2 Peter 1:2-11 Of these qualities that Peter exhorts the Christian to have, faith is the foundation. Faith comes as a direct result of learning about God. Without faith there can be no relationship with God. Virtue is the desire for moral and spiritual excellence. To achieve this, we must have this deep, true knowledge of God’s will for our lives. Then once we have true knowledge, we must apply it with discipline & self-control. We must be steadfast, fully committed to the principles we have embraced.

“To Self-Control Perseverance” ~ 2 Peter 1:6

Study Format We will consider Bible principles concerning the matter of “perseverance” (or as the KJV renders it, “patience”). We will illustrate how the Christian may incorporate this instruction into his/her daily life.

Perseverance: ὑπομονή, hupomonē “Cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).” (Strong’s Hebrew & Greek Dictionaries) “1) Steadfastness, constancy, endurance 1a) in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings 1b) patiently, and steadfastly 2) a patient, steadfast waiting for 3) a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance” (Thayer’s Greek Definitions) “Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.” (English definition) SYNONYMS are “persistence, tenacity, determination, staying power, steadfastness, purposefulness.”

How the word is used in various passages of the Bible: But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:15 (NKJV) By your patience possess your souls. Luke 21:19 (NKJV) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV) Cf. Jas. 1:3-8, 4b-3a; Isa. 64:8; Ps. 38

How the word is used in various passages of the Bible: For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus Romans 15:4-5 (NKJV) But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 1 Tim 6:11 (NKJV)

How the word is used in various passages of the Bible: For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: Heb 10:36 (NKJV) Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us Heb 12:1 (NKJV) Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Rev 14:12 (NKJV)

How the word is used in various passages of the Bible: We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure 2 Thess 1:3-4 (NKJV)

Principles in action: Perseverance is a trait of those with great understanding (Eccl. 7:8; Prov. 14:29). Moses exemplified adding to one’s faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self- control perseverance (Num. 12:2-3; 20:1-29). There are times/seasons for expressing frustration toward those who refuse to accept God’s will for their lives (Eccl. 3:1-8; Prov. 13:16, 15:28, 29:11). E.g. Jesus, Paul: persevering does not mean that we keep silent when things need to be addressed. We always need to challenge those we love to draw ever closer to God.

“To Self-Control Perseverance” Moses has seen the results of his efforts of 40 years in the wilderness, patiently enduring with his brethren. Husbands, fathers: What do your wife & kids see? Those who are older: Are you seeking to age with grace in this quality? To all: Are we growing in perseverance, or is our patience wearing thin? Be deliberate in your purpose. ADD TO YOUR SELF-CONTROL, PERSEVERANCE!!

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 … and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power (NKJV)