The Power of Perseverance

2001067

Topic # 1329

Introduction:

A. Calvin Coolidge: Press on! Nothing in the world can take the place of perseverance. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.

B. Why do some people

1. Succeed in having prayers answered?

2. Have a greater understanding of the Bible?

3. Reach more people w/the gospel?

C. It is the power of perseverance.

1. Mt. 7:7-11 – Jesus talks of the importance of perseverance. Especially in relation to prayer.

2. In ALL areas of service – we must be persistant!

3. Look at these verses in depth: Can there be anything more comforting than these words?

4. One of the greatest promises in the Bible!

D. So many look to Christianity to solve all their problems – immediately & completely.

1. some fooled into believing that upon coming to Christ – all problems will magically disappear & that sinful passions will b/c a thing of the past!

2. Takes work & constant effort – some don’t realize this & turn away. To prosper spiritually – we must remember:

E. Life is to be lived w/a Biblical perspective.

1. life full of problems/perplexities. God has a helper on whom WE can call!

2. Heb. 13:5-6

3. While God does not promise to cut out all the thorns of life; give us nothing but roses; He assures us that we need never be alarmed!

4. This should motivate us to keep on keeping on through good times & bad!

I. The Principle of Perseverance.

A. It is implied in today’s text.

1. Note verb tense in 7:7-8. Verbs = in present tense suggesting “continuous action.”

2. Literally….Jesus is saying:

a) keep on asking; keep on seeking; keep on knocking.

B. Note progression of the terms themselves:

1. “asking” = first level of inquiry.

2. “seeking” involves a step up – one goes about to find what they ask.

3. “knocking” involves a step further – signifying one who goes about to find what he seeks.

C. Again,…we get picture of continuous action. But…need to look a little closer at 7:7-8.

1. This is not a “magical” phrase. It cannot be interpreted apart from other Biblical teaching.

a) must not ignore other Bible passage.

b) This is NOT a universal promise to grant every request made of God!

2. We often ask for so many things that seem SO right.

a) Yrs. Later from a different viewpoint – we glad He did not grant these requests.

3. His promises must be interpreted in light of various circumstances & predicated upon certain conditions.

II. Perseverance is Important!

A. In the matter of prayer.

1. This is seen in the text. Jesus taught need for persistence in prayer.

2. Lk. 18:1-8

a) 18:1 – it is most fatal to be content w/passing desires.

b) One reason why prayers are not answered is that we often give up too soon! We must keep on feeling the need; must keep on seeking for it’s fulfillment!

3. Lk. 11:5-13 – the persistent friend.

a) 11:8 – b/c of his persistence/shamelessness.

b) Idea…keep on keeping on. In the long run persistence pays off – especially in prayer.

c) Weldon Warnock: How often we deprive ourselves of spiritual and physical blessings because of a lack of prayer! Some of the things God does are contingent on our asking!

B. In the matter of Bible Study.

1. Many give up WAY too soon w/their Bible Study.

2. Some look at it - & give up before they start. Others fill up life with all sort of hindrances – squeeze BS out.

3. Others fail to take advantage of BS/Classes offered by this congregation. Need to do better here.

4. Psa. 1:1-3; 119:97-104

C. In the matter of saving souls

1. Some: don’t bear fruit b/c they give up too soon.

2. Others: Don’t bear fruit b/c they can’t agree on the method – or don’t look to the most effective way to spread the gospel. Spin wheels for what seems like forever – give up!

a) Throw up hands: it’s no use!

b) Evangelism in America can be profitable – if we keep on trying; constantly looking for best way! Why?

3. Gal. 6:7-10 – More we sow the more we reap! Let’s get busy!

III. Motives for Perseverance.

A. God is our Father. This is the major emphasis of Jesus. 7:9-11.

1. The greatest defeat in Christians is a failure to know God as a Father. I think we forget this. Psalm 103:8-14

2. Note 7:9-11 – Jesus gives a simple argument from lesser to greater…

a) Men give good gifts to their children who ask.

b) How much more so will Almighty God!

4. Jesus stressed this Fatherly attribute of God in other places in the sermon: 6:31-32; 7:11.

B. We must lay hold of this truth!

1. What ever happens to us – God is our Father!

2. He loves us; is concerned about us; and is watching over us.

C. Look at this from a negative view.

1. 7:9 – God will never give us that which is evil!

2. We are apt to think so – and err when we think God responsible for unpleasant things that happen to us!

3. God will never lead us astray!

IV. There are Blessings for Perseverance.

A. 2 Pet. 1:3-4 – an eternal inheritance has been promised! This is God’s part.

1. 1:5-11 – will take work on our part.

2. Look also at Gal. 5:22 – He will bless us as we serve Him! These qualities will b/c who we are!

B. Perseverance pays off in prayer!

1. Note promise of Jesus in Jhn. 15:7.

a) Conditioned upon our abiding in Him. Upon His words abiding in us.

2. We must ask according to God’s will – 1 Jhn. 5:14-15.

a) Js. 4:3 – need not ask for personal and selfish gain.

b) But…. again…. many do not enjoy God’s favor – simply because they do not ask!

Conclusion:

A. To persevere in our spiritual endeavors is a noble virtue.

1. We have a Father in heaven who is not untouched by the persistent pleas of His children.

2. Providing we do not ask amiss – persistent prayers will not go unanswered.

B. Back to 7:7-9 – we must continually ask! Continually look to serve God!

1. Don’t quit!

2. Ask for the things that are good for you & that pertain to your salvation; your ultimate perfection.

3. This is they way to face the future! This is the way to live triumphantly!

C. Not a Christian? Are you looking for way to find forgiveness?

1. This is through Christ. Obey the gospel!

D. I N V I T A T I O N



The Power of Perseverance 2001067 Topic # 1329 Introduction: A. Calvin Coolidge: Press on! Nothing in the world can take the place of perseverance. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. B. Why do some people 1. Succeed in having prayers answered? 2. Have a greater understanding of the Bible? 3. Reach more people w/the gospel? C. It is the power of perseverance. 1. Mt. 7:7-11 – Jesus talks of the importance of perseverance. Especially in relation to prayer. 2. In ALL areas of service – we must be persistant! 3. Look at these verses in depth: Can there be anything more comforting than these words? 4. One of the greatest promises in the Bible! D. So many look to Christianity to solve all their problems – immediately & completely. 1. some fooled into believing that upon coming to Christ – all problems will magically disappear & that sinful passions will b/c a thing of the past! 2. Takes work & constant effort – some don’t realize this & turn away. To prosper spiritually – we must remember: E. Life is to be lived w/a Biblical perspective. 1. life full of problems/perplexities. God has a helper on whom WE can call! 2. Heb. 13:5-6 3. While God does not promise to cut out all the thorns of life; give us nothing but roses; He assures us that we need never be alarmed! 4. This should motivate us to keep on keeping on through good times & bad! I. The Principle of Perseverance. A. It is implied in today’s text. 1. Note verb tense in 7:7-8. Verbs = in present tense suggesting “continuous action.” 2. Literally….Jesus is saying: a) keep on asking; keep on seeking; keep on knocking. B. Note progression of the terms themselves: 1. “asking” = first level of inquiry. 2. “seeking” involves a step up – one goes about to find what they ask. 3. “knocking” involves a step further – signifying one who goes about to find what he seeks. C. Again,…we get picture of continuous action. But…need to look a little closer at 7:7-8. 1. This is not a “magical” phrase. It cannot be interpreted apart from other Biblical teaching. a) must not ignore other Bible passage. b) This is NOT a universal promise to grant every request made of God! 2. We often ask for so many things that seem SO right. a) Yrs. Later from a different viewpoint – we glad He did not grant these requests. 3. His promises must be interpreted in light of various circumstances & predicated upon certain conditions. II. Perseverance is Important! A. In the matter of prayer. 1. This is seen in the text. Jesus taught need for persistence in prayer. 2. Lk. 18:1-8 a) 18:1 – it is most fatal to be content w/passing desires. b) One reason why prayers are not answered is that we often give up too soon! We must keep on feeling the need; must keep on seeking for it’s fulfillment! 3. Lk. 11:5-13 – the persistent friend. a) 11:8 – b/c of his persistence/shamelessness. b) Idea…keep on keeping on. In the long run persistence pays off – especially in prayer. c) Weldon Warnock: How often we deprive ourselves of spiritual and physical blessings because of a lack of prayer! Some of the things God does are contingent on our asking! B. In the matter of Bible Study. 1. Many give up WAY too soon w/their Bible Study. 2. Some look at it - & give up before they start. Others fill up life with all sort of hindrances – squeeze BS out. 3. Others fail to take advantage of BS/Classes offered by this congregation. Need to do better here. 4. Psa. 1:1-3; 119:97-104 C. In the matter of saving souls 1. Some: don’t bear fruit b/c they give up too soon. 2. Others: Don’t bear fruit b/c they can’t agree on the method – or don’t look to the most effective way to spread the gospel. Spin wheels for what seems like forever – give up! a) Throw up hands: it’s no use! b) Evangelism in America can be profitable – if we keep on trying; constantly looking for best way! Why? 3. Gal. 6:7-10 – More we sow the more we reap! Let’s get busy! III. Motives for Perseverance. A. God is our Father. This is the major emphasis of Jesus. 7:9-11. 1. The greatest defeat in Christians is a failure to know God as a Father. I think we forget this. Psalm 103:8-14 2. Note 7:9-11 – Jesus gives a simple argument from lesser to greater… a) Men give good gifts to their children who ask. b) How much more so will Almighty God! 4. Jesus stressed this Fatherly attribute of God in other places in the sermon: 6:31-32; 7:11. B. We must lay hold of this truth! 1. What ever happens to us – God is our Father! 2. He loves us; is concerned about us; and is watching over us. C. Look at this from a negative view. 1. 7:9 – God will never give us that which is evil! 2. We are apt to think so – and err when we think God responsible for unpleasant things that happen to us! 3. God will never lead us astray! IV. There are Blessings for Perseverance. A. 2 Pet. 1:3-4 – an eternal inheritance has been promised! This is God’s part. 1. 1:5-11 – will take work on our part. 2. Look also at Gal. 5:22 – He will bless us as we serve Him! These qualities will b/c who we are! B. Perseverance pays off in prayer! 1. Note promise of Jesus in Jhn. 15:7. a) Conditioned upon our abiding in Him. Upon His words abiding in us. 2. We must ask according to God’s will – 1 Jhn. 5:14-15. a) Js. 4:3 – need not ask for personal and selfish gain. b) But…. again…. many do not enjoy God’s favor – simply because they do not ask! Conclusion: A. To persevere in our spiritual endeavors is a noble virtue. 1. We have a Father in heaven who is not untouched by the persistent pleas of His children. 2. Providing we do not ask amiss – persistent prayers will not go unanswered. B. Back to 7:7-9 – we must continually ask! Continually look to serve God! 1. Don’t quit! 2. Ask for the things that are good for you & that pertain to your salvation; your ultimate perfection. 3. This is they way to face the future! This is the way to live triumphantly! C. Not a Christian? Are you looking for way to find forgiveness? 1. This is through Christ. Obey the gospel! D. I N V I T A T I O N