1. Perseverance Matthew 10:16-23

2. Introduction Satan is our enemy –Seeks to devour us (1 Peter 5:8) –Heaven will be worth it –He will say, “Well done…” (Matthew 25:23)

3. Perseverance Definition –T–To be steady, maintaining a direction –S–Synonyms include tenacity, endurance, steadfastness, and determination –C–Can’t “play around” at being a Christian

4. How Did Christ Persevere? He is our example –Left “footprints” (1 Peter 2:21, 22) –Lived as a man (John 1:1, 14; Philippians 2:5-9) –Tempted as a man (James 1:13) –Never sinned (Hebrews 4:15, 16)

5. How Did Christ Persevere? How did He do it? –Aware of the Father’s care (Psalm 46:1; John 8:29; 16:32) –Absolutely committed to doing right (Daniel 1:8; Ephesians 4:1) –Appealed to the Word (Psalm 119:11; Matthew 4:1-11)

6. How Did Christ Persevere? How did He do it? (continued) –Prayed (Matthew 26:36; Luke 6:12) –Kept His eye on the goal (Hebrews 12:2; Colossians 3:1-3)

7. How Can We Persevere? Look to Jesus –Consider Him (Hebrews 12:3) –Depend on Him (Philippians 4:13)

8. How Can We Persevere? Help each other (Hebrews 10:19-31) –Hold fast our confession (v. 23) –Consider one another (vv. 24, 25) –Failure to help is a willful sin (vv. 26-31)

9. How Can We Persevere? Be committed (Hebrews 11) –Like Abraham (v. 8) –Like Noah (v. 14) –Like Rahab (v. 31) –Many others (vv. 13-16, 32-40) –“Cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1)

10. How Can We Persevere? Don’t let failures cause apostasy –Edison spent $40,000 and tried 10,000 times finding right filament –Set an example for our children (Nehemiah 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:12; 4:6-8) –Be among those who endure (Hebrews 10:32-39)

11. Conclusion No “magic formula” Total commitment required What about you?