Growing as a Christian – concentrating on perserverance
Reading 2 Peter 1:5-7
To be fruitful and abounding
A list of qualities: moral excellence, knowledge, self-control – now perseverance
How much do you think of the goal of your faith?
Are you frightened of dying?
Do you think about eternity
Quote from King Solomon – "Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting" Ecc 7:2
Example of a recent funeral – people think
For the Christian there is much to look forward to – examples
The wise person considers what will happen beyond death
Quote from the Apostle Paul – "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" Phil 1:21
We persevere because we think about the end of our faith
Quote from Chris Osten – "perseverance is the queen of virtues"
It is easy to believe when things are going well
Overview:
The Motivation for Perseverance
The Manner of Perseverance
The Motivation for Perseverance
You will not get far in life without motivation – examples
The same is true in the Christian life
1. The The end game is to be with Christ – the glory awaiting us
Rom 1:1 – we start the Christian life with faith
Rom 1:2 – we stand in faith
Rom 1:2 – we finish in the hope of the glory of God
Rom 8:18 – one day we will be with Christ
Paul suffered ship wreck, lashing, stone, imprisoned, great hardship
2 Cor 4:17 – compared to eternity with Christ, any affliction is momentary
2 Tim 2:12 – we will reign with Christ
Heb 12:2 – Jesus endured the cross for us – the joy of winning a people for Himself
Run the race with endurance to receive the prize of glory
Nothing should be too much for us considering Christ’s sacrifice
2. Christ has given us all things for life and godliness – the power given us
2 Pet 1:3-4 – we have been given everything we need to live a Christian life
We are joined to Jesus Christ
We have been given all things we need
Example
Col 1:11 – pray
3. Perseverance produces strength, character and steadfastness – the character produced in us
Rom 5:3 – we do not welcome tribulation for tribulation sake, but perseverance brings character
Jam 1:2-4 – to become mature and complete, to be able to help others
Quote from hymn
Example of Job; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; David
Eph 4:13 – the church is to grow into the full stature of Christ
The Manner of Perseverance
Example of those who did not persevere – Judas, Demas
Remember that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith
We are to be diligent (v5)
We are not to ‘let go’
We are to throw off hindering weights
Resist temptation – consider Christ’s examples
Sometimes there comes a day of evil
Hold onto the promises of God
"I will never leave you nor forsake you" – Matt 28:20, Hebrews 13:5
"But those who wait on 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." – Isa 40:31
"For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." – Heb 12:3
Reading Heb 12:4-6 – sometimes it is for our benefit
"Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees…" – Heb 12:12
