Joy in Persistence

Prayer:  Continue your love to those who know you, Your righteousness to the upright in heart.  May the foot of the proud not come against me (Psalms 36:10-11)  Lord Jesus, we put our hope in You. You have created us to help complete Your plan.  Grant us the persistence to complete Your plan for us.  We are ready and willing to serve.  Our simple prayer is that of Isaiah: “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8).  Amen.

Main Scripture: Read Philippians 3:16-21.

Only let us live up to what we have already attained.  Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.  For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.  Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.  But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body (Philippians 3:16-21).

Associated Scriptures:

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).

And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good (2Thessalonians 3:13).

But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26).

Correlative Quotes:

Christian maturity involves acting on the guidance that we have already received. Live up (stochein) is a military term meaning "to keep in line" or "to keep step."[1] – Life Application Commentary.

The spiritually minded believer is not attracted by the "things" of this world. He makes his decisions on the basis of eternal values and not the passing fads of society. Lot chose the well-watered plain of Jordan because his values were worldly, and ultimately, he lost everything.[2] – Warren Wiersbe

But my dear friends, to quote all the Scriptural passages which teach that the saints shall hold on their way, would be to quote a large proportion of the Bible, for, to my mind, Scripture is saturated through and through with this truth. And I have often said that if any man could convince me that Scripture did not teach the perseverance of believers, I would at once reject Scripture altogether as teaching nothing at all, as being an incomprehensible book of which a plain man could make neither heads nor tails, for this seems to be of all doctrines the one that lies most evidently upon the surface. [3] – Charles Spurgeon

Study:

God has an expectation and a plan for our lives that starts with our salvation.  That plan includes six important activities.  The first assumption is that we love God and love others (Matthew 22:36-40).  The second supposition understands that we will witness to others.  If they believe in Jesus as their personal Lord, we will then baptize them and begin the discipling process (Matthew 28:18-20).  The third presumption states that we will grow spiritually.  This will involve reading and studying His word and attending worship services that teach the truth from the Bible (2Timothy 3:16-17).  The fourth inference suggests that we pray without ceasing (1Thessalonians 5:16).  The fifth assumes God’s blessings (Deuteronomy 16:17).  The sixth and final expectation demands we will be obedient to God’s commandments. (1Peter 1:14)

Even the Apostle Paul understood that there is no end to the journey toward spiritual maturity.  In these next few verses In the Book of Philippians, we see that Paul is always striving for a goal that is unachievable in this life.  However, the struggle is necessary, and its rewards worthwhile.  Persistence brings us joy since it stretches our spirituality.  Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.  If we are going to break the ball- and-chain of spiritual complacency, we must pursue spiritual growth with a persistent attitude and practices.

1. Examination (vs. 12a) – “Not that I have already attained…” Paul’s goal was to be like Christ. Paul was handpicked by Jesus to be the Apostle to the Gentiles.  He recorded God’s inspired words, became an effective soul winner, and finally, he served others as a mentor.  His response was a mark of spiritual maturity. 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV): “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”  Paul’s life, after his conversion, was persistence under fire.
2. Exertion (vs. 12b-14a). In these verses, Paul is using descriptive language to reinforce his Christian race toward spiritual maturity. He tells us to press on, to lay hold, to forget what is behind, to reach forward, and finally to press toward the goal.  That sounds like a command for persistence to me.
3. Expectation (vs. 14b). The goal is also the prize. 2 Timothy 4:8 says, “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
4. Exhortation (vs. 15-16). Those who are mature must be of the same mind. Running the race means beginning to grow spiritually.  Running in the same direction is the purpose.  Running with the same beliefs is our calling.

Summary Statement:

If we honor God by imitating the life and works of Jesus and His disciples, then we are going to have to run the race His way, with His purpose, and in His time.  We will have to persist to be successful.  God expects us to be persistent.  Through that persistence, the victories we win, and the suffering we will face, we will discover even greater Joy.

Lessons within the Lesson:

Why do the redeemed continue to sin? (Read Romans 7:22-25)

How do we know when we are doing the will of God in our lives?

How do we overcome complacency in our daily walk with God?

How does persistence lead to greater joy? 

[1] The Life Application Commentary Series Fair Use 2020 – Section 107, copywrite law, Ibid. Produced with permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

[2] Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary. Fair Use 2020 – Section 107, copywrite law, Victor Books, Cook Communications Ministries, Colorado Spring, Colorado, Paris, Ontario, Kingsway Communications LTD, Eastbourne, England.

[3] Charles Spurgeon, The Perseverance of the Saints, Public Domain, spurgeongems. org/sermon/chs872.pdf, pdf., P. 5.