Topical Encyclopedia Perseverance, in the biblical context, refers to the steadfastness and endurance in faith and obedience to God, despite trials and tribulations. The lack of perseverance is a recurring theme in Scripture, often highlighting the spiritual dangers and consequences of failing to remain steadfast in one's faith.Old Testament Examples The Israelites in the wilderness serve as a primary example of a lack of perseverance. Despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, they frequently doubted and disobeyed Him. In Numbers 14:22-23 , God expresses His frustration: "not one of the men who have seen My glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have tested Me and disobeyed Me these ten times—not one will ever see the land I swore to give their fathers." The account of King Saul also illustrates a lack of perseverance. Initially chosen by God, Saul's failure to fully obey God's commands led to his downfall. In 1 Samuel 13:13-14 , Samuel rebukes Saul: "You have acted foolishly... your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after His own heart." New Testament Warnings In the New Testament, Jesus warns against the lack of perseverance in the Parable of the Sower. The seed sown on rocky ground represents those who receive the word with joy but fall away when trouble arises (Matthew 13:20-21). This parable underscores the importance of deep-rooted faith that can withstand trials. The Apostle Paul frequently admonishes believers to persevere. In Galatians 6:9 , he encourages, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up." This exhortation highlights the reward awaiting those who remain steadfast. Consequences of Lack of Perseverance The lack of perseverance can lead to spiritual stagnation or regression. Hebrews 10:36 emphasizes the necessity of endurance: "You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." The author warns that failing to persevere can result in missing out on God's promises. James 1:6-8 describes the instability of a person who lacks perseverance: "But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." Encouragement to Persevere Despite the warnings, Scripture also provides encouragement and hope for those struggling with perseverance. Hebrews 12:1-2 urges believers to "run with endurance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." This passage reminds Christians that perseverance is possible through focusing on Christ and His example. The promise of divine assistance is also a source of encouragement. Philippians 1:6 assures believers, "He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." This assurance of God's ongoing work in the believer's life provides motivation to persevere in faith and obedience. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 4:5,17And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "Nothing is Impossible to Industry, "Said one of the Seven Sages ... Estimate of the Scope and Value of Jerome's Writings. On Transparency. The Works of John Cassian. The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ... Centenary Commemoration Second Sunday after Epiphany His Missionary Travels New Uses for Old Trophies An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists. Resources What does the Bible say about perseverance? | GotQuestions.orgPerseverance of the Saints - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org What is Calvinism and is it biblical? What are the five points of Calvinism? | GotQuestions.org Perseverance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Perseverance in Well-Doing is not in Vain Perseverance in Well-Doing: Leads to Assurance of Hope Perseverance: A Characteristic of Saints Perseverance: An Evidence of Belonging to Christ Perseverance: An Evidence of Reconciliation With God Perseverance: Caleb and Joshua, in Representing the Land of Promise Perseverance: Encouragement To Perseverance: General Scriptures Concerning Perseverance: Jacob, in Prayer Perseverance: Lack of Excludes from the Benefits of the Gospel Perseverance: Lack of Illustrated Perseverance: Lack of Punished Perseverance: Leads to Increase of Knowledge Perseverance: Maintained Through: Faith Perseverance: Maintained Through: The Fear of God Perseverance: Maintained Through: The Intercession of Christ Perseverance: Maintained Through: The Power of Christ Perseverance: Maintained Through: The Power of God Perseverance: Ministers should Exhort To Perseverance: Promised to Saints Perseverance: To be Manifested in Continuing in the Faith Perseverance: To be Manifested in Holding Fast Hope Perseverance: To be Manifested in Prayer Perseverance: To be Manifested in Seeking God Perseverance: To be Manifested in Waiting Upon God Perseverance: To be Manifested in Well-Doing Related Terms Steadfastness (15 Occurrences) |
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