A disciple is a persevering, steadfast person

Bikers Church Cape Town

A disciple is a persevering, steadfast person. The great majority of men are bundles of beginnings. By Pastor George Lehman There are a great many starters but so few persevering, enduring, steadfast disciples that actually press on to the finish line. Here Paul is talking about an amazing event that will take place when Jesus comes. He ends it with this instruction, that we must first stand strong, persevere and endure throughout our life, and live as genuine disciples. 1 Corinthians 15: 51-58 (Amp) - 51Take notice! I tell you a mystery (a secret truth, an event decreed by the hidden purpose or counsel of God). We shall not all fall asleep [in death], but we shall all be changed (transformed) 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [sound of the] last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [in Christ] will be raised imperishable (free and immune from decay), and we shall be changed (transformed). 53For this perishable [part of us] must put on the imperishable [nature], and this mortal [part of us, this nature that is capable of dying] must put on immortality (freedom from death). 54And when this perishable puts on the imperishable and this that was capable of dying puts on freedom from death, then shall be fulfilled the Scripture that says, Death is swallowed up (utterly vanquished forever) in and unto victory. 55O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? 56Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power [upon the soul] through [the abuse of] the Law. 57“But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose]. Rich Mears, a racing car driver, said: “To finish first, you must first finish”. Every child of God will finish first at the end of your life’s race if you were faithful, because we each are running our own individual race our competition is none other than ourselves! The point is: Persevering [volhard, volhou, aanhou], steadfast, enduring, persistent people begin their success where most others quit. Quitters never win and winners never quit Jesus said: Matthew 10:22 (Amp) - All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. We will have to endure and persevere much in this life – go through difficulties, hardships, temptations, tests, trials. By not giving in or up, you’ll be saved. The crowns that will be worn in heaven have been tried and smelted and polished and glorified through the furnace of suffering and tribulation. (We prepare our own crowns) 1 Thessalonians 3:3 (Msg) - Not that troubles (hardships, difficulties and affliction) should come as any surprise to you. You’ve always known that we’re in for this kind of thing. It’s part of our calling. Clearly tests, trials and troubles are a part of a child of God’s life. Hebrews 12:1b (Amp) - … and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 1 Timothy 4:16 (Amp) - Look well to yourself [to your own personality] and to [your] teaching: persevere in these things [hold to them], for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you. Hebrews 10:36 (Amp) - For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away (and enjoy to the full) what is promised. James 5:11 (NIV) - As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. There may be someone here who once walked with passion and fire on this disciple road… Job 4:3-7 (NIV) - 3Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. 4Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees. 5But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged; it strikes you, and you are dismayed. 6Should not your piety* be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope? 7Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed? *Piety: Devotion/ Toewyding Job’s message is: Your commitment to persevere and endure, your lifestyle should be pulling you up. We must resist discouragement. Under difficult, challenging circumstances the majority of people only just survive. But the righteous thrive. James 1:12 (Amp) - Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. First the cross then the crown. To many Christians want the crown without the cross. Never despair, but if you do, work on in despair. The victory lies in the struggle – not the prize. He who courts slackness, marries disaster. Listen to this: 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 (Amp) - 4And this is a cause of our mentioning you with pride among the churches (assemblies) of God for your steadfastness (your unflinching endurance and patience) and your firm faith in the midst of all the persecutions and crushing distresses and afflictions under which you are holding up. 5This is positive proof of the just and right judgment of God to the end that you may be deemed deserving of His kingdom [a plain token of His fair verdict which designs that you should be made and counted worthy of the kingdom of God], for the sake of which you are also suffering. This is what Jesus is warning us about Revelation 3:10-11 (Amp) - 10Because you have guarded and kept My word of patient endurance [have held fast the lesson of My patience with the expectant endurance that I give you], I also will keep you [safe] from the hour of trial (testing) which is coming on the whole world to try those who dwell upon the earth. 11I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one may rob you and deprive you of your crown.