PM Scripture Reading: James 5.7-12

This Evening’s Sermon:                                    Brent T. Willey

“ADD TO YOUR FAITH…PERSEVERANCE!”

2 Peter 1.5-11

(Part Five)

Introduction:

1. What is the key to achieving substantial spiritual growth in the Lord? PERSEVERANCE!(2 Pet. 1.6)
   1. Hupomone: “lit. ‘an abiding under’ [hupo = under; meno = ‘to abide’]; almost invariably rendered ‘patience,’ which grows only in trials” (Vine).  No pain – no gain!
   2. Tested faith that remains strong is perseverance/endurance.
2. Effortless Christianity is weak & painless – “perseverance” is never added!

I.REMEMBER “THE PERSEVERANCE OF JOB!”

1. Read James 5.7-12

1. Context: Christians in the 1^st century faced many trials.

2. Trials (difficulties) can cause some to be bitter. (V. 9)

3. Old Testament examples: Prophets & Job (Vs. 10-11)

4. Be careful how you respond! (V. 12; cf., Matt. 5.33-37)

1. Verse 11: “You have heard of the patience of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord…” We don’t always see it!

 II.ADDING PERSEVERANCE TO FAITHFUL LIVES…

1. Perseverance in persecution (2 Tim. 3.12; James 1.2-4)

2. Perseverance in growth…(Rom. 15.4; 2 Tim. 2.15)

3. Perseverance in evangelism…(Luke 8.15; Gal. 6.9)

4. Perseverance in forgiveness…(Matt. 18.21-22; Col. 3.12-13)

5. Perseverance in continuance…(Rom. 2.5-11; Rev. 14.12-13)

Conclusion: There is no greater example of perseverance than Jesus on the cross! (Heb. 12.1-2) What are we willing to persevere?