Topical Encyclopedia
Definition: The term "persistent" refers to the quality of continuing steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, or course of action, especially in spite of opposition or difficulty. In a biblical context, persistence is often associated with faith, prayer, and the pursuit of righteousness.
Biblical Examples:1.
The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8): Jesus shares the parable of the persistent widow to illustrate the importance of persistent prayer and faith. The widow continually approaches an unjust judge, seeking justice against her adversary. Despite his initial reluctance, the judge eventually grants her request due to her persistence. Jesus uses this parable to encourage believers to pray consistently and not lose heart, emphasizing that God, unlike the unjust judge, is righteous and attentive to the cries of His people. The Berean Standard Bible quotes Jesus saying, "And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off?" (
Luke 18:7).
2.
The Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28): A Canaanite woman persistently pleads with Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Despite initial silence and the disciples' urging to send her away, she continues to implore Jesus. Her persistence and faith lead Jesus to commend her, saying, "O woman, your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire." (
Matthew 15:28). Her daughter is healed at that moment, demonstrating the power of persistent faith.
3.
Jacob Wrestling with God (Genesis 32:22-32): Jacob's encounter with God at Peniel is a profound example of persistence. Jacob wrestles with a divine being until daybreak, refusing to let go until he receives a blessing. This persistence results in God blessing him and changing his name to Israel, signifying his struggle and prevailing with God. This narrative underscores the importance of tenacity in seeking God's blessing and favor.
Teachings on Persistence:1.
Prayer: The Bible frequently encourages believers to be persistent in prayer. In
Colossians 4:2, Paul exhorts the church to "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." . Persistence in prayer is seen as an expression of faith and reliance on God.
2.
Faith:Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter," highlights numerous individuals who demonstrated persistent faith in God's promises despite challenges and delays. Their accounts serve as an encouragement to remain steadfast in faith.
3.
Righteous Living: Persistence is also vital in the pursuit of righteousness and holiness.
Galatians 6:9 encourages believers, "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 highlights the importance of perseverance in living a life that honors God.
Applications:·
In Personal Life: Believers are encouraged to persist in their personal walk with God, maintaining regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. Persistence in these spiritual disciplines strengthens faith and fosters spiritual growth.
·
In Ministry: Those involved in ministry are called to persist in their efforts to spread the Gospel and serve others, even in the face of opposition or discouragement. The Apostle Paul serves as a model of persistence in ministry, enduring hardships and persecution for the sake of the Gospel.
·
In Trials: Persistence is crucial when facing trials and tribulations.
James 1:12 states, "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 promise encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith during difficult times.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Inclined to persist; having staying qualities; tenacious of position or purpose.
2. (a.) Remaining beyond the period when parts of the same kind sometimes fall off or are absorbed; permanent; as, persistent teeth or gills; a persistent calyx; -- opposed to deciduous, and caducous.
Greek
88. adialeiptos -- incessant... or ".". [88 () occurs in the meaning ", " -- like a
persistent cough (see
Moulton-Milligan).]. Word Origin from alpha (as a neg. prefix
...Strong's Hebrew
5464. sagrir -- steady orpersistent rain... 5463, 5464. sagrir. 5465 . steady or
persistent rain. Transliteration:
sagrir Phonetic Spelling: (sag-reed') Short Definition: rain.
...Library
Geological Contemporaneity andPersistent Types of Life.
... X. GEOLOGICAL CONTEMPORANEITY ANDPERSISTENT TYPES OF LIFE. Merchants
occasionally go through a wholesome, though troublesome and...
Prayer and Importunity (Continued)
... deeply-earnest. Energy, courage, andpersistent perseverance must back the
prayers which heaven respects, and God hears. All these...
Impressive Phrases
... assemble, amass, accumulate, and acquire. assiduity, tenderness, industry,
and vigilance [assiduity =persistent application]. assurance...
You Say that There are Good Men in the Human Race...
... are striving with their passions every day, and struggling to drive out, to expel
deeply-rooted passions from their minds by thepersistent [3752] opposition...
The Waters of Meribah
... There is such a thing as national characterpersistent through generations, each
unit of which adds something to the force of the tendencies which he receives...
Whether Irregularity Attaches to Bigamy?
... is most incompatible with spirituality, inasmuch as it makes a man to be wholly
carnal, they should give no sign ofpersistent concupiscence, which does indeed...
Whether Pain or Sorrow is Assuaged by Every Pleasure?
... Objection 3: When there are two causes inclining to contrary movements, each hinders
the other; yet the one which is stronger and morepersistent, prevails in...
The Outbreak of the Arian Controversy. The Attitude of Eusebius.
... Lucian and his disciples were the creation of the Son, the denial of his co-eternity
with the Father, and his immutability acquired bypersistent progress and...
The Christian Prayer
... It is difficult to deny apersistent man who, when thwarted in one way, begins to
plan and act for the object which he seeks in another way and who will not be...
Our Strong City
... Convulsions come, every Babylon falls, all human institutions change and pass.
'The kingdoms old' are 'cast into another mould.' Butpersistent through them all...
Thesaurus
Persistent (5 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) Remaining beyond the period when parts of the same kind sometimes fall off
or are absorbed; permanent; as,
persistent teeth or gills; a
persistent calyx
...Persistently (16 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In apersistent manner. Multi-Version
Concordance Persistently (16 Occurrences). Matthew 14:4 because...
Persistency (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) The quality or state of beingpersistent; staying or continuing quality;
hence, in an unfavorable sense, doggedness; obstinacy....
Assiduous
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Diligent; attentive;persistent; constant in
application or attention; as, assiduous hard work; devoted; unremitting....
Unwearied (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Not wearied; not fatigued or tired; hence,persistent;
not tiring or wearying; indefatigable. Multi-Version Concordance...
Unwavering (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 1:3 For we never fail to remember your works of faith and labours
of love and yourpersistent and unwavering hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in...
Joyful (83 Occurrences)
... you persecuted. (WEY). Romans 12:12 full of joyful hope, patient under
persecution, earnest andpersistent in prayer. (WEY NIV). 2...
Labours (19 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 1:3 For we never fail to remember your works of faith and labours
of love and yourpersistent and unwavering hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in...
Goodness (83 Occurrences)
... In man is not a mere passive quality, but the deliberate preference of right to
wrong, the firm andpersistent resistance of all moral evil, and the choosing...
Wranglings (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Timothy 6:5 andpersistent wranglings on the part of people whose intellects are
disordered and they themselves blinded to all knowledge of the truth; who...
Resources
What can we learn from the parable of the persistent widow and unjust judge? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Friend in Need (Persistent Neighbor)? | GotQuestions.orgIs there anything wrong with repetitive prayer? | GotQuestions.orgPersistent: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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