Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:Perseverance in the biblical context refers to the steadfastness and endurance in faith and obedience to God, despite trials, tribulations, or opposition. It is the continued effort to maintain one's faith and commitment to God's commandments, often in the face of adversity.
Biblical References:1.
James 1:12 : "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." This verse highlights the reward for those who endure trials with faith, emphasizing the eternal perspective of perseverance.
2.
Romans 5:3-4 : "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Here, perseverance is seen as a process that builds character and hope, suggesting that enduring hardships is integral to spiritual growth.
3.
Hebrews 12:1 : "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us." This passage encourages believers to persevere in their spiritual journey, inspired by the examples of faith from those who have gone before.
4.
2 Timothy 4:7 : "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." The Apostle Paul reflects on his life of perseverance in faith, illustrating the fulfillment and completion of his spiritual journey.
5.
Galatians 6:9 : "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." This verse encourages believers to continue in good works and faithfulness, with the assurance of eventual reward.
Theological Significance:Perseverance is a key aspect of the Christian life, reflecting the believer's commitment to God and His purposes. It is often associated with the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, which holds that true believers will persist in faith until the end. This doctrine underscores the belief in God's sustaining grace, which enables believers to endure.
Examples of Perseverance in Scripture:·
Job: The account of Job is a profound example of perseverance. Despite immense suffering and loss, Job remained faithful to God, ultimately receiving restoration and blessing (
Job 42:10-17).
·
The Apostles: The early apostles, including Peter and Paul, demonstrated perseverance through persecution and hardship as they spread the Gospel. Their unwavering commitment serves as a model for believers.
·
Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of perseverance is found in Jesus Christ, who endured the cross, despising its shame, for the joy set before Him (
Hebrews 12:2). His perseverance in fulfilling God's redemptive plan is central to Christian faith.
Practical Application:Believers are called to persevere in their faith, trusting in God's promises and relying on His strength. This involves daily commitment to prayer, Scripture, and obedience, as well as seeking encouragement from the community of faith. Perseverance is not merely passive endurance but active engagement in the life of faith, with the assurance that God is faithful to complete the work He has begun in each believer (
Philippians 1:6).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Persevere.
Library
But GamalaPersevered in Its Allegiance to the Romans...
... Section 11. But Gamalapersevered in its allegiance to the Romans? 11.
But Gamalapersevered in its allegiance to the Romans, for...
They who have Sinned in Divers Particulars, if they have...
... Canon II. They who have sinned in divers particulars, if they havepersevered
in the prayer of? They who have sinned in divers...
Of the Nature of the Perseverance Here Discoursed Of.
... For if he fall before he dies, he is, of course, said not to havepersevered;
and most truly is it said. How, then, should he be...
How we Oftentimes Repulse the Inspiration and Refuse to Love God.
... in charity, stating further as probable that grace and charity were equal in them
all, he asks how it came to pass that some of thempersevered, and made...
Whether Adam Received the Gift of Perseverance.
... in what way we can answer those who say, "If in that uprightness in which he was
made without sin he had perseverance, beyond all doubt hepersevered in it...
Effect of Prayer for Perseverance.
... But, lest perchance it be said that perseverance even to the end is not indeed lost
when it has once been given,"that is, when a man haspersevered unto the...
The Gift of Perseverance Can be Obtained by Prayer.
... perseverance is given to any one to the end, except when the end itself has come,
and he to whom it has been given has been found to havepersevered unto the...
Acacius, Bishop of Beroea, Zeno, and Ajax, Men Distinguished and...
... woman, and after he had known her thrice in all that time, had three sons; and that
subsequently he held no further intercourse with her, butpersevered in the...
Whether in the State of Innocence Children Would have Been Born...
... Therefore, if the first man hadpersevered in righteousness, his descendants would
have derived from him the necessity of preserving righteousness....
Some Time Ago, Macarius, a Man of Distinction from his Faith, his...
... He, however,persevered in his request, begging earnestly that by any kind of words
that might be possible, the things which he longed to know should be placed...
Thesaurus
Persevered (4 Occurrences)... (imp. & pp) of Persevere. Multi-Version Concordance
Persevered (4 Occurrences).
Luke 22:28 But ye are they who have
persevered with me in my temptations. (DBY).
...Persevere (3 Occurrences)
Perseveres (3 Occurrences)
Resources
What does it mean that teachers will be judged more strictly (James 3:1)? | GotQuestions.orgThe patience of Job'why is Job famous for being patient? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? | GotQuestions.orgPersevered: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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