II. Learning the Power of Perseverance And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God m ade the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply you.” And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise. Hebrews 6:11-­‐15 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another a ccording to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:4-­‐6 A. We learn by following and imitating good examples. B. We find purpose and fulfillment when we have a good grip on the certainty of what we are persevering for. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:57-­‐58 I. Definition of Perseverance The core practice of perseverance is underutilized today. The idea of settling in and lasting for the long haul has been replaced by a desire for convenience and ease, the path of least resistance. C. We take heart to continue to persevere as we see results. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 The word is the Greek HUPOMONE. In Classical Greece it described the ability of a plant to thrive in a harsh environment -­‐ literally in the deserts and rocky slopes. In later Greek and Jewish literature, it was used to refer to the “spiritual staying power” which enabled the faithful to die for their God. III. Holding True in the Midst of Challenge Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. Revelation 3:11 In the First Century of the Common Era, it was used for the characteristic of a person who is not swerved from their deliberate purpose and retains their faith and piety through even the greatest trials and sufferings. It means to keep continuing forward with an attitude of hope and a smile on the face even when confronted with u npleasant circumstances and great distresses. Hold true to the faithful WORD. Titus 1:9 Hold true to the form of sound words. 2 Tim 1:13 Hold true to your confidence. Heb. 3:6 Hold true to your confession of faith. Heb. 4:14 Hold true to all that is good. 1 Thess. 5:21 Hold true to the certainty that no matter what you face, God loves you and will come and meet you at the point of your need. Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you m ay receive what w as promised. For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. Hebrews 10:35-­‐37 “Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” Winston Churchill Core Point: Learning the core practice of perseverance is vital for lasting over the long haul. W e have the greatest blessings of all people, but it requires the greatest patience and perseverance to receive all God has planned for us. Core Statement: I choose to walk with God and to employ the core practice of perseverance in my life. With God’s help and support I will endure and last in my Christian walk, and see the fulfillment of His plan for my life!