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A “Well-Rounded” Christian (2 Peter 1:5-11) “Perseverance” Speaker: Gary Boyd Faith Virtue Knowledge Self - Control Perseverance A “Well-Rounded” Christian (2 Peter 1:5-11)

“VICTORY BELONGS TO THE MOST PERSEVERING” -Napoleon Bonaparte

Running the race set before us We must have the attitude that failure is not an option! We continue to build upon our faith every day…virtue, knowledge, self-control. And we do this with perseverance.

Perseverance “The holding to a course of action, belief, or purpose without giving way” (American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language)

Perseverance A continuing strength or patience in dealing with something strenuous. Implies withstanding difficulty or resistance.

Perseverance A continuing strength or patience in dealing with something strenuous. Implies withstanding difficulty or resistance.

Peter tells us that our faith will be “tested by fire” (1 Pet. 1:7) For a victorious outcome we must show: Persistence Steadfastness Tenacity

ENERGETIC PERSISTENCE PERSEVERANCE = ENERGETIC PERSISTENCE

ENERGETIC PERSISTENCE Persistence usually implies an unreasonable or annoying characteristic. But we must have a “stubborn resolve” to get to heaven!

ENERGETIC PERSISTENCE Perseverance must be pursued 1 Tim. 6:11 Not a trait that can be nurtured by non-action. Luke 18: 1-6; the persistent widow

ENERGETIC PERSISTENCE Perseverance must be pursued 1 Tim. 6:11 Patience (perseverance) does not produce fruit without action. James 5: 7-8; Luke8:15; John 15: 1-8

ENERGETIC PERSISTENCE Nehemiah demonstrated perseverance (Neh. 1-12) Recognizes the need for action Shows courage Rallies the people to do what is right

ENERGETIC PERSISTENCE Nehemiah demonstrated perseverance (Neh. 1-12) Continues through the ridicule of his enemies Ready to fight to complete the objective

ENERGETIC PERSISTENCE Are you prepared to show persistence, like Nehemiah, as you face challenges in your life?

PERSEVERANCE = STEADFASTNESS UNDER PRESSURE

STEADFASTNESS Implies unswerving adherence to principles, usually in the face of opposition; fixed or unchanging; steady; firmly loyal

STEADFASTNESS Shadrach, Meshach, & Abed-Nego Daniel 3:8-30 They knew that God was able to deliver them! (vs. 17) But if God chose not to deliver them, they were prepared to die for their faith. (vs. 18)

STEADFASTNESS Facing pressure from peers How we dress Drinking Drugs

STEADFASTNESS Facing pressure from peers How we dress Drinking Drugs

STEADFASTNESS Facing pressure from peers Sex Fornication is prevalent in our society. But we are to be “peculiar” people 1 Peter 2:9 Joseph (Gen. 39) was willing to remain steadfast in his faith.

STEADFASTNESS Run the race with endurance Hebrews 12:1 Shed the weights of sin that ensnare us. Use the witnesses as encouragement Persevere that you might obtain a better resurrection (ref. vs. 11:35)

STEADFASTNESS Run the race with endurance We run to obtain the crown (1 Cor. 9:24-27) By remaining steadfast & immovable, we obtain the victory through our LORD (1 Cor. 15:57-58)

PERSEVERANCE = TENACITY IN THE FACE OF TRIALS

TENACITY Tenacity implies a tough, aggressive persistence; holding on to something. Why does God allow trials to come upon His people? James 1:2-4, 12

TENACITY Lay hold hold upon eternal life (1 Tim. 6:12) Grasp onto it with everything you have and take possession of the benefits, privileges, and responsibilities that come with it!

TENACITY Lay hold hold upon eternal life (1 Tim. 6:12) Even after facing multiple trials, Paul was willing to “hold on” 2 Cor. 11:23-28; Rom. 8:18 1 Cor. 9:24-27

TENACITY Hebrews 10:32-39 These Christians had been subjected to trials and had over- come them. The writer is encouraging them to persevere, that they may receive the promise (vs. 36).

David vs. Goliath (1 Sam. 17) Energetic Persistence Did not allow his brother to change his mind. Steadfastness under pressure Did not allow ridicule to stop him Tenacity in the face of trials He knew he had God on his side

CONCLUSION: Adding virtue, knowledge, self-control, and perseverance to our lives will lead us to become more godly. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6)

CONCLUSION: Remember, God is going to render to each one according to his deeds (Rom. 2:5-10) To those self-seeking: tribulation, wrath, and anguish.

CONCLUSION: Remember, God is going to render to each one according to his deeds (Rom. 2:5-10) Those who seek God, and show patient continuance: glory, honor, peace, and eternal life.

“Never, never, never give up” “But those who wait upon 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” (Isaiah 40:31) “Never, never, never give up” (Winston Churchill)