The Power of Perseverance

Introduction:
Why do some people succeed in having their prayers answered? Reach a greater understanding of the Bible? Reach more people with the gospel? It is found in the power of perseverance! Mt. 7:7-8 contain one of the greatest promises in the Bible. Our lives are to be filled with a biblical perspective. While God does not promise to remove all the thorns of life & give us nothing but roses, He assures us that we never need be alarmed! This should motivate us to keep on keeping on through good times and bad!

I. The principle of ___________________.
    A. Verb tense in 7:7-8 is in present tense suggesting ___________ _________.
        1. Literally, keep on asking; keep on seeking; keep on knocking.
    B. A closer look:
        1. This is not some _____ phrase. Must be take other Biblical teaching into consideration.
        2. This is not a universal promise by God to grant every request!

II. Perseverance is Important:
    A. In the matter of ______________.
        1. Lk. 18:1-8; 11:5-13. Keep on keeping on!
        2. In the long run,….persistence _____ _____!
    B. In the matter of _______ _______.
        1. Some give up way too soon!
        2. Bible study will profit the Christian—Psa. 1:1-3; 119:97-104
    C. In the matter of _________ ___________.
        1. Gal. 6:7-10—the more we _____ the more we ________!

III. Motives for Perseverance:
    A. God is our ___________! Major emphasis of Jesus throughout sermon
        1. The greatest defeat in Christians is a failure to know God as a Father. (Eldred Stevens)
    B. We must lay hold of this truth!
        1. God _____ us; is _______ about us; and is _________ over us!
    C. From a negative view:
    1. God will never give us that which is ________.

IV. Blessings for Perseverance.
    A. 2 Pet. 1:3-4—an ____________ ___________ has been promised!
        1. Involves work on our part—1 :5-11.
        2. Gal. 5:22—He will bless us as we serve Him! These qualities will become who we are!
    B. Perseverance pays off in _____________! See Jhn. 15:7
    C. Conditions are included in this:
        1. We must _________ in Him.
        2. 1 Jhn. 5:14-15—we must ask according to His _______.
       3. Js. 4:3—not for personal and selfish _______.
    D. So 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. Providing we do not ask amiss—persistent prayers will not go unanswered.(Mark Copeland.)
    B. Are you able to face the future with confidence? Are you able to live triumphantly?



The Power of Perseverance Introduction: Why do some people succeed in having their prayers answered? Reach a greater understanding of the Bible? Reach more people with the gospel? It is found in the power of perseverance! Mt. 7:7-8 contain one of the greatest promises in the Bible. Our lives are to be filled with a biblical perspective. While God does not promise to remove all the thorns of life & give us nothing but roses, He assures us that we never need be alarmed! This should motivate us to keep on keeping on through good times and bad! I. The principle of ___________________. A. Verb tense in 7:7-8 is in present tense suggesting ___________ _________. 1. Literally, keep on asking; keep on seeking; keep on knocking. B. A closer look: 1. This is not some _____ phrase. Must be take other Biblical teaching into consideration. 2. This is not a universal promise by God to grant every request! II. Perseverance is Important: A. In the matter of ______________. 1. Lk. 18:1-8; 11:5-13. Keep on keeping on! 2. In the long run,….persistence _____ _____! B. In the matter of _______ _______. 1. Some give up way too soon! 2. Bible study will profit the Christian—Psa. 1:1-3; 119:97-104 C. In the matter of _________ ___________. 1. Gal. 6:7-10—the more we _____ the more we ________! III. Motives for Perseverance: A. God is our ___________! Major emphasis of Jesus throughout sermon 1. The greatest defeat in Christians is a failure to know God as a Father. (Eldred Stevens) B. We must lay hold of this truth! 1. God _____ us; is _______ about us; and is _________ over us! C. From a negative view: 1. God will never give us that which is ________. IV. Blessings for Perseverance. A. 2 Pet. 1:3-4—an ____________ ___________ has been promised! 1. Involves work on our part—1 :5-11. 2. Gal. 5:22—He will bless us as we serve Him! These qualities will become who we are! B. Perseverance pays off in _____________! See Jhn. 15:7 C. Conditions are included in this: 1. We must _________ in Him. 2. 1 Jhn. 5:14-15—we must ask according to His _______. 3. Js. 4:3—not for personal and selfish _______. D. So 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. Providing we do not ask amiss—persistent prayers will not go unanswered.(Mark Copeland.) B. Are you able to face the future with confidence? Are you able to live triumphantly?