SPIRITUAL STEADFASTNESS - 2

To achieve spiritual steadfastness, the first and most important principle is the principle of endurance. Let us look at the framework.

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. Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

What does this passage ask us to do? Two things – and the first is the most important because it is what powers the second!

First – Simplify

We must lay aside every weight and sin.

Sin must be dealt with, that is, eliminated – clear and easily acceptable. We cannot play around with sin, it must be gone. Note however that this can be achieved by the sole help of the Holy Spirit in us, and not by our self efforts. We know that He will take away our imperfections as we place our faith in him.

Also – every weight that keeps us from moving strongly ahead must be dealt with. Distractions must go. Anything that produces a conflict with following Jesus and leading a kingdom life must be abandoned.

Our lives are to have no encumbrances or complications.

We must evaluate every weight by Jesus’ standard not ours. Think about Mary and Martha. When Jesus and his disciples visited. Martha was busy preparing the table and the food – important by our standards. Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus – important by Jesus’ standards!

When it comes to steadfastness, there are no priorities. We are to have just one priority – run with endurance the race that is set before us. If we have multiple priorities we have not laid aside every weight. Our entire life must be devoted to running the race.

Second – Endure

We must run the race, never stop, never let up. Endurance is easier when you simplify.

Following Jesus all the way means, doing kingdom work he’s called you to. It means embracing Jesus as our example.

He is the founder of our faith. Every day, we must look to his life, his example, his teaching, his death and resurrection and his ongoing ministry through the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is the perfecter of our faith. There was no shortcoming in him and we need to look to no one else. He is the complete picture of what a life of faith is.

He endured shame – death on the cross. It was a criminal’s death, without dignity, public and painful.

Jesus endured these trials with joy because he was focused on the reason for the cross and the glory after the cross.

How do we simplify and endure?

There are five things that you must do in order to simplify and endure. Understand these five things are not one and done – they are part of a continual lifestyle of the kingdom. You must know that the kingdom of God is not cheap. In other words, you must continually engage in these five things.

Repent

Repentance simply means a change of mindset. This means you completely give up everything that keeps us from living a life of spiritual steadfastness. It starts with distractions – complete and total repentance means you will no longer put kingdom activities secondary. You must repent of attitudes and the busyness and distractions that weigh you down.

Inventory

Take some time, pray, and discover everything you are doing that is unnecessary and hurting your spiritual progress.  Ask this question: What am I doing that is not in line with my faith in Christ? More questions you can ask at this point: Why am I doing this? Why do I watch this? Why does this seem important?

Eliminate

If you aren’t willing to eliminate, you haven’t really repented. Yeou must get rid of activities that detract, attitudes that hurt, obligations that encumber and possessions that demand. Remember all these things can and will hurt your steadfastness.

This is hard but you can do it – especially as you make it part of a lifestyle that includes all five steps.

Fortify

Do the things that strengthen you spiritually. Start with these three:

1. Pray: Every prayer you make strengthens your relationship with God. Worship as you pray. Ask for insight and be sure to pray for others.
2. Spend time in the word: Really read your Bible. Study it and hide its words in your heart – memorize scripture.
3. Fellowship: Spend quality time with other followers of Jesus. There is great mutual encouragement and accountability with you do this.

Reproduce

Simply help others through this process. By bringing someone along, we stay committed to the process ourselves.

If you want steadfastness you must endure! By continually working these five things your steadfastness will grow and your spiritual health will vastly improve.

In the final part, we shall discuss the final principle aside endurance.

Amen.