Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes
Week 13: Chapter 12 — Discipline of Perseverance
Read Chapter 12 of Disciplines of a Godly Man. Primary Scripture: Hebrews 12:1–3; James 1:2–4; 2 Timothy 4:7–8.
Previewing Week 13 of Disciplines of a Godly Man
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 20-week guide when you’re ready.
Hughes turns to one of the most essential and least glamorous qualities of a godly man — the ability to keep going when the road is long, the results are invisible, and the feelings have long since evaporated. These questions are designed to help you assess your endurance.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.The image in Hebrews 12 is of a long-distance race, not a sprint. Hughes argues that the Christian life is more like a marathon than a series of dramatic moments. Does your spiritual life feel more like a sustained run or a series of starts and stops? What accounts for the difference?
2.Hebrews 12:1 speaks of laying aside "every weight" — not just outright sin, but anything that slows us down. What are the specific weights (not necessarily sinful things) that are currently slowing your spiritual progress?
3.James says that trials produce perseverance, and perseverance produces maturity (James 1:3–4). Hughes argues that difficulties are not interruptions to spiritual growth but instruments of it. Think of a current or recent difficulty — can you see how God might be using it to build staying power in you?