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Faith Virtue Knowledge Self - Control Perseverance “Perseverance” Speaker: Gary Boyd A “Well-Rounded” Christian (2 Peter 1:5-11)
“VICTORY BELONGS TO THE MOST PERSEVERING” -Napoleon Bonaparte
Running the race set before us • We must have the attitude that failure is not an option! • We continue to build upon our faith every day…virtue, knowledge, self-control. And we do this with perseverance.
Perseverance • “The holding to a course of action, belief, or purpose without giving way”(American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language)
Perseverance • A continuing strength or patience in dealing with something strenuous. Implies withstanding difficulty or resistance.
Perseverance • A continuing strength or patience in dealing with something strenuous. Implies withstanding difficulty or resistance.
Peter tells us that our faith will be “tested by fire” (1 Pet. 1:7) • For a victorious outcome we must show: • Persistence • Steadfastness • Tenacity
PERSEVERANCE = ENERGETIC PERSISTENCE
ENERGETIC PERSISTENCE • Persistence usually implies an unreasonable or annoying characteristic. • But we must have a “stubborn resolve” to get to heaven!
ENERGETIC PERSISTENCE • Perseverance must be pursued 1 Tim. 6:11 • Not a trait that can be nurtured by non-action. • Luke 18: 1-6; the persistent widow
ENERGETIC PERSISTENCE • Perseverance must be pursued 1 Tim. 6:11 • Patience (perseverance) does not produce fruit without action. • James 5: 7-8; Luke8:15; John 15: 1-8
ENERGETIC PERSISTENCE • Nehemiah demonstrated perseverance (Neh. 1-12) • Recognizes the need for action • Shows courage • Rallies the people to do what is right
ENERGETIC PERSISTENCE • Nehemiah demonstrated perseverance (Neh. 1-12) • Continues through the ridicule of his enemies • Ready to fight to complete the objective
ENERGETIC PERSISTENCE Are you prepared to show persistence, like Nehemiah, as you face challenges in your life?
PERSEVERANCE = STEADFASTNESS UNDER PRESSURE
STEADFASTNESS • Implies unswerving adherence to principles, usually in the face of opposition; fixed or unchanging; steady; firmly loyal
STEADFASTNESS • Shadrach, Meshach, & Abed-Nego • Daniel 3:8-30 • They knew that God was able to deliver them! (vs. 17) • But if God chose not to deliver them, they were prepared to die for their faith. (vs. 18)
STEADFASTNESS • Facing pressure from peers • How we dress • Drinking • Drugs
STEADFASTNESS • Facing pressure from peers • How we dress • Drinking • Drugs
STEADFASTNESS • Facing pressure from peers • Sex • Fornication is prevalent in our society. • But we are to be “peculiar” people 1 Peter 2:9 • Joseph (Gen. 39) was willing to remain steadfast in his faith.
STEADFASTNESS • Run the race with endurance • Hebrews 12:1 • Shed the weights of sin that ensnare us. • Use the witnesses as encouragement • Persevere that you might obtain a better resurrection (ref. vs. 11:35)
STEADFASTNESS • Run the race with endurance • We run to obtain the crown (1 Cor. 9:24-27) • By remaining steadfast & immovable, we obtain the victory through our LORD (1 Cor. 15:57-58)
PERSEVERANCE = TENACITY IN THE FACE OF TRIALS
TENACITY • Tenacity implies a tough, aggressive persistence; holding on to something. • Why does God allow trials to come upon His people? • James 1:2-4, 12
TENACITY • Lay hold hold upon eternal life (1 Tim. 6:12) • Grasp onto it with everything you have and take possession of the benefits, privileges, and responsibilities that come with it!
TENACITY • Lay hold hold upon eternal life (1 Tim. 6:12) • Even after facing multiple trials, Paul was willing to “hold on” • 2 Cor. 11:23-28; Rom. 8:18 • 1 Cor. 9:24-27
TENACITY • Hebrews 10:32-39 • These Christians had been subjected to trials and had over- come them. • The writer is encouraging them to persevere, that they may receive the promise (vs. 36).
David vs. Goliath (1 Sam. 17) • Energetic Persistence • Did not allow his brother to change his mind. • Steadfastness under pressure • Did not allow ridicule to stop him • Tenacity in the face of trials • He knew he had God on his side
CONCLUSION: • Adding virtue, knowledge, self-control, and perseverance to our lives will lead us to become more godly. • “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6)
CONCLUSION: • Remember, God is going to render to each one according to his deeds (Rom. 2:5-10) • To those self-seeking: tribulation, wrath, and anguish.
CONCLUSION: • Remember, God is going to render to each one according to his deeds (Rom. 2:5-10) • Those who seek God, and show patient continuance: glory, honor, peace, and eternal life.
“But those who wait upon 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” (Isaiah 40:31) “Never, never, never give up” (Winston Churchill)
