THE POWER OF PERSISTENCE
Hebrews 12:1-3
We have been looking at freedom in Christ.
Today we'll look at a key to freedom that is the most essential of them all.
Of course, they're all important, but this one key is like the Master key – you need this one to fully break free.
What is the master key to freedom? Persistence.
It’s that determination — to try again. And again. And yet again.
Many here will have wanted to break free from something or someone. You may have tried and failed. And in that failing you’ve felt guilty or weak and a voice has told you – “See – you can’t do it. You’re not strong enough – you don’t have what it takes.” And in those moments, we can think, “That’s not for me. I’m never going to make it. I may as well give up.”
But here’s to truth: Most worthwhile achievements are seldom accomplished with the first effort. Or the second. Success usually comes only as a result of repeated efforts. In some areas we would call it practice. A marathon runner never runs 26 miles on the first try. They practice – starting small.
But we can see it in other things. Most inventions are useful after trial and …. Error. The inventor has an idea. S/he tries it and it doesn’t work. So they tweak it, redesign it even, and they work.
Someone joked that an inventor made a new drink with water and one ingredient. It was called 1up – but it tasted bad.
Another additive was put in and it was called 2up. That was no good. A third flavor was put in and it was called 3up. Gosh it tasted bad! So a new ingredient was put into the drink. It was called 4up. It seemed to be getting worse. But the time 6 things were added (and called 6up), the inventor gave up because it just didn’t taste right. IF ONLY HE HAD TIED ONE MORE INGREDIENT! ?
If the runner and the inventor believe they are on to something, or there is a goal – an achievement at the end, they will try and fail, and try and keep on trying and fall, but keep on trying – every time getting closer. They try and try a hundred times. And at a 101st time – “Wow! I actually did it.”
People try jobs and give up before finding a way to do it that is successful and rewarding
People try diets, and give up because they never got to the weight they wanted in 2 weeks
People try a church or ministry, or reading the bible in a year, or praying for an hour a day, and they give up because it didn’t come easy and they feel a failure and they just want to stop because of the guilty feelings.
As we conclude this series, I want to talk about perseverance. And look at Hebrews 12:1-3. Have it open in front of you. Don’t put your bible away. I know its heavy on your lap or in your hand. I know if you have it open on your lap, if you fall asleep the bible will fall on the floor and embarrass you; but do it anyway. We need to persevere in referring to the bible on Sundays.
So Hebrews 12…
First thing the writer says:
12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witness . . .
First thing in perseverance:
Use the people around you to achieve.
Like I said, falling or failing in front of people can feel humiliating. But there is nothing wrong with being humble! The bible encourages it! An I run this by you:
If you have people around you and you are HONEST with them, they can make us do better.
Listen:
You want to achieve something – lose 5 pounds, quit a habit, read the bible in a year, pray more.
If you try to do it in secret and don’t get there after a week, who knows? You are safe! You can quietly forget it and not feel too bad.
But, what if you tell 5 friends to witness what you are trying to achieve – oh boy! “please pray for me, ask how I’m doing.” What??? “So if I fall or fail by next week (and I may well do) my 5 closest friends will know about it?”
Yes. But they will probably help you get further in that first week than if you did it in secret, AND, if they are your 5 best friends, you can be sure they will pat you on the back, and tell you to try another week and not give up. They are praying for you – no pressure (lol), but that’s exactly it – having a cloud of witnesses around you when you are trying to break free will keep you going MORE than doing it alone.
12:1b let us throw off (say, throw off) everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
You want to break free? You want to find freedom from the chains that have held you back for minths – maybe years?
“Throw off” – cut ties, get rid of, anything that entangles.
This sounds obvious, but we all know its not easy, and its one of the biggest things that stops us enjoying life in all its fullness.
So let me give you one minute or silence. Look to God and ask Him to point out anything that is holding you back from freedom – fullness of life.
An ongoing sin, a bad relationship, something you do or watch . . . ask the Lord what it is that entangles you in this life and prevents you from achieving life in ALL it’s fullness…
Silence
Now – stay thinking about this before God.
Ask Him: Lord, HOW can I throw this off? What do I need to do to get rid of this – for good? Who do I need to tell about it so I’m accountable, and they will encourage me to finally do it?
Silence
You got it, right? I’m not saying more. God’s shown you that thing that needs to go, and He’s told you how to rid yourself of it.
All I will say now is: JUST DO IT!
Ok…
12:1c: And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on ….. Jesus!
We want to live life in all its fullness, don’t we? . . .
The get life in all it’s fullness – wont be easy. If it was everyone would be going round punching the air and feeling happy and content.
Life in all its fullness takes work and effort – just like ANYTHING that fills your heart with joy.
Now, who offers life in all its fullness? - Jesus. Who? Jesus.
No one is going to achieve life in all its fullness without Him. We need to follow His path, and not our own.
We have to RUN – not walk or crawl or sit. RUN! Today, you now know what you have to throw off. And once you have thrown it off, you can run better!
Where are we running? “The race marked out for us. Jesus has marked out our life course.
At the marathon this year, late runners were complaining that the organizers were packing up the course early – taking away the markers and barriers, AND some of the stewards calling the late runners “fat” – talk about discouragement to finish.
If we lose the path, we are never going to feel like achievers. The goal has been lost. People do that. Even inside the church. Some when asked will say, “I don’t know what God wants me to do” Why not? Did you ask him? Did you REALLY ask Him, and try what he recommended?
I strongly believe God gives each of us a path, and if we follow it, we will find life in all its fullness. We will find freedom
Church, it’s really worth time an energy, and falling and failing to follow this path; because – WOW! Doing so brings fullness of life.
One more thing from this reading
12;3 Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Christ sets out the path that leads to freedom.
Here’s the fantastic thing: HE has gone in front. He has gone through the ups and downs, the cheering from heaven, but also the jeering from sinners. He has felt to temptation to give up. He has SUFFERED immensely to achieve – FOR YOU.
Now,
• Find goof friends who will help you persist
• Throw off that thing God pointed out to you earlier
• Follow the path the Lord has marked out for you
• Fix your eyes on Jesus Christ, who goes ahead of you
So that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Life in ALL its fullness – its there for us.
It doesn’t matter how old we are, how many times we have failed up till now
TODAY – you can experience the full life intended for you, by God.
