WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT

PERSEVERANCE

Introduction:

1. Perseverance:

- definition - "Steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness."

- Futhermore, "persistence always implies firm resolve."

- found one time in the KJV (Eph. 6:18); although there are other closely related words ("steadfastness" and "endurance").

2. Related words:

- Steadfastness - "Fixed or unchanging, steady; firmly loyal or constant; unswerving."

- Endurance (patience) - "To carry on through, despite hardships; to suffer patiently without yielding."

3. Note what the Bible says about "perseverance".

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I. THINGS IN WHICH WE SHOULD PERSEVERE

1. The apostles doctrine (Acts 2:42; 2 Tim. 4:3; Col. 2:5; Heb. 3:14)

2. Resisting the devil (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 1:12)

3. Hardness (2 Tim 2:3; 2:10; 3:11; 4:5; Heb. 10:32; 12:3; 12:7)

4. The work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58)

5. Our hope of the brethren (2 Cor. 1:7)

6. In prayer and watchfulness (Eph. 6:18)

II. HOW TO PERSEVERE

1. By the more excellent way ( 1 Cor. 13:7)

2. By looking to the examples of the apostles (2 Cor. 1:6)

3. By seeing Him who is invisible (Heb. 11:27)

4. By looking to the joy set before us (Heb. 12:2)

III. BENEFITS OF PERSEVERANCE

1. We are counted worthy of the kingdom of God (2 Thess. 1:4-5)

2. The way we obtain the promises of God (Heb. 6:15).

3. Reminds us that God is our Father and we are His children (Heb. 12:7).

4. Shows that we are accepted of God (1 Peter 2:19-21).

5. We will be blessed (James 1:12; 5:11).