Discipline of Perseverance

Godward Man

Jan 24

Perseverance: The Discipline That Shapes Faith

In Disciplines of a Godly Man, R. Kent Hughes eloquently presents perseverance not as a mere virtue but as a cornerstone for spiritual growth and endurance in faith. 🌱 Chapter 13, "The Discipline of Perseverance," compellingly explores why steadfastness is indispensable for those running the race of faith. 🏃‍♂️ Hughes weaves profound theological insights ✨, scriptural exhortations 📖, and inspiring anecdotes 💬, offering believers a roadmap to persevere with purpose, patience, and perspective. 🌈

The Essence of Perseverance in Faith

Perseverance is the engine that drives spiritual resilience, enabling believers to withstand trials and emerge refined. 💪✨ It nurtures an unshakable reliance on God, transforming adversity into opportunities for growth. 🌱 Hughes argues that perseverance is a private discipline and a testimony to others, illustrating the transformative power of faith lived out in endurance. 🙏 This steadfastness invites others to witness the grace of God at work, even amidst the most trying circumstances. 🌈

The author draws inspiration from Hebrews 12:1-2, urging believers to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles" and to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith." 🏃‍♂️💖 These verses encapsulate the dual focus of perseverance: divestment and fixation. By shedding spiritual and emotional baggage and focusing on Christ, believers gain the clarity and stamina to navigate life's obstacles. 🌟🛤️

Divestment: Shedding Hindrances

The theme in Hughes's chapter is the importance of divestment—the radical stripping away of anything that hinders spiritual growth. 🌱 This involves identifying and removing overt sins, like lust, jealousy, or pride, and subtler distractions, such as busyness or pessimism, derail spiritual focus. Hughes emphasizes that while these hindrances may seem innocuous, their cumulative weight can slow believers down in their spiritual race. 🏃‍♂️💨

For instance, jealousy leads to bitterness 😡, pessimism clouds hope ☁️, and lust distorts relationships ❤️‍🔥. If left unchecked, each entangles believers, making it impossible to run effectively. Hughes calls for a proactive approach to addressing these issues, urging believers to examine their hearts honestly 💖 and to cast off anything that competes with Christ for their attention. ✨

This divestment process is not about achieving perfection but about creating space for spiritual renewal. 🌟 By lightening their load, believers can focus fully on their calling, unhindered by the baggage that distracts and discourages. 🕊️

Running the Unique Race

Hughes beautifully portrays each believer's journey as a unique race, preordained by God. 🏃‍♂️✨ Drawing on Hebrews 12:1; he reminds readers that their race is tailored to their gifts, background, and circumstances. Challenges are not arbitrary but divine tools for shaping character and deepening faith. 🙏🏅

However, running this race requires patient fortitude—a quality that, Hughes notes, is developed through practice rather than giftedness. Perseverance is not an inherent trait but a learned discipline cultivated by setting realistic goals, reflecting on past victories, and drawing strength from the community. 🤝💪 Hughes illustrates this with the inspiring story of Bill Broadhurst, who, despite being paralyzed on his left side, completed a grueling 10-kilometer race. 🏆🥇 Broadhurst's triumph, marked not by speed but determination, underscores the idea that finishing well is what truly counts in the spiritual race. 🎉🌟

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Central to Hughes's message is the necessity of focusing on Jesus, the ultimate example of perseverance. ✝️ Christ's unwavering commitment to His mission, even unto death, is a model for believers. By enduring the cross and scorning its shame, Jesus demonstrated that perseverance is fueled by hope and purpose. He fixed His gaze on "the joy set before Him"—the redemption of humanity and the glory of resurrection—and this vision sustained Him through the agonies of the crucifixion. ✨

Hughes warns of the dangers of distraction, drawing parallels to the famous "Miracle Mile" race between Roger Bannister and John Landy. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️ When Landy looked back during the race, he momentarily lost focus, allowing Bannister to surge ahead and win. The lesson is clear: taking our eyes off Christ, even briefly, can lead to spiritual fatigue and a loss of direction. Just as Bannister's singular focus propelled him to victory, so must believers fix their gaze on Jesus to finish their spiritual race well. 🏅🙏

The Joy of Finishing Well

Hughes concludes the chapter emphasizing finishing well, inspired by Christ's example and the promise of future glory. ✨ Jesus endured the cross by focusing on the joy of humanity's redemption and the glory of His resurrection. 🙏 Believers, too, are called to keep their eyes on the ultimate prize: sharing in Christ's joy and future glory. 🌈

This focus on eternal rewards transforms perseverance from a burdensome duty into a joyous journey. 🎉 The assurance of Christ's victory empowers believers to endure trials with hope and confidence, knowing that their struggles are part of a larger narrative of redemption. 📖

Moreover, Hughes encourages believers to consider Christ's endurance a source of strength. 💪 Reflecting on Jesus' encounters with opposition—whether from religious leaders like Caiaphas or political figures like Pilate—Hughes highlights Christ's unwavering grace and humility. By contemplating Christ's endurance, believers can gain strength to navigate their challenges, avoid spiritual exhaustion, and remain steadfast in their race. 🏃‍♂️✨

The Call to Total Absorption

Hughes ends with a call to be absorbed in Christ. ✝️ This absorption involves intentionally lifting one's eyes from earthly distractions 🌍 and a relentless focus on Jesus. 🙏 Such singular devotion not only sustains believers in their race 🏃‍♂️ but also transforms their character, aligning them more closely with the image of Christ.

Hughes reminds readers that perseverance is not about speed or comparison but faithfulness. 💪 By fixing their eyes on Jesus, believers can run their race with joy 🎉, purpose, and endurance, ultimately finishing well and sharing in Christ's eternal glory. ✨

Conclusion

R. Kent Hughes's chapter on the discipline of perseverance is both a challenge and an encouragement to believers. Hughes underscores the necessity of steadfastness in the Christian journey through vivid analogies, biblical truths, and real-life examples. 📖 He calls readers to divest themselves of hindrances, focus on Jesus, and run their unique race with patient fortitude. 🏅 In doing so, they grow closer to God and inspire others with the power of a faith that perseveres. 🙌

In a world filled with distractions and challenges, Hughes's message is a timely reminder that perseverance is not about perfection but faithfulness. 💖 By keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus, believers can run their race well, confident in the joy 🎊 and glory 🌟 that await them at the finish line.

Question #1 What are the specific "besetting sins" or distractions in your life that hinder your spiritual growth, and how can you practically divest yourself of them to run your race more effectively?

I struggle with feelings of guilt and anger, along with issues of idolatry (there may be more to unpack, but those are the first ones that come to mind). That said, I prefer not to air out my dirty laundry here. I have been addressing these challenges with a close brother from church, and several men have also supported me over the years. I encourage you to seek out similar relationships as well.

No matter what sin may easily entangle me, I find my assurance in Christ's finished work on the cross. Thanks to the free gift of faith that God has blessed me with, which cultivates a repentant heart, I am gradually being sanctified through the ongoing support of the Holy Spirit. One day, when God calls me home, I will be glorified.

The sins I have committed, those I am currently struggling with, or any I might face in the future hold no true power over my life. While the enemy may try to inflict pain and suffering, Jesus reminds us that suffering is a part of the Christian journey. Though it may bring challenges and heartache, everything we endure brings glory and praise to Him.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."

Question #2 How does the example of Jesus enduring the cross with joy influence how you approach challenges or suffering in your spiritual journey?

Jesus' painful and shameful death on the cross is still a mystery in my small brain. I know of His sacrifice, yet I still don't know the completeness of his sacrifice, especially the part of it atoning for my sins. We can read the facts and effects of it in the bible. Yet my small brain can't completely encapsulate the idea that He would die on my behalf. He experienced the wrath of God, which meant an eternity of pain and suffering for every individual; however, he endured that wrath within hours. And yet, through the grueling hours of physical pain and the additional emotional pain that He endured before his crucifixion, Jesus maintained his joy and discipline to follow the Father's commands.

Coping with the changing seasons can be incredibly challenging for me. As the weather shifts, my body often reminds me of its frailties, with persistent aches from arthritis and other discomforts making their presence known. Each wave of pain feels significant, yet when I reflect on the immense suffering endured by Jesus, my struggles seem more bearable in perspective.

To be clear, I don't aspire to experience the same agony Christ faced, as that would be impossible for someone like me. However, I find comfort in remembering that amid my "pains" and "trials," I have Jesus as my guiding light. He confronted temptation, faced brutal crucifixion, and experienced profound betrayal, yet remained steadfast in His faith.

In my prayers, I seek the strength to emulate that unwavering faith and endurance as I navigate my earthly journey. Inspired by His example, I want to cultivate resilience as I work through my difficulties.

Question #3: How can the "great cloud of witnesses" in Scripture or your life inspire you to persevere, and how can you motivate others in their faith journey?

Hebrew 12: 1-2 says

"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."

I pray that our endeavors, the platform we've created, and the personal connections we forge can serve as instruments for others to discover their faith in God. I can only share my journey and the profound changes God has made. Ultimately, God transforms hearts for His glory, and He alone possesses the power to do so.

To all my listening brothers and sisters, I encourage you to embody kindness in your interactions. Let us be tenderhearted and quick to forgive one another, just as God, through Christ, has extended His forgiveness to us. Remember Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Kevin Apolinar https://www.behavior-shift.com