This morning I have been pondering the word "perserverance". I do have a particular fascination regarding the meaning of words. I figure if it is something I am to have and strive after, I had better understand what it is.
Perserverance definition:
5281 hypomonḗ (from 5259 /htpó, "under" and 3306 /ménō, "remain, endure") – properly, remaining under, endurance; steadfastness. A patient, steadfastness, constancy, endurance.
in the N. T. the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings:
2 Peter 1:3-11 - 3For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises [of inexpressible value], so that by them you may escape from the immoral freedom that is in the world because of disreputable desire, and become sharers of the divine nature. 5For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), 6and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness (Perserverance), godliness, 7and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit]. 8For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9For whoever lacks these qualities is blind--shortsighted [closing his spiritual eyes to the truth], having become oblivious to the fact that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin]; 11for in this way entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided to you.
In my pursuit to understand "Perserverance", I have gotten hung up in these verses in 2nd Peter. I am attempting to pick out main points in these verses to emphasize them, but finding it quite difficult to do so. Every word is essential. I think it wise to ponder these verses and ask yourself, "How am I doing increasing these values in my life? Am I headed to spiritual maturity or, alternatively, am I lacking the qualities listed and I am actually closing my spiritual eyes to the truth and stumbling?
Since it was the word "Perserverance" that started this entire investigation this morning, I will briefly pursue that thought with some questions:
Since Perserverance means endurance and steadfastness and constancy. Unswerving from your loyalty to faith or your loyalty to keeping steady in trusting God in the midst of troubles and suffering. My main question is: How are you doing in regard to that? Are you blind to spiritual things? Are you building on sand or on a solid rock? Are you quickly sinking in the storm by being distracted by the wind and waves? Are you steady with your eyes on Jesus? When trouble hits, are you quickly bailing out on God or are you faithfully Stickin' with Jesus, who is the Truth, the Word of God?
Do you have the knowledge that you are sharers of the divine nature? Do you know that for this very reason, you must apply your diligence [to the divine promises, and make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to develop Perserverance along with all the other attributes to be sharers of His divine nature.
How steady and constant are you in your confidence toward God (faith) when trouble comes? When you evaluate yourself and if you find these qualities lacking, know this: His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, and make every effort to add these characteristics, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, knowledge (insight, self-control, steadfastness (Perserverance), godliness, brotherly affection, and [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit].
Know this: if these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, apply diligence and every effort to increase in these characteristics and grow spiritually. Where you are regarding these characteristics reflects where you are in your relationship with Christ and remember...we are headed for an eternal kingdom. This is no small potatoes. Pay attention. Apply diligence.
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