We continue our study of the man of God. Every believer is called a man of God. The final two traits that a man of God should pursue are perseverance and gentleness. These two traits are most wonderfully embodied in Jesus Christ. Overall, 1 Timothy 6:11 is like a spiritual boot camp. Because verse 12 explains that Christians are in a spiritual fight. We are in conflict with the world and sin. So we must be well trained in the attributes listed in verse 11 so we can be warriors which fight the good fight.
Perseverance. The perseverance here is not the ‘perseverance of the saints’ which means ‘once saved always saved’. Perseverance is related to patience. Patience is self-restraint. Someone who is quickly angered is impatient. God was patient with the complaining Israelites in the wilderness. He restrained His righteous anger. Similarly, perseverance is the remaining steadfast under pressure. Perseverance is not merely staying calm but also trying to make things work. The persevering man not only endures but presses forward despite the circumstances (Genesis 47:8-9).
It is the Christian’s fate to pursue perseverance. The Christian has chosen the narrow door, not the wide door. We take up our cross. We follow God’s will. Our Lord Jesus entered that narrow gate first. Though He had nowhere to lay his head (Luke 9:58), He pursued the cross with perseverance. That perseverance eventually resulted in the resurrection.
Perseverance is a hallmark of true Christianity. The nominal Christian will not pursue perseverance. It is the good soil that bears fruit with perseverance (Luke 8:15). Starting is easy but finishing well is hard. We know so many who claimed to be Christians but abandoned the faith. Even the seasoned Christian has to be aware and alert to persevere. We must persevere. Many will hate us because of Jesus (Mark 13:13). Additionally, suffering is everywhere. We don’t know what we may face but by perseverance, we enter the kingdom of Heaven (Acts 14:22). We do not persevere by our own strength. The love of God has been poured out on us through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:35). This is our strength and source of perseverance.
Self-denial is the key to perseverance. Jesus said if you want to come after me you must deny yourself. This must be done first. Self-denial is saying no to our own will and saying yes to God’s. Mary was in danger of shame and exile for having a baby out of wedlock (Luke 1:38). Yet she persevered through the social dangers by submitting to God’s will. We also are commissioned as workers for God. We should not forget that we do not serve an earthly master but God himself. We are sent by God to make disciples. It’s not just the missionaries or pastors, but all of us have been commissioned by God. Remember the seriousness of our task and persevere. To help with your perseverance, remember that this is not our final home but we are pilgrims, heading toward the city of Zion. Romans 8:18
Gentleness. Gentleness might come naturally with age. It could also be associated with humility. Biblical humility acknowledges moral indebtedness to God. Humility abandons confidence in self but places faith in God.
Gentleness is different from humility. It is meekness. Meekness is not a weakness. Meekness is inner strength with outer boldness. Gentleness/meekness is having the ability but choosing not to do it. It is power under control. Think about Jesus Christ who was always being challenged by the people wherever he went and suffering at their hands. Think about his trials before going to the cross. He is the Messiah and the King of Kings (Mt 26:64, John 18:37). Yet He was beaten, flogged, and mocked. He didn’t exercise His authority but simply acknowledged what they said.
Today’s society is plagued by suicide. So many people cannot accept hard truths or circumstances. So they look for an escape. They cannot endure the hardships in life because they lack meekness. So they tragically end their own lives. Others lash out due to criticisms or injustices. They take their revenge in anger, hatred, and violence (Romans 12:19) because they lack gentleness.
The Christian has the source of meekness, the Holy Spirit. Gentleness is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We have the promise but we must pursue it to manifest it in our lives. The Holy Spirit is God and He is with us, leading us and guiding us, helping us, and comforting us. It is truly wonderful to walk with the Holy Spirit through His word. As we understand that God has caused our circumstances, then we can trust in the Lord and His gentleness. Though our situation might seem harsh and unfair, if we know that the Lord is ultimately behind it, then we can bear it in gentleness (2 Samuel 16:7,11)
Beloved, you are not weak. As a child of God, you have the Holy Spirit. You are able to persevere and act in gentleness. Pursue these things as a man of God.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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