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Test of Perseverance - part 1 of 2 Perseverance means maintaining Christian faith through the trying times of life. As a noun the term perseverance occurs in the New Testament twice. (proskarteresei) Eph. 6:18 (KJV) 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (hupomones) Heb. 12:1 (KJV) 1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, The word perseverance came out of the context of persecution and temptation. The believer was expected faithfully to endure and to remain steadfast in the face of opposition, attack, and discouragement. The New Testament writers were forthright in advising believers to be consistent in prayer Phil. 4:6 (KJV) 6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. They wrote athletic imagery to remind Christians to be effectual as they trained in the ways of God. 1 Cor. 9:24-27 (KJV) 24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. Rom. 12:11-12 (KJV) 11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Israel’s failure of faithfulness in Exodus was a scary picture for Christians, and inspired New Testament writers to give an important basis for warning (see 1 Cor. 10:1-14; Heb. 3:7-19). They were committed to making absolutely clear that the requirements of Christian living were recognized as an important element of Christian believing. Genuine life and true belief are both necessary parts of being a Christian. The warnings are very stern. Heb. 10:26-31 (KJV) 26For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. -S. Chad Ross January Newsletter 2004 | To Be Humbled part 1 | Stop, Look, and Listen | Test of Perseverance part 1 of 2 Pastor's Journal January 2003 | Intercessors Invitation | Be Not Fruitless or Barren part 1 of 3 |
Biblical Counseling for Leaders
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