PerseverancePerseverance

Matthew 10:16-23Matthew 10:16-23

Introduction 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)

Perseverance Perseverance

• Definition–To be steady, maintaining a direction

–Synonyms include tenacity, endurance, steadfastness, and determination

–Can’t “play around” at being a Christian

How Did Christ Persevere?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)

How Did Christ Persevere?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)

How Did Christ Persevere?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)

How Can We Persevere?How Can We Persevere?

• Look to Jesus–Consider Him (Hebrews 12:3)

–Depend on Him (Philippians 4:13)

How Can We Persevere?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)

How Can We Persevere?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)

How Can We Persevere?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)

Conclusion Conclusion

• No “magic formula”

• Total commitment required

• What about you?