Hey! I’m back this week with perseverance #2 from about a year ago. Enjoy!
2 Timothy 1:1-7- Toothpaste and Fire
Perseverance- to endure
—- You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. (Mark 13:13)
—- They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us, but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us. (1 John 2:19)
—- Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, (James 1:2)
James says that God uses trials to teach us perseverance, the ability to remain sturdy under pressure.
If God can get this one thing into your life, then he can give you everything else.
—- knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. (James 1:3)
Background info on the book of 2 Timothy:
Written between 65 and 67 A.D.
It was the last book written by the Apostle Paul
Paul was in his mid 60s
Timothy, Paul’s protégé, was the recipient of this letter
Timothy was a seasoned pastor, he was discouraged and afraid, living in defeat.
It was written during the Roman persecution under Emporer Nero.
Paul was awaiting execution in Rome.
—- I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which is the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Four Reasons to Persevere:
1. We have an awesome future
– There are three attributes of God that every believer should understand:
Grace- Unmerited favor, we didn’t do anything to earn it.
Mercy- Not giving you what you do deserve.
Peace- Calm assurance that what God’s doing is right (emotion)
— Philippians calls it the peace that surpasses all understanding.
2. We persevere because we have good friends.
Words of Wisdom: True friends are willing to show compassion, even if it hurts them.
3. We have a sincere faith.
What causes the fire in our hearts to die down?
1. Unconfessed sin
2. Independence
How can I kindle it afresh?
1. Get along with God today.
2. Ask God to bring wind to what has grieved him.
4. We have nothing to fear
-Chris
Growing in Public 