Perseverance in Faith: The Journey to Endurance
Summary
In a message focused on the theme of perseverance and completing one's spiritual journey, Stephan Christiansen emphasizes the importance of endurance in faith and service. He draws upon the parable of the sower from Luke 8, highlighting the "good soil" as those who hear the Word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Christiansen points out that in a fast-paced society, where even speech has accelerated over the decades, the need for endurance in understanding and living out God's riches is critical.
Christiansen stresses the significance of remembering and emulating the faith of those who have completed their life's journey in faithfulness to God. He shares personal anecdotes, including the decision to feature only older or deceased role models in a book he wrote, to underscore the value of learning from those who have endured through various seasons and challenges in life.
The message also delves into the concept of endurance as a key virtue, referencing Hebrews 12:1, which encourages believers to run the race marked out for them with perseverance. Christiansen points out that all victories come from not giving up, whether in personal battles, service, or the challenges of leadership. He acknowledges that everyone faces trials and temptations, but it is those who endure who complete the race God has set for them.
Christiansen further explores the idea of servanthood in the kingdom of God, contrasting the world's view of greatness with Jesus' teaching that the greatest should be like the youngest and the leader like a servant. He encourages a shift in perspective from seeking to be served to serving others, which leads to a more fulfilling and less disappointing life.
The message also touches on the importance of a hidden life with Christ, where personal integrity and devotion are developed in private. Christiansen encourages believers to support each other in their spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and Bible reading, to strengthen their inner lives.
Christiansen concludes with a call to live a life of surrender, guarding one's heart and being willing to forgive. He shares a personal story of reconciliation with a fellow preacher, illustrating the power of forgiveness in maintaining a pure heart and preserving relationships.
The message ends with a prayer for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done, expressing hope and purpose for the coming year and for the growth of faith among the youth.
Key Takeaways:
- Endurance in faith is not just about starting well but also about finishing the race that God has set before each individual. In a world that constantly accelerates, it is vital to slow down and focus on the long-term journey with God, bearing fruit through perseverance. [01:37:16]
- True greatness in the kingdom of God is found in servanthood. The greatest leaders are those who serve with humility and without seeking recognition. This principle turns societal norms upside down and challenges believers to adopt a servant's heart in all areas of life. [01:57:00]
- The hidden life with Christ is crucial for spiritual growth. The practices of prayer and Bible study, done in private, shape a believer's character and prepare them for public ministry. Believers are encouraged to support one another in these disciplines, fostering a community of accountability and growth. [02:01:48]
- Forgiveness and surrender are essential for a pure heart. Christiansen's personal story of inviting a preacher he had conflicts with to speak at his church demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of guarding one's heart from bitterness. [01:40:07]
- Reflecting on the end of one's life can provide clarity and purpose for the present. Considering what legacy one wishes to leave behind can inspire a life lived with intentionality and faithfulness, ultimately leading to a well-finished race. [02:04:02]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 8:15 - "But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."
2. Hebrews 12:1-2 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
3. Hebrews 13:7 - "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Luke 8:15, what characteristics define the "good soil" in the parable of the sower?
2. In Hebrews 12:1-2, what are believers encouraged to do in order to run their race with perseverance?
3. What does Hebrews 13:7 instruct believers to do regarding their leaders and their faith?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the parable of the sower in Luke 8:15 illustrate the importance of perseverance in faith? How can this be applied to our daily lives?
2. Hebrews 12:1-2 speaks about throwing off everything that hinders and the sin that entangles. What might these hindrances and sins look like in a modern context? [01:29:09]
3. Reflecting on Hebrews 13:7, why is it important to remember and imitate the faith of past leaders? How can this practice impact our spiritual journey? [01:27:31]
#### Application Questions
1. Endurance in Faith: Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge in your faith. How did you persevere, and what was the outcome? How can you apply this experience to current or future challenges? [01:37:18]
2. Servanthood: Jesus taught that true greatness is found in serving others. Identify one area in your life where you can shift from seeking to be served to serving others. What practical steps can you take this week to make this shift? [01:54:08]
3. Hidden Life with Christ: What are your current practices for maintaining a hidden life with Christ, such as prayer and Bible reading? How can you improve or support these practices within your community? [02:01:02]
4. Forgiveness and Surrender: Think of a relationship where forgiveness is needed. What steps can you take to initiate reconciliation and guard your heart from bitterness? Share a personal story if you have one. [01:40:21]
5. Reflecting on Legacy: Consider what you want your spiritual legacy to be. What intentional actions can you take now to ensure you finish your race well and leave a lasting impact? [02:04:02]
6. Supporting Each Other: How can you support a fellow believer in their spiritual disciplines? Is there someone you can partner with for mutual encouragement and accountability? [02:01:42]
7. Living with Purpose: How does reflecting on the end of your life provide clarity and purpose for your present actions? What changes can you make to live more intentionally and faithfully? [02:04:20]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of perseverance, servanthood, hidden life with Christ, forgiveness, and living with purpose, as emphasized in Stephan Christiansen's sermon.
Devotional
Day 1: Perseverance Bears Lasting Fruit
Endurance in faith is essential for spiritual maturity and fruitfulness. It's not enough to start the journey with enthusiasm; one must also persist through challenges and distractions. Like the good soil in the parable of the sower, retaining the Word and persevering in it is what leads to a bountiful harvest. This calls for a steadfast commitment to spiritual disciplines and a focus on the eternal rather than the fleeting. [01:37:16]
James 1:12 - "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a more persistent spirit in your walk with God, especially when facing trials?
Day 2: Servanthood as True Greatness
The kingdom of God redefines greatness as servanthood. In a world that often equates leadership with power and control, the call to serve others selflessly stands in stark contrast. This principle of servanthood, exemplified by Jesus, invites a radical shift in perspective and challenges believers to embrace humility and a willingness to support others without seeking personal glory. [01:57:00]
Mark 10:43-45 - "But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice being a servant in your daily interactions with others?
Day 3: Cultivating the Hidden Life with Christ
The hidden life with Christ, nurtured through private prayer and Bible study, is the foundation of a believer's public ministry and character. These spiritual disciplines, practiced away from the eyes of others, are where true intimacy with God is developed. They shape one's inner life, preparing the heart for the challenges and opportunities of serving God and others. [02:01:48]
Matthew 6:6 - "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your private devotional life and ensure it is a daily priority?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a key to maintaining a pure heart and healthy relationships. It requires a willingness to let go of grievances and extend grace, even when it's difficult. This act of surrender can lead to reconciliation and healing, demonstrating the power of God's love in our lives. It's a testament to the strength of character and the pursuit of peace. [01:40:07]
Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive, and what steps can you take today towards that reconciliation?
Day 5: Intentionality in Life's Legacy
Reflecting on the legacy one wishes to leave can inspire a life of intentionality and faithfulness. It encourages believers to consider the end of their journey and the impact of their lives on others. This perspective helps to prioritize what truly matters, leading to a life that is lived with purpose and in alignment with God's will. [02:04:02]
2 Timothy 4:7-8 - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
Reflection: What do you want your legacy to be, and how can you start living today to make that legacy a reality?
Quotes
1) "It's not how you start that is decisive, but how you follow the course that really counts." [01:25:33] (Download)
2) "The greatest leaders are those who serve with humility and without seeking recognition." [01:57:00] (Download)
3) "Nothing can replace a solid inner life. The daily bread. The daily Bible reading." [02:01:48] (Download)
4) "All victory is not giving up. It applies to so many areas, so many areas." [01:29:59] (Download)
5) "Those who carry out the race that God thought they would carry out, are the ones who hold out." [01:30:48] (Download)
6) "Imagine that Paul writes this. I am not my own judge. I mean, he used the term persecution of the Christians, right?" [01:42:23] (Download)
7) "If it is the Lord I serve, then I get a salary from the Lord. If it is people I serve, then it will be a bad thing." [01:59:02] (Download)
8) "What an ending of a life. He ended up so wonderful." [02:06:23] (Download)
9) "We serve God. Amen." [01:59:38] (Download)
10) "God has prepared a race that is unique to you. And that matches your gifts, your equipment and your call." [01:18:48] (Download)
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