Perseverance
OPENING THOUGHT
Perseverance is the companion to all the other steps toward spiritual maturity. You will not have discipline, simplicity, or knowledge of God unless you persevere.
“Perseverance” is often expressed by words like “steadfastness” and “endurance” in the Bible and means “long obedience in the face of great difficulty.”
EXPLORING GOD’S WORD
Hebrews 10:32-36
What “struggles” does the author refer to? What struggles do we have? How do they compare with the struggles of the early readers of Hebrews?
What knowledge led them to joyfully accept their struggles and persevere in their faith? Can we have the same assurance?
Philippians 4:4-13
Paul wrote these words while in prison. How does this background information affect your reading of the passage?
Did Paul automatically know how to be content in any situation?
Epictetus said, “Men are disturbed not by things, but by the view that they take of them.” Also, it has been said that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it. Do we have to be controlled by our circumstances?
Where did Paul say his strength to persevere came from?
James 5:7-11
Compare translations. James 5:7-11 has been translated many ways, the different versions supplying “patience” in different places. This is because James uses two words for patience.
The first word James uses, translated “patience” (ESV) literally means "long of nose." The idea may come from a patient person taking a deep breath before making a decision or acting on impulse. What does this image say to you about patience?
The second word, translated “steadfastness” (ESV), can mean “patience,” but it also has to do with perseverance. Whereas the first word is passive, this one is active. It is applied to Job. What do you know about Job’s perseverance?
Why is it so difficult to be patient? How can a lack of patience hurt our perseverance?
EIGHT PRINCIPLES OF PERSEVERANCE
Choice: Don’t Trust Your Emotions (James 1:19)
Assurance: Know that You Know What’s Most Important (Heb. 10:32-36)
Faith: Trust God No Matter What (Rom. 1:17)
Strength: Be Resilient (Col. 1:11)
Patience: Good Things Come to Those Who Wait (James 5:7-11)
Repentance: Get Back Up When You Fall Down (2 Cor. 7:10)
Prayer: Ask God for Help (Heb. 4:16)
Hope: Smile at Your Future (Heb. 6:11-19)
