PERSEVERANCE

1
PERSEVERANCE
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PERSEVERANCE

• Remaining under (hupomenô) difficulties without
  succumbing (Robertson, Power Bible CD).
• To remain i.e. abide, not recede or flee
  (Thayer, vol. II, 882, Ages Software)
• Steady persistence in adhering to a course of
  action, a belief, or a purpose steadfastness
  (American Heritage Dictionary online)

3
PERSEVERANCE
I. HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED (Heb. 1023)
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HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED (Heb. 1023)

• He has given us His abiding word,
• 1Pet. 123, Having been begotten again, not of
  corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through
  the word of God, which liveth and abideth.
• 24 For, All flesh is as grass, And all the glory
  thereof as the flower of grass. The grass
  withereth, and the flower falleth
• 25 But the word of the Lord abideth for ever.
  And this is the word of good tidings which was
  preached unto you.

5
HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED (Heb. 1023)

• He has given us His abiding word,
• Jas. 121, Wherefore putting away all filthiness
  and overflowing of wickedness, receive with
  meekness the implanted word, which is able to
  save your souls.
• John 831, Jesus therefore said to those Jews
  that had believed him, If ye abide in my word,
  then are ye truly my disciples
• 32 and ye shall know the truth, and the truth
  shall make you free.

6
HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED (Heb. 1023)

• He has set before us an abiding hope
• 1Pet. 13, Blessed be the God and Father of our
  Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great
  mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the
  resurrec- tion of Jesus Christ from the dead,
• 4 unto an inheritance incorruptible, and
  undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in
  heaven for you.

7
HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED (Heb. 1023)

• He provides sufficient grace
• 2 Cor. 129, And he hath said unto me, My grace
  is sufficient for thee for my power is made
  perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I
  rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of
  Christ may rest upon me.

8
HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED (Heb. 1023)

• He will not forsake us
• Heb. 135-6, For himself hath said, I will in
  no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise
  forsake thee.
• So that with good courage we say, The Lord is my
  helper I will not fear What shall man do unto
  me?

9
HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED (Heb. 1023)

• He will not suffer us to be tempted above that
  which we are able to bear
• 1Cor. 1013, There hath no temptation taken you
  but such as man can bear but God is faithful,
  who will not suffer you to be tempted above that
  ye are able but will with the temptation make
  also the way of escape, that ye may be able to
  endure it.

10
HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED (Heb. 1023)

• He offers a way of forgiveness if we sin
• Heb. 414, Having then a great high priest, who
  hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of
  God, let us hold fast our confession.
• Heb. 725, Wherefore also he is able to save to
  the uttermost them that draw near unto God
  through him, seeing he ever liveth to make
  intercession for them.
• Acts 822, Repent therefore of this thy
  wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perhaps the
  thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee.

11
HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED (Heb. 1023)

• He has given us His abiding word
• He set before us an abiding hope
• He provides sufficient grace
• He will not forsake us
• He will not suffer us to be tempted above that
  which we are able to bear
• He offers a way of forgiveness if we sin

12
PERSEVERANCE
I. HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED (Heb. 1023)
II. WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS
PART?
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WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
A. The proper use of ones mind (Acts 754 Rom.
25) 1. I must know the truth, John 831,
Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had
believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye
truly my disciples 32 and ye shall know the
truth, and the truth shall make you free.
14
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
A. The proper use of ones mind 2. Remembering,
Heb 1032 But call to remembrance the former
days, in which, after ye were enlightened, ye
endured a great conflict of sufferings 33
partly, being made a gazingstock both by
reproaches and afflictions and partly, becoming
partakers with them that were so used. 34 For ye
both had compassion on them that were in bonds,
and took joyfully the spoiling of you
possessions, knowing that ye have for yourselves
a better possession and an abiding one.
15
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
A. The proper use of ones mind 2.
Remembering, Jas 57 Be patient therefore,
brethren, until the com- ing of the Lord. Behold,
the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of
the earth, being patient over it, until it
receive the early and latter rain... 10 Take,
brethren, for an example of suffering and of
patience, the prophets who spake in the name of
the Lord. 11 Behold, we call them blessed that
endured ye have heard of the patience of Job,
and have seen the end of the Lord, how that the
Lord is full of pity, and merciful.
16
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
A. The proper use of ones mind 2.
Remembering, 1 Thes. 13, Remembering without
ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and
patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before
our God and Father.
17
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
A. The proper use of ones mind 3. Hold
faith, 1 Tim. 119, Holding faith and a good
conscience which some having thrust from them
made shipwreck concerning the faith.
18
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
A. The proper use of ones mind 4. See by
faith, Heb. 111 Col. 31, If then ye were
raised together with Christ, seek the things that
are above, where Christ is, seated on the right
hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that
are above, not on the things that are upon the
earth.
19
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
A. The proper use of ones mind 4. See by
faith, Heb. 111 Heb. 1124, By faith Moses,
when he was grown up, refused to be called the
son of Pharaoh's daughter 25 choosing rather to
share ill treatment with the people of God, than
to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season 26
accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches
than the treasures of Egypt for he looked unto
the recompense of reward. 27 By faith he forsook
Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king for he
endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
20
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
A. The proper use of ones mind 5. Hope, 1
Pet. 113, Wherefore girding up the loins of your
mind, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the
grace that is to be brought unto you at the
revelation of Jesus Christ. Heb. 314, For we
are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast
the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end.
21
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
A. The proper use of ones mind 6. Love, 1 John
416, And we know and have believed the love
which God hath in us. God is love and he that
abideth in love abideth in God, and God abideth
in him. John 159, Even as the Father hath loved
me, I also have loved you abide ye in my love.
22
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
A. The proper use of ones mind 7. Prepare
yourself mentally (1 Pet. 113) Col. 111,
Strengthened with all power, according to the
might of his glory, unto all patience and
longsuffering with joy.
23
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
A. The proper use of ones mind 7. Prepare
yourself mentally (1 Pet. 113) 1 Pet. 315,
But sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord being
ready always to give answer to every man that
asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is
in you, yet with meekness and fear. Rom. 115,
So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the
gospel to you also that are in Rome.
24
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
A. The proper use of ones mind 7. Prepare
yourself mentally (1 Pet. 113) Titus 31, Put
them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to
authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto
every good work.
25
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
A. The proper use of ones mind 7. Prepare
yourself mentally (1 Pet. 113) Acts 2113, Then
Paul answered, What do ye, weeping and breaking
my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only,
but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the
Lord Jesus.
26
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
B. Put Gods word into practice in your life 1
Tim. 119, Holding faith and a good conscience
which some having thrust from them made shipwreck
concerning the faith.
27
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
B. Put Gods word into practice in your
life Talk to people about the gospel, Mark
1615, And he said unto them, Go ye into all the
world, and preach the gospel to the whole
creation.
28
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
B. Put Gods word into practice in your life Do
good works, Gal. 69, And let us not be weary
in well-doing for in due season we shall reap,
if we faint not.
29
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
B. Put Gods word into practice in your
life Perseverance and patience are necessary!
Lk. 815, And that in the good ground, these are
such as in an honest and good heart, having heard
the word, hold it fast, and bring forth fruit
with patience. 1Cor. 36, I planted, Apollos
watered but God gave the increase.
30
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
B. Put Gods word into practice in your life
Pray and sing Rom. 1212, Rejoicing in hope
patient in tribulation continuing stedfastly in
prayer 1 Thes. 517, Pray without ceasing. Heb.
1315, Through him then let us offer up a
sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is,
the fruit of lips which make confession to his
name. Acts 1625, But about midnight Paul and
Silas were praying and singing hymns unto God,
and the prisoners were listening to them.
31
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
B. Put Gods word into practice in your life
Deal with failure Lk. 1430, Saying, This man
began to build, and was not able to finish.
32
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
B. Put Gods word into practice in your life
Re. the church
Acts 242, And they continued stedfastly in the
apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the
breaking of bread and the prayers. Eph. 43,
Giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace. Heb. 131, Let love of the
brethren continue.
33
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
B. Put Gods word into practice in your life
Re. the church Heb. 1023-25, Let us hold fast
the confession of our hope that it waver not for
he is faithful that promised 24 and let us
consider one another to provoke unto love and
good works 25 not forsaking our own assembling
together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting
one another and so much the more, as ye see the
day drawing nigh.
34
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
B. Put Gods word into practice in your
life Acts 1343, Now when the synagogue broke
up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes
followed Paul and Barnabas who, speaking to
them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.
35
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
C. Be steadfast in your fight against the devil
and his works
The devil will fight against those who hold the
testimony of Christ! Rev. 1217, And the dragon
waxed wroth with the woman, and went away to make
war with the rest of her seed, that keep the
commandments of God, and hold the testimony of
Jesus.
36
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
C. Be steadfast in your fight against the devil
and his works Eph. 611, Put on the whole armor
of God, that ye may be able to stand against the
wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not
against flesh and blood, but against the
principalities, against the powers, against the
world-rulers of this darkness, against the
spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly
places. 13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of
God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil
day, and, having done all, to stand.
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WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
C. Be steadfast in your fight against the devil
and his works The devil will use error Acts
2029, I know that after my departing grievous
wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the
flock 30 and from among your own selves shall
men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away
the disciples after them. 32 And now I commend
you to God, and to the word of his grace, which
is able to build you up, and to give you the
inheritance among all them that are sanctified.
38
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
C. Be steadfast in your fight against the devil
and his works The devil will use error 2 Tim.
113, Hold the pattern of sound words which thou
hast heard from me, in faith and love which is in
Christ Jesus.
39
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
C. Be steadfast in your fight against the devil
and his works Many follow the devil, making for
a godless society Matt. 2412, And because
iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of the
many shall wax cold. 13 But he that endureth to
the end, the same shall be saved.
40
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
C. Be steadfast in your fight against the devil
and his works If we are faithful we will be
persecuted for our faith 2 Tim. 312, Yea, and
all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall
suffer persecution.
41
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
C. Be steadfast in your fight against the devil
and his works We must persevere in the face of
persecution Mk. 1313, And ye shall be hated of
all men for my name's sake but he that endureth
to the end, the same shall be saved. Rev. 213, I
know where thou dwellest, even where Satan's
throne is and thou holdest fast my name, and
didst not deny my faith, even in the days of
Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was
killed among you, where Satan dwelleth.
42
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
C. Be steadfast in your fight against the devil
and his works Matt. 544, But I say unto you,
love your enemies, and pray for them that
persecute you 45 that ye may be sons of your
Father who is in heaven for he maketh his sun to
rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain
on the just and the unjust.
43
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
C. Be steadfast in your fight against the devil
and his works Rom. 53, And not only so, but we
also rejoice in our tribulations knowing that
tribulation worketh stedfastness.
Jas. 112 "Blessed is a man who perseveres under
trial for once he has been approved, he will
receive the crown of life, which the Lord has
promised to those who love Him." (NASV)
44
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
C. Be steadfast in your fight against the devil
and his works Heb. 121, Therefore let us also,
seeing we are compassed about with so great a
cloud of witnesses, 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.
45
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
C. Be steadfast in your fight against the devil
and his works Perseverance must be practiced!
Gal. 69, And let us not be weary in well-doing
for in due season we shall reap, if we faint
not. 1 Cor. 1558, Wherefore, my beloved
brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as
ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.
46
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
A. The proper use of ones mind 1. I must know
the truth. 2. Remembering, Heb 1032, The
former days Jas. 57, 10-11, Examples of
men of faith 1 Thes. 13, Faithful
brethren. 3. Hold faith. 4. See by faith. 5.
Hope. 6. Love. 7. Prepare yourself mentally.
47
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
B. Put Gods word into practice in your life 1.
Hold faith and a good conscience. 2. Talk to
people about the gospel. 3. Do good works. 4.
Pray and sing. 5. Deal with failure. 6. Be
faithful in your relationship with the church.
48
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?

• C. Be steadfast in your fight against the devil
  and his works
• The devil will fight against those who hold the
  testimony of Christ!
• The devil will use error.
• Many will follow the devil, making for a
  godless society.
• If we are faithful we will be persecuted for our
  faith.
• We must persevere in the face of persecution.

49
PERSEVERANCE
I. HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED (Heb. 1023)
II. WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS
PART?
III. THE EXAMPLE OF PETER
50
THE EXAMPLE OF PETER
A. The greatness of Peter 1. He was among the
first disciples of Jesus. 2. He was chosen as
one of the 12 was prominent among them
(Matt. 17 26, Peter, James, John). 3. Like
James and John, he was named by Jesus
(Cephas, Jno. 142). 4. He was the
first of the 12 to see Jesus after His
resurrection (Lk. 2434). 5. Preached the first
gospel sermon (Acts 2). 6. The first to preach
to the Gentiles (Acts 10). 7. First speaker in
the meeting at Jerusalem (Acts 15). 8.
Wrote 2 epistles which bear his name (12 Pet.).
9. A martyr (Jno. 2118-19).
51
THE EXAMPLE OF PETER
A. The greatness of Peter
B. His mistakes and sins 1. Matt. 1622, And
Peter took him, and began to rebuke him,
saying, Be it far from thee, Lord this
shall never be unto thee. 2. Matt. 2633, But
Peter answered and said unto him, If all
shall be offended in thee, I will never
be offended. 3. Matt. 2669-75, Denied Jesus
three times 4. Gal. 211-12, Guilty of public
hypocrisy
52
THE EXAMPLE OF PETER
A. The greatness of Peter
B. His mistakes and sins
C. His trials
53
THE EXAMPLE OF PETER
C. His trials 1. Acts 43, And they laid
hands on them, and put them in ward unto the
morrow for it was now eventide. 21, And they,
when they had further threatened them, let them
go, finding nothing how they might punish them,
because of the people for all men glorified God
for that which was done.
54
THE EXAMPLE OF PETER
C. His trials 2. Acts 517-18, 40, But the
high priest rose up, and all they that were with
him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and
they were filled with jealousy, 18 and laid
hands on the apostles, and put them in public
ward. 40 And to him they agreed and when they
had called the apostles unto them, they beat them
and charged them not to speak in the name of
Jesus, and let them go.
55
THE EXAMPLE OF PETER
C. His trials 3. Acts 112, And when Peter was
come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the
circumcision contended with him. 4. Acts 121,
Now about that time Herod the king put forth his
hands to afflict certain of the church. 2 And he
killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he
proceeded to seize Peter also. And those were the
days of unleavened bread. 5. Acts 151, And
certain men came down from Judaea and taught the
brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after
the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
56
THE EXAMPLE OF PETER
A. The greatness of Peter
B. His mistakes and sins
C. His trials
57
PERSEVERANCE
I. HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED (Heb. 1023)
II. WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS
PART?
III. THE EXAMPLE OF PETER
IV. FRUITS OF PERSEVERANCE
58
FRUITS OF PERSEVERANCE
1. A godly life, Titus 211-13, For the grace of
God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all
men, 12 instructing us, to the intent that,
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should
live soberly and righteously and godly in this
present world 13 looking for the blessed hope
and appearing of the glory of the great God and
our Saviour Jesus Christ
59
FRUITS OF PERSEVERANCE
2. Builds influence, Acts 162, The same was
well reported of by the brethren that were at
Lystra and Iconium. It was a continuous
witness that was borne the young disciple both in
his home town of Lystra and in Derbe.
(Robertson, Power Bible CD)
60
FRUITS OF PERSEVERANCE
2. Builds influence, Acts 1526, Men that have
hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ. 1 Tim. 510, Well reported of for
good works if she hath brought up children, if
she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she
hath washed the saints' feet, if she hath
relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently
followed every good work.
61
FRUITS OF PERSEVERANCE
3. Sets a lasting example, Heb. 1113, These all
died in faith, not having received the promises,
but having seen them and greeted them from afar,
and having confessed that they were strangers and
pilgrims on the earth.
62
FRUITS OF PERSEVERANCE
4. Spiritual maturity, Jas. 14, And let
steadfastness (perseverance, NIV) have its full
effect, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking in nothing. (RSV)
63
FRUITS OF PERSEVERANCE
5. Builds lasting relationships among the
faithful, Rev. 34, But thou hast a few names in
Sardis that did not defile their garments and
they shall walk with me in white for they are
worthy. Eph. 43, Giving diligence to keep the
unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
64
FRUITS OF PERSEVERANCE
6. It helps churches stay faithful, 1 Tim. 41,
But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later
times some shall fall away from the faith, giving
heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of
demons. 2 Jno. 9, Whosoever goeth onward and
abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not
God he that abideth in the teaching, the same
hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If any one
cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching,
receive him not into your house, and give him no
greeting 11 for he that giveth him greeting
partaketh in his evil works.
65
FRUITS OF PERSEVERANCE
6. It helps churches stay faithful, Rev. 210,
Fear not the things which thou art about to
suffer behold, the devil is about to cast some
of you into prison, that ye may be tried and ye
shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful
unto death, and I will give thee the crown of
life.
66
FRUITS OF PERSEVERANCE
7. Preserves marriages, Matt. 196, So that
they are no more two, but one flesh. What
therefore God hath joined together, let not man
put asunder.
67
FRUITS OF PERSEVERANCE
8. Helps parents stay the course in raising
children, Eph. 64, And, ye fathers, provoke
not your children to wrath but nurture them in
the chastening and admonition of the Lord. 1
Tim. 514, I desire therefore that the younger
widows marry, bear children, rule the household,
give no occasion to the adversary for reviling.
68
FRUITS OF PERSEVERANCE
9. A home in heaven, Rom. 25-7, But after thy
hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up for
thyself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation
of the righteous judgment of God 6 who will
render to every man according to his works 7 to
them that by patience in well-doing seek for
glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life.

69
FRUITS OF PERSEVERANCE
1. A godly life, Titus 211-12 2. Influence, Acts
163 1526 1 Tim. 510 3. A lasting example,
Heb. 1113 4. Spiritual maturity, Jas. 14 5.
Builds lasting relationships among the faithful,
Rev. 34 Eph. 43 6. It helps churches to stay
faithful, 1 Tim. 41-3 2 Jno. 9-11 Rev. 210 7.
Preserves marriages, Matt. 196 8. Helps parents
stay the course in raising children, Eph. 64 1
Tim. 514 9. A home in heaven, Rom. 25-7
70
HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED (Heb. 1023)

• He has given us His abiding word
• He set before us an abiding hope
• He provides sufficient grace
• He will not forsake us
• He will not suffer us to be tempted above that
  which we are able to bear
• He offers a way of forgiveness if we sin

71
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
A. The proper use of ones mind 1. I must know
the truth. 2. Remembering, Heb 1032, The
former days Jas. 57, 10-11, Examples of
men of faith 1 Thes. 13, Faithful
brethren. 3. Hold faith. 4. See by faith. 5.
Hope. 6. Love. 7. Prepare yourself mentally.
72
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?
B. Put Gods word into practice in your life 1.
Hold faith and a good conscience. 2. Talk to
people about the gospel. 3. Do good works. 4.
Pray and sing. 5. Deal with failure. 6. Be
faithful in your relationship with the church.
73
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PERSEVERANCE ON MANS PART?

• C. Be steadfast in your fight against the devil
  and his works
• The devil will fight against those who hold the
  testimony of Christ!
• The devil will use error.
• Many will follow the devil, making for a
  godless society.
• If we are faithful we will be persecuted for our
  faith.
• We must persevere in the face of persecution.

74
THE EXAMPLE OF PETER
A. The greatness of Peter
B. His mistakes and sins
C. His trials
75
FRUITS OF PERSEVERANCE
1. A godly life, Titus 211-12 2. Influence, Acts
163 1526 1 Tim. 510 3. A lasting example,
Heb. 1113 4. Spiritual maturity, Jas. 14 5.
Builds lasting relationships among the faithful,
Rev. 34 Eph. 43 6. It helps churches to stay
faithful, 1 Tim. 41-3 2 Jno. 9-11 Rev. 210 7.
Preserves marriages, Matt. 196 8. Helps parents
stay the course in raising children, Eph. 64 1
Tim. 514 9. A home in heaven, Rom. 25-7