realize that you can do it! You’ve done it before; you’ve seen it done before. And there will be more to go through later!

Know that all things that are worthwhile take time. The most permanent things around us took a long time to build! Your life takes a whole lifetime to build! Perseverance keeps us building, so just hammer one more nail!

Keep encouraging words and truth ringing in your ears! Find other encouraging words to help you. Get discouragers out of your life – as much as you can. Instead keep your eyes on these things: God’s Word, encouragers, worshipers, inspiring music.  

Pray – ask God to help you endure.

Keep your perspective clear! This encompasses the previous five points. You are not defined by your present hardship or difficulty. You must gain an eternal perspective.

Keep your head up! Be strong and stay true to your decision to follow. Your reward will be great. Sometimes you just have to do it. Don’t worry about how you feel, do what you must do.