Perseverance!!!

Fritz Chery May 15, 2015

What does the Bible say?

1. 2 Peter 1:5-7 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith
goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to selfcontrol, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual
affection; and to mutual affection, love.
2. 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto
thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
3. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I
have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits methe crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the
prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

Focus on Christ and the eternal prize.

4. Hebrews 12:1-3 Since we are surrounded by so many examples of faith, we
must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We
must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up. We must focus on Jesus,
the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death
on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Now he holds the honored
positionthe one next to God the Father on the heavenly throne. Think about
Jesus, who endured opposition from sinners, so that you dont become tired and
give up.
5. Philippians 3:14 I press on to reach the end of the raceand receive the heavenly
prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Driving through the storm!

6. James 1:2-5 My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you
should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this
will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do.
Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need. But if
any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous to everyone
and will give you wisdom without criticizing you.
7. Romans 5:2-4 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of
undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look
forward to sharing Gods glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems
and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance
develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of
salvation.
8. 1 Peter 5:10-11 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by
means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore,
support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.All power
to him forever! Amen.
9. James 1:12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and
temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to
those who love him.

We must continue in prayer.

10. Luke 11:5-9 Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story:
Suppose you went to a friends house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves
of bread. You say to him, A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have
nothing for him to eat. And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, Dont bother
me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I cant

help you.But I tell you thisthough he wont do it for friendships sake, if you
keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need
because of your shameless persistence. And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you
will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on
knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
11. Romans 12:12 Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray
continually.
12. Acts 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women
and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Do not grow weary!

13. Galatians 6:9-10 So lets not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right
time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we dont give up. Therefore, whenever
we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyoneespecially to those in the
family of faith.
14. Thessalonians 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

Be strong in the Lord.

15. 2 Chronicles 15:7 Be ye strong, therefore, and do not let your hands be weak,
for your work shall be rewarded.
16. Joshua 1:9 9 See that I command thee to be strong and of a good courage; be
not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for I, the LORD thy God, am with thee
wherever thou goest.
17. 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
18. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

19. Job 17:9 The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands
become stronger and stronger.

Reminders
20. 1 Corinthians 13:7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful,
and endures through every circumstance.
21. Lamentations 3:25-26 The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those
who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.
22. James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Examples
23. 2 Thessalonians 1:2-4 Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the
Lord Jesus Christ. We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and
rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you
have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among Gods churches we boast
about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are
enduring.
24. Revelation 2:2-3 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I
know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim
to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and
have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
25. James 5:11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You
have heard of Jobs perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought
about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
http://biblereasons.com/perseverance/