A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

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A Compe l l i ng Tes t imony

3. The Question : am I willing to follow the example of my pastor and other spiritual leaders whose lives point the way to maturity in Christ?

F. A determination to grow and to never give up

1. The Demand : The one whose life before God and others is compelling is a life that perseveres and refuses to give up, even in the face of great difficulties and hardships.

2. An Example : the Galatians, Gal. 6.7-10 – Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. [8] For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. [9] And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. [10] So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

a. Only those who refuse to grow weary of doing good will reap at the appropriate season. “It’s always too soon to quit.”

b. Their challenge: the condition for fruitfulness and maturity in the Christian walk and ministry is a tough-as-nails resolve to never give up (e.g., Isa. 40.30-31 – Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; [31] but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.)

3. The Question : when I am tempted to quit or return to my old ways, do I remind myself that I will attain my spiritual goals only if I refuse to quit and give up?