Perseverance: Dealing with the realities of life.

Joshua Cortez

Sermon • Submitted 5 years ago

Ephesians 6:18

Ephesians 6:10–24

Perseverance

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A look at what why and how one perseveres.

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Intro

Growing up in the city of Chicago there were a lot of different things I loved to do. My friends and I took the “EL” into the heart of city and would hang out by the beach playing soccer, at summer festivals and eating lots of great food, mainly tacos. One thing I also came to love is golf. Sometime I think about as a bit strange for a Mexican kids from Chicago because golf is usually thought of as a game for older richer people. But I love to play golf and when I watch it on T.V. it seems so easy, the idea of hitting a small little ball towards the direction of the flag. In reality, while I love to play and watch golf I know that I have not put in enough time to really develop the skills and muscles needed to play well and my wife reminds of this and also doesn’t understand why I like to play if I’m not good, as she puts it. I’ve not hit thousands of golf balls, walked miles and miles on the golf course, or studied golf courses enough to know how the ball will react on each inch of it. I’ve not built up the callous on my hands needs to swing a golf club all day long and not get tired. In order to be the best at something it involves giving it our time, energy, and spirit. This is true for sports, school, work… all of those thing we care about and want to be the best at. Becoming really good at some thing doesn’t happen over night. Even the greatest of all time spent years of their lives honing their craft to be the best. They gave up, at times, their friends, special events, or family time to work on the things they loved.

When hearing the word perseverance, what comes to mind? Maybe for some it is athletes, or musicians. Maybe it is someone you know who has battled an illness or a war hero. For most, the word perseverance is one that bring up emotions of hardship, maybe a memory of pain or hurt, but also triumph or victory.

Tension

I love to play golf and when I watch it on T.V. it seems so easy, the idea of hitting a small little ball towards the direction of the flag. In reality, while I love to play and watch golf I know that I have not put in enough time to really develop the skills and muscles needed to play well. I’ve not hit thousands of golf balls, walked miles and miles on the golf course, or studied golf course enough to know how the ball will react on each inch of it. I’ve not built up the callous on my hands needs to swing a golf club all day long.

Golf can be hard, and to be really good can be really tough and the same can be said about life. Life can be hard and to be productive or successful in life can also be tough. Have you ever wanted to learn something new and said “this time I’m going to do it?” or maybe you’ve been in a situation that really tests your ability to keep going. I know I have. When you have been or are in those situations, what do you think the easiest thing to do would have been? (allow to answer) To just give up. Have you ever thought about why that is? Why does it feel easier to give up in that moment or on that dream? Why is our natural response to say to ourselves or others, “ugh well maybe next time” or “this isn’t worth it.” Maybe you’ve been there before and as you think back you still think about the what if? There are consequences to everything we do, and because of that there are also consequences for things we don’t do. Sometime quitting has consequences that we feel or experience for the rest of our lives. In the same way we can also deal with issues as a result of quitting and play the viticim card, which made lead to more consequences. Other times our dreams or situations call for us to fight back and we don’t, that can resolve in consequnces. This morning I want to spend time in a section of scripture that talks about why perseverance, or not giving up , is important and what that looks like in our lives.

When hearing the word perseverance, what comes to mind? Maybe for some it is athletes, or musicians. Maybe it is someone you know who has battled an illness or a veteran. For most, the word perseverance is one that bring up emotions, maybe a memory of pain or hurt, but also triumph or victory. Sometimes it can bring to mind the hard seasons of life. Perhaps for you this word is how you fell right now during your time here at Whites. You are persevering to get through your time here. Often during those hard times we may not think about ourselves as persevering. Perseverance is often the time of the in-between. This morning I want to spend time in a section of scripture that talks about why perseverance is important and what that looks like in our lives.

Passage:

Context

Paul, is writing to the church in Ephesus. Ephesus was a big, culturally diverse city, like New York City or Washington D. C. The Christians there were trying to change the way they lived to match up with Jesus’ teaching but the pressure and backlash from the people there to be like them and worship their gods was immense. I want to spend the next few minutes looking at the passage we read and what perseverance means for us today. Before we can do that though we need better understand what the word Persevere even means.

Who: Paul is writing, while a prisoner, to the church in Ephesus. Made of Gentiles (non-jews).

Where: City of Ephesus, which was a major city. It was located on the coast of the Aegean sea so it made it a perfect place for trade and travel. Ephesus was a major cultural center in term of the arts, politics, and religion. Think of a combination of New York City and Washington D.C. that was Ephesus.

When: Paul is in Jail 2 years after he had start the church there in Ephesus.

Why: Paul is writing to Gentile (anyone who was not jewish) he tells them the story of how God worked through the Jewish people and how Jesus allows for all to have that a similar relationship. The second half of the letter to the church in Ephesus is about how to be a Christ, what it means and what it looks like. We are going to pick up in the last chapter of the book where Paul is talking about living in a place that thinks, worships and lives differently than the christians in Ephesus. Remember Ephesus was a major religious center for the Roman Empire and there were a lot of different types of gods and temples to worship. Paul reminds the church that Christ is the only true God and the means that Christians are to live differently.

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 6

10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength.ak 11 Put onal the full armoram of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against fleshan and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,ao against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil,ap spiritual forces in the heavens.aq 13 For this reason take up the full armorar of God, so that you may be able to resistas in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand,at therefore, with truthau like a belt around your waist, righteousnessav like armor on your chest,aw 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation take up the shieldax of faithay with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.az 17 Take the helmetba of salvation and the swordbb of the Spiritbc—which is the word of God. 18 Praybd at all times in the Spiritbe with every prayer and request, and stay alertbf with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldnessbg the mystery of the gospel. 20 For this I am an ambassadora in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 6

What is perseverance?

The word perseverance is one you have probably heard before. While it is found in the bible, it is one that is also used and has meaning for us today. As I thought about it more, most of us, me included, think about perseverance as pushing through something difficult and that is what most of the definitions I looked up said too. One that I liked was “a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success.” But I want us to think about it in a slightly different way, still having to face hard things in life but looking at why and how we deal with those hard times through the lens of scripture. So, before I dive into the bible I think we should pray, would you bow your heads with me.

Prayer

Heavenly Father ,

I thank you for this morning and the time I get to spend here sharing what it means to persevere through the messy parts of life. Jesus, I thank you for your work on the cross and how that allows to not have to navigate these hard times by ourselves. Because of the cross we can put our trust in you and know that you are with us. Holy Spirit, I pray that you would speak to us this morning through Scripture, music, and time together as a group in a way that comes alive. Father, “let the words of my mouth and the mediations of my heart be acceptable in your sight O Lord.”(Psalm19:14) In your son’s holy and powerful name I pray. Amen

Transition: I want to spend the next few minutes both looking at the passage we read and what that means for us today. Before we can do that though we need better understand what the word Persevere even means.

What?

Why?

What

Passage:

How?

Remember who is on your side. v. 10-11

NLT-”Mighty power”

AMP-”the power of His [boundless] might”

Paul starts with reminding the church of who is on their side. v.10

God

All-knowing

All-powerful

Pure

Perfect

Infinite

Faithful-God

NLT-”Mighty power”

AMP-”the power of His [boundless] might”

We need… God & others.

They aren’t on their own, He gives them tools.

We need… God & others.

He prepares you for the battles, against the devil, your enemies, a situation, that come up in life.

The Christian faith is one that cannot be done alone.

Jesus calls us to surrender completely to Him, this includes those things we struggle through. He is strong and can hold all of it.

Opposition looks different for everyone.

Hardship

NLT-”Mighty power”

Sickness

dealing with consequences

We are made to live life with one another.

relationships

AMP-”the power of His [boundless] might”

Stress

rountine

being content vs wanting more

God who created everything, who defeated sin on the cross and with the resurrection, and the same one who when He returns will make all things right! We get to count on that God to carry us, to strengthen us.

What is important in life?

That same God is on your side and is offering those same tools.

v.11

They aren’t on their own, He gives them tools. v.11

He empowers you for the battles, against the strategies of the devil, your enemies, situations, that come up in life.

Opposition looks different for everyone.

Hardship

Sickness

dealing with consequences

They, and we get resources only given and made available by God.

relationships

Stress

rountine

being content vs wanting more

What is important in life?

That same God is on your side and is offering those same tools for you.

Remember why you are continuing forward v. 12-13

We will all face opposition that we will need to persevere through.

Some opposition is due to things we can’t control.

The fight is not against those aroung you but the devil. v. 12

Opposition looks different for everyone.

Hardship

Sickness

dealing with consequences

relationships

Stress

routine

being content vs wanting more

What is important in life?

Being able to know the WHY allows us to be ready for the What. v.13

Part of the reason we can’t preserve on our own is the battle is bigger than we are and Paul reminds us in verses 12 and 13.

This is hard to remember sometime we think other people are the devil, right? But paull

This is hard to remember. Sometime we think other people as the devil, right? But what Paul is saying we need to look beyond ourselves in order to preserve for the right reasons. Growing up both of my parents were highly involved with church, they still are and pastor a church in Chicago. What I remember as a young kid about church was how crazy Sunday mornings were. As I’ve grown in knowing who God is, I can see that a lot of that time was the devil strategies trying to make going to church harder than it needed to be for our family. God works in big ways when you go to church and are apart of His family. It’s times like these that come to mind that help me know as I am still learning 20 something years later to preserve, or remember why I am pushing forward. Towards the end of high school is when I became serious about my relationship with God. As people invested in me and I grew to know God deeper I felt like God was calling me to work in a church or church-like setting. After I got married that dream became a reality. My wife Amy and our months old son moved to Wabash as I became the Youth Minister at LaFontaine Christian Church. It was a dream come true I was investing in students lives the same way many had done in my life. I loved my time there, but after 18 months I realized it wasn’t the best fit and that I wasn’t ready for it. I still feel that call on my life today, which is why I am here with you. I said to myself and my wife that I would continue to push towards that call. I’ve done just that. I am currently in seminary learning more about the bible and all that comes with being a pastor. This is a road I’ve been on for a while and it’s one I am still on, still preserving through with all of it’s challenges and difficulties, because like Paul reminds the church in Ephesus about, I am able to remember why I am persevering.

Sunday mornings for my family

As a kid

Now

Some opposition is a result of choices we’ve made or are making.

sin can be forgiven, it still has consequnces.

The choices we make now can impact our future in way we may or may not even dream of both in positive and negative ways.

Armor of God v.14-17

Things we put on v.14-15

v.14

Belt of Truth v.14

Truth will hold you up, keep things in place, provide stability.

When we stand in the truth, we can stand confidently

Chest plate of Righteousness v.14

People should know you are different, why? because of Jesus, they should see that a mile away.

Do people ask that why questions to you?

Do you know Christians who are just different, in a good way not a weird way.

Good-Happy

Bad- Happy

Sad-Happy

Joy is what make them different, joy found in Jesus.

Your works are not the reason you are righteous, they are a reflection of your righteousness.

Christians are moved to action because of what Jesus did for us on the cross.

v.15

Sandals of Peace v .15

If you are a follower of Jesus, you are called to actively go a be a peace maker even when it is uncomfortable or hard.

Tools to use in our fight (both defensive and offensive) v.16-17

Sheild of Faith v.16

Sheild of Faith

Through our out journey of faith we will face opposition, but we are to have faith to get through out it all.

Faith is like a shield that we put in front of us and say “Jesus, whatever comes before me, I will follow you!”

The shield referred to is not the small round one which left most of the body unprotected, but the large shield carried by Roman soldiers, which covered the whole person.

This sheild of Faith will can cover all of areas of our life.

Helmet of Salvation v.17

Helmet of Salvation

Salvation in Christ is what protects us.

Salvaiton in Christ allows us to live confidently, we know through scripture that Jesus has already won the ultimate battle against sin and death.

Our Salvaiton in Christ allows us to live confidently, we know through scripture that Jesus has already won the ultimate battle against sin and death.

“The present aspect of salvation is emphatically stressed: God has rescued them from death, wrath, and bondage, and transferred them into a new dominion where Christ rules. The position of power and authority with Christ to which they have been raised is greater ‘than that possessed by their mighty supernatural enemies’. As they appropriate this salvation more fully and live in the light of their status in Christ, they have every reason to be confident of the outcome of the battle.” (The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letter to the Ephesians)

“Confidence in daily battles comes from knowing that rescue from future judgment has already been given to us freely from God ().” (Moody Bible Commentary)

Sword of the Spirit v.17

We are called not only to stand firm in defence but also to be on offence.

Spirit makes the sword powerful and effective… Paul is referring to the gospel, but stressing the actual speaking forth of the message, which is given its penetration and power by the Spirit.“ (The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letter to the Ephesians)

God’s word is our offensive weapon, supplied by the Spirit (cf. ). Thus Scripture rightly understood and correctly proclaimed turns back evil, destroys strongholds (), and rescues people from darkness ().” (Moody Bible Commentary)

v.18-20

Attitude (athletic position) v.18

The word perseverance is one you have probably heard before. While it is found in the bible the word is one that is also used and has meaning for us today. As I thought about it more, most of think about perserevance as pushing through something difficult and that is what most of the defintions I looked up said too. One that I like was “a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success.” But I want us to think about it in a different way, still having to face hard things in life but looking at how we face those thing through the lens of scripture.

Merrian Webster - continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition

Why do you stand in an athletic stance? To be ready (stay alert)...

Goggle-continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success.

They same is true with persereverance.

Prayer is the Christian athletic stance, the way we stay ready.

Pray not just for yourself but for others as well (not being alone).

Remember the purpose of your fight. v.19-20

God and His relationship with the Israelites.

Holman Illustration Bible Dictionary

aul: Encourages the Christians both in Ephesus and now to persevere.

Paul: Encourages the Christians both in Ephesus and now to persevere.

Both in words and actions

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Perseverance

Maintaining Christian faith through the trying times of life.

Paul writes letters, where he tells of his persereverance in his journey also encourages other to do the same.

PERSEVERANCE Maintaining Christian faith through the trying times of life.

Paul preaches and teaches about Jesus in-spite of opposition.

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Perseverance

The background setting for the idea of perseverance blossomed out of the context of persecution and temptation. The believer was expected faithfully to endure and to remain steadfast in the face of opposition, attack, and discouragement. The NT writers were forthright in advising believers to be consistent in prayer (Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6), and they employed athletic imagery to remind Christians to be effectual as they trained in the ways of God (1 Cor. 9:24–27; Rom. 12:11–12; Heb. 12:1–12).

they say we are going to lock you up, he says that’s great to live is Christ. Then they say fine instead we will kill you for teaching about Jesus, and he says to die is gain. (matt chandler)

Perseverance is then the ability to continue to move forward through out the hard and sometime routine seasons of life.

What does that mean for us?

Paul was able to perservere through both good and bad because he trusted Jesus and lived by faith being directed by the Holy Spirit.

We will all face opposition that we will need to persevere through.

Some opposition is due to things we can’t control.

v. 12

Sunday mornings for my family

As a kid

Now

Some opposition is a result of choices we’ve made or are making.

sin can be forgiven, it still has consequnces.

The choices we make now can impact our future in way we may or may not even dream of both in positive and negative ways.

Opposition looks different for everyone.

Hardship

Sickness

dealing with consequences

relationships

Stress

boring

rountine

being content vs wanting more

What is important in life?

What do we with that?

Aknowledge we can’t do it (fight, push forward, progress) on our own.

We can’t do it on our own.

We need… God & others.

Others - We do this with God but also in community with others.

Solomon - has power, money, fame, women and says it is all meaningless (Ecc. 1:2)

All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them. I did not refuse myself any pleasure, for I took pleasure in all my struggles. This was my reward for all my struggles. 11 When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind., There was nothing to be gained under the sun. (Ecc. 2:10-11)

Jesus connects us back to God the Father

Chapter 3-4 of Eph. talks about how we are now apart of the family of God through Christ.

6 The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. ()

the Holy Spirit is able to help us live differently (enables, guides, and empowers )

They are darkend in the understaning w/ harded hearts . (4:18)

Impure with thought of more and more (4:19)

Holy Spirit helps with a new mind, new self, new creation created in the likeness of God in righteousness (honor) and purity of truth. (4:23-24)

Instead...

speak truth

be angry but do not sin.

remove all bitterness, anger, wrath, shouting and slander from you.

Others - We do this with God but also in community with others.

The Christian faith is one that cannot be done alone.

We are made to live life with one another.

Put our trust and faith in Jesus and others, which is not easy.

Perseverance is then the ability to continue to move forward through out the hard and sometime routine seasons of life.

How do we persereve?

God:God and His relationship with the Israelites.

We see all through the old testament as God loves humanity even when, you and I would say they don’t deserve God’s love. We see time and time again as God choose to love His chosen people despite their short comings. We see this in...

the garden of Eden with Adam and Eve

the story of Noah

Abraham

Moses

David

Solomon

The prophets

Jesus: The garden of Gethsemane

“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” ()

Jesus knows it will be hard, painful, and that he will suffer.

He asks God.

Paul: Encourages the Christians both in Ephesus and now to persevere.

Both in words and actions

Paul writes letters, where he tells of his persereverance in his journey also encourages other to do the same.

Paul preaches and teaches about Jesus in in-spite of opposition.

they say we are going to lock you up, he says that’s great to live is Christ. Then they say fine instead we will kill you for teaching about Jesus, and he says to die is gain. (matt chandler)

Paul was able to perservere through both good and bad because he trusted Jesus and lived by faith being directed by the Holy Spirit.

Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology Perseverance

Paul’s life consisted of many sufferings and hardships (see 2 Cor. 11:23–33), circumstances associated with his ministry as an apostle. The word of the Lord to the newly converted Paul through Ananias was, “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name” (Acts 9:16). As apostle, in both the synagogues and to Gentile audiences, he persisted, God working through him signs, wonders, and miracles.

Stand Firm and Put on God’s Armor (vv. 14-17)

How do we persevere?

Know God

Be Strong (vv10-13)

We cannot do this out of own strength.

we can try and maybe able to carry the burden for a short time, but ultimaly we fail.

Jesus calls us to surrender completely to Him, this includes those things we struggle through. He is strong and can hold all of it.

Paul reminds us of God’s “vast strength.”

new beleiver

same God who created everything, who defeated sin the cross and with the resurrection, and the same one who when He returns will make all things right! We get to count on that God to strengthen us.

Stand Firm and Put on God’s Armor (vv. 14-17)

When we live life in a way that honors God, a Holy Spirit filled and led life, he preapares us to perserevere through the opposition.

Part of the reason we can persereve on our own is the battle is bigger than we are and Paul reminds us in verses 12 and 13.

We stand firmly so that as Paul says “you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. “

What does standing looking?

Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist v.14

Truth will hold you up, keep things in place, provide stability.

righteousness like armor on your chest v. 14

People should know you are different, why? because of Jesus, they should see that a mile away.

Your works are not the reason you are righteous, but in it’s because of Jesus.

If you are a follower of Jesus, you are called to actively go a be a peace maker even when it is uncomfortable or hard.

take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. v.16

Through our out journey of faith we will face opposition, but are to have faith through out it all. Faith that we put in front of us and say “Jesus, whatever comes before I will follow you!”

The shield referred to is not the small round one which left most of the body unprotected, but the large shield carried by Roman soldiers, which covered the whole person.

Take the helmet of salvation v.17

Salvation in Christ is what protects us.

“Now, according to Ephesians, he gives his helmet to believers for their protection. This helmet is salvation itself (the genitive is one of apposition: ‘the helmet which is salvation’), and believers are urged to lay hold of it as they engage in the spiritual warfare.” (The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letter to the Ephesians)

Our Salvaiton in Christ allows us to live confidently, we know through scripture that Jesus has already won the ultimate battle against sin and death.

“Confidence in daily battles comes from knowing that rescue from future judgment has already been given to us freely from God ().” (Moody Bible Commentary)

Thus Scripture rightly understood and correctly proclaimed turns back evil, destroys strongholds (), and rescues people from darkness (). (Moody Bible Commentary)

the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. v.17

“The final piece of equipment in the believers’ armour which Paul urges them to grasp is ‘the sword of the Spirit’. They must not only withstand the devil’s fiery missiles; they must also take the offensive against the powers of darkness. The term used refers to the short-handled sword, which was an important offensive weapon in close combat. In the expression ‘the sword of the Spirit’, the former is not identified with the Spirit (i.e., a genitive of apposition); rather, ‘of the Spirit’ is probably a genitive of source, indicating that the Spirit makes the sword powerful and effective, giving to it its cutting edge (cf. ). This sword of the Spirit is identified with ‘the word of God’, a term which in Paul often signifies the gospel. However, he normally uses logos (‘word’) instead of rhēma, which appears here. The two terms are often interchangeable, but the latter tends to emphasize the word as spoken or proclaimed (as in 5:26). If this distinction holds here, then Paul is referring to the gospel (cf. ), but stressing the actual speaking forth of the message, which is given its penetration and power by the Spirit.“ (The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letter to the Ephesians)

“God’s word is our offensive weapon, supplied by the Spirit (cf. ). Thus Scripture rightly understood and correctly proclaimed turns back evil, destroys strongholds (), and rescues people from darkness ().” (Moody Bible Commentary)

Watch and Pray (vv. 18-20)

Prayer is needed in everything, good and bad, but especially when facing spiritual opposition. so we pray...

With perseverance (not giving, pushing through the rough stuff)

in the Spirit (for guidance and clarity)

Intentionally (staying focused) “We must remain alert.”

for others “we should pray not only for ourselves but also for all God’s people”

for boldness as we proclaim the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ.

commite your life to Jesus.

If you know God, are you wearing the Armor of God?

Do these things describe you?

If not find one area to start changing.

Truth

Honor

Peace

If you know and have a relationship with Jesus are you...

Faithfuly trusting in Jesus

Confidently obeying Jesus

Boldly speak the message of Jesus

Moving Forward

Obsticales in mind already

Acknowleding I need God

Allowing others in, who love Jesus and who you trust.

Conclusion

There are going to be seasons of life that require spirit empowered perseverance more than others. Maybe you are in that season of life right now. Maybe you are sitting here thinking this is me and I feel lost in it all, to you I would say reach out for help. Take advantage of where you are. There are people here who love you and want to see you grow emotionally, personally and spiritually. Being able to persevere is something that takes practice. It’s not always going to go the way want, but as you persevere more the more you will see how God was and is with you and how you have grown. If you have not heard anything I’ve said all morning, please listen to this. You can push through it, but it can’t be done alone and out of your own strength you need to put your trust and faith in Jesus Christ. That doesn’t mean everything will be fairy tales and rainbows, it will still be hard, but you will be able to endure so much more know who has saved you and what that means for this life and for all of eternity. I have one last story and then we will end. I want you to listen to the words of the song and then listen to the story of why this song was written. This song is a real life example of perseverance that I don’t know I would have responded in the same way. This man and song is an example of spirit –fill perseverance. Lets listen…

When tough times come we just want to get out, but with God we can get through. There are going to be seasons of life that require spirit empowered perseverance more than others. Maybe you are in that season of life right now. Maybe you are sitting here thinking this is me and I feel lost in the mess, to you I would say reach out for help. Take advantage of why where you are. There are people here who love you and want to see you grow emotionally, personally and spiritually. Being able to persevere is something that takes practice. It’s not always going to go the way want, but as you persevere more you will see how God was and is with you and how you have grown. If you have not heard anything I’ve said all morning, please listen to this. Learning how to preserve helps build our faith and trust in Jesus, then when trials and troubles confront us they become easier to face.That doesn’t mean everything will be fairy tales and rainbows, it may still be hard. You will have battle scars to remember that God got you through. You will be stronger for it, smarter for it, and be able endure more because of your perseverance. Learning how to preserve helps build our faith and trust in Jesus, then when trials and troubles confront us they become easier to face. When tough times come you just want to get out, but with God you can get through.

There are going to be seasons of life that require spirit empowered perseverance more than others. Maybe you are in that season of life right now. Maybe you are sitting here thinking this is me and I feel lost in it all, to you I would say reach out for help. Take advantage of where you are. There are people here who love you and want to see you grow emotionally, personally and spiritually. Being able to persevere is something that takes practice. It’s not always going to go the way want, but as you persevere more the more you will see how God was and is with you and how you have grown. If you have not heard anything I’ve said all morning, please listen to this. You can push through it, but it can’t be done alone and out of your own strength you need to put your trust and faith in Jesus Christ. That doesn’t mean everything will be fairy tales and rainbows, it will still be hard, but you will be able to endure so much more know who has saved you and what that means for this life and for all of eternity. I have one last story and then we will end. I want you to listen to the words of the song and then listen to the story of why this song was written. This song is a real life example of perseverance that I don’t know I would have responded in the same way. This man and song is an example of spirit –fill perseverance. Lets listen…

Pray!

***How many have heard or know of the song it is well with my soul? This song is a real life example of perseverance that I don’t know I would have responded in the same way. This man and song is an example of spirit –fill perseverance.

Perseverance: Dealing with the realities of life.

Intro

Tension

Context

What is perseverance?

Prayer

Passage:

Remember who is on your side. v. 10-11

v.11

Remember why you are continuing forward v. 12-13

Armor of God v.14-17

Things we put on v.14-15

v.14

v.15

Tools to use in our fight (both defensive and offensive) v.16-17

v.18-20

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How do we persereve?

How do we persevere?

Conclusion

Conclusion

Pray!

Pray!