Perseverance

Introduction:

A. You have need of endurance.

B. In addition to self-control, we must add to our faith, perseverance (2 Pet. 1:5-6).

I. What Is Perseverance?

A. The original words means “to remain under” or “to remain behind.”

B. Perseverance “is the virtue needed to stand firm in one’s commitment to Jesus over the long haul in the face of persecution…or other hardships” (P. H. Davids).

C. The O.T. equivalent is “to stand firm” (cf. Ex. 14:13).

II. Why Is Perseverance Important?

A. Perseverance is important because of our future.

1. Perseverance is “far-sighted endurance” (Heb. 10:36; Jas. 1:12).

2. Perseverance is connected to our hope for the future.

a. Tribulation produces perseverance, then hope (Rom. 5:3-4;
Jas. 1:2-3).

b. Hope inspires perseverance (Rom. 8:24-25; 1 Th. 1:2-3).

B. Perseverance is important because of the present.

1. Perseverance indicates the presence of hope.

a. Which comes first? Perseverance or hope?

b. God gives perseverance (Rom. 15:5; Eph. 6:10; Col. 1:4-5; Rom. 15:4; Rom. 5:3; Jas. 1:2-3; 2 Cor. 1:3-7; Heb. 3:13; 10:25; 1 Th. 4:18; 5:11).

2. Perseverance is an indication of a blessed life (Jas. 1:12; 5:11).

3. Living a life of hope involves an active pursuit of perseverance.

a. A persevering life is marked by good works (Rom. 2:4-5, 7;
1 Cor. 15:58).

b. An active pursuit of perseverance involves an active pursuit of righteousness (1 Tim. 6:11 cf. 2 Pet. 2:19).

c. An active pursuit of righteousness is motivated by a strong belief in Christ’s return (2 Pet. 3:3-4).

C. Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All

III. What Does Perseverance Look Like?

A. In the O.T., our example of perseverance is Job (Jas. 5:11; Job 1:1).

B. In the N.T., our example of perseverance is Paul (2 Cor. 11:23-28).

C. Our ultimate example of perseverance is Christ (Heb. 12:2-3; 1 Pet. 2:21-25).

Conclusion:

A. Don’t give up!

B. You have need of endurance (Heb. 10:36).