Topical Encyclopedia
Persistence is a steadfast continuance in a course of action despite difficulties or opposition. In the Bible, persistence is often highlighted as a virtue that reflects faith, determination, and reliance on God. It is a quality that believers are encouraged to cultivate in their spiritual lives, as it is essential for growth, endurance, and achieving God's purposes.
Old Testament ExamplesThe Old Testament provides numerous examples of persistence. One notable figure is Noah, who demonstrated persistence in building the ark over many years despite the ridicule and disbelief of those around him. His unwavering commitment to God's command is a testament to his faith and perseverance (Genesis 6-9).
Another example is Jacob, who persisted in his desire for God's blessing. He wrestled with the angel of the Lord until daybreak, refusing to let go until he received a blessing. This act of persistence resulted in God changing his name to Israel, meaning "he struggles with God" (
Genesis 32:24-28).
New Testament TeachingsIn the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of persistence in prayer. In the Parable of the Persistent Widow, Jesus illustrates how persistent prayer can lead to justice and answers from God. The widow's relentless pursuit of justice from an unjust judge serves as a model for believers to persist in prayer and not lose heart (
Luke 18:1-8). Jesus concludes the parable by saying, "And will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help?" (
Luke 18:7).
The Apostle Paul also speaks to the value of persistence in the Christian life. In his letter to the Romans, he encourages believers to be "joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer" (
Romans 12:12). Paul himself exemplified persistence through his missionary journeys, enduring hardships, persecution, and imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel (
2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
Spiritual PersistencePersistence is not only about enduring external challenges but also about maintaining spiritual disciplines. The early church devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (
Acts 2:42). This steadfastness in spiritual practices helped the early Christians grow in faith and unity.
The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to "run with endurance the race set out for us" by fixing their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith (
Hebrews 12:1-2). This metaphor of a race underscores the need for persistence in the Christian journey, as believers are called to persevere in their faith despite trials and temptations.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in empowering believers to persist. Through the Spirit, Christians receive strength and encouragement to continue in their faith. Paul prays for the Colossians to be "strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, so that you may have full endurance and patience" (
Colossians 1:11). The Spirit's work in the believer's life is essential for cultivating the fruit of persistence.
ConclusionPersistence is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, reflecting a deep trust in God's promises and a commitment to His purposes. Through biblical examples and teachings, believers are encouraged to persist in prayer, spiritual disciplines, and their walk with God, relying on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Staying or continuing quality; doggedness; obstinacy.
2. (n.) The continuance of an effect after the cause which first gave rise to it is removed
3. (n.) The persistence of motion.
4. (n.) Visual persistence, or persistence of the visual impression; auditory persistence, etc.
Greek
335. anaideia -- shamelessness... Noun, Feminine Transliteration: anaideia Phonetic Spelling: (an-ah'-ee-die-ah')
Short Definition: shamelessness, shameless
persistence Definition: shamelessness
...1961. epimeno -- to stay on
... 1961 (from 1909 , ", fitting," which intensifies 3306 , "remain, persist") --
properly, on withpersistence that the objective....
Library
Persistence of Thwarted Love
... D.; ST. MATTHEW Chaps. XVIII to XXVIIIPERSISTENCE OF THWARTED LOVE. 'If so be
that he find it.'"Matthew 18:13. 'Until he find it.'"Luke 15:4....
Whether Perseverance is a virtue?
... ii) that "perseverance is the fixed and continuedpersistence in a well-considered
purpose." Therefore perseverance is not a special virtue, but a condition of...
Prayer Concerns Three.
... The great essential in prayer ispersistence.... The second intense truth is this:"the
winning quality in prayer ispersistence. The final test is here....
First Tractate.
... Let us suppose thispersistence to be the result of the all-inclusiveness of the
celestial and universal " with its consequence, the absence of any outlying...
Prayer and Importunity (Continued)
... Importunity is made up of intensity, perseverance, patience andpersistence.... His
persistence won where half-hearted indifference would surely have failed....
Two Forms of one Saying
... that there is a banded conspiracy, as it were, against them, and that they have
to fight their way by continual antagonism, by continualpersistence, as well...
How to Pray
... their wish. He does give them a model prayer, and He adds encouragements
to pray which inculcate confidence andpersistence. The...
Lo! the Evil one Reproached Death
... sureties."25. Withpersistence for strength, I wage my war: and if I neglect
but a little, my sway is naught."26. By continual...
Whether a Man Can Sin First of all against the Holy Ghost?
... the Holy Ghost to denote final impenitence, it does not regard the question in point,
because this sin against the Holy Ghost requirespersistence in sin until...
The Follies of the Wise
... Audacity, resource, secrecy, promptitude,persistence, skill of hand, and a hundred
others, are put into play before a man can break into your back kitchen and...
Thesaurus
Persistence (2 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) The
persistence of motion. 4. (n.) Visual
persistence, or
persistence of
the visual impression; auditory
persistence, etc. Multi-Version Concordance
...Persistency (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) Thepersistence of motion. 4. (n.) Visualpersistence, orpersistence of
the visual impression; auditorypersistence, etc. Multi-Version Concordance...
Elamarna
... PHILOLOGICAL VALUE 1. Knowledge of Amorite, Hittite and Mitannian Tongues 2.
Persistence of Canaanite Names to the Present Time 3. Verification of Biblical...
Tablets (31 Occurrences)
... PHILOLOGICAL VALUE 1. Knowledge of Amorite, Hittite and Mitannian Tongues 2.
Persistence of Canaanite Names to the Present Time 3. Verification of Biblical...
El-amarna
... PHILOLOGICAL VALUE 1. Knowledge of Amorite, Hittite and Mitannian Tongues 2.
Persistence of Canaanite Names to the Present Time 3. Verification of Biblical...
Tell (3056 Occurrences)
... PHILOLOGICAL VALUE 1. Knowledge of Amorite, Hittite and Mitannian Tongues 2.
Persistence of Canaanite Names to the Present Time 3. Verification of Biblical...
Perseverance (27 Occurrences)
... (see BACKSLIDE.). Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.)Persistence under harsh conditions;
continued pursuit or prosecution of any business, or enterprise begun....
Persisted (8 Occurrences)
Needs (85 Occurrences)
... Luke 11:8 I tell you, although he will not rise and give it to him because he is
his friend, yet because of hispersistence, he will get up and give him as...
Unwearied (5 Occurrences)
... and entreaty on every fitting occasion in the Spirit, and be always on the alert
to seize opportunities for doing so, with unweariedpersistence and entreaty...
Resources
What does the Bible say about persistence? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of importunity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Friend in Need (Persistent Neighbor)? | GotQuestions.orgPersistence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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