Perseverance

Enduring in a course of action or belief. In its negative sense, it can mean being stubborn; in its positive sense, it means continuing commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Human perseverance in sin

2 Kings 17:41; Isaiah 1:5; Romans 1:32 See also Exodus 9:1–3; Deuteronomy 29:19; Judges 14:17; 2 Kings 13:11; Daniel 12:10

So these nations worshiped the LORD but also served their idols, and to this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.

Why do you want more beatings? Why do you keep rebelling? Your head has a massive wound, and your whole heart is afflicted.

Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them.

God's perseverance in calling Israel to obedience

Nehemiah 9:30–31 See also Exodus 32:14; 1 Kings 3:6; Isaiah 40:28; Jeremiah 26:13; Jonah 3:10

You were patient with them for many years, and Your Spirit admonished them through Your prophets. Yet they would not listen, so You gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples. But in Your great compassion, You did not put an end to them; nor did You forsake them, for You are a gracious and compassionate God.

Jesus Christ's perseverance with those who would not believe

Hebrews 12:1–3 See also Matthew 17:17 parallel Mark 9:19; 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Christians' perseverance in faith

Colossians 2:6–7, Colossians 1:10–12 See also Matthew 24:12–13, Matthew 10:22; John 15:4–10; Romans 11:22; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 10:15; Philippians 2:12; Colossians 1:23; 2 Thessalonians 3:4; Hebrews 6:1, Hebrews 10:36–38; 2 Peter 3:18

Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.

Perseverance in prayer

Luke 18:1–8 See also Luke 11:5–13; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect men, yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Otherwise, she will wear me out with her perpetual requests.’” And the Lord said, “Listen to the words of the unjust judge. Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them? I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”

Perseverance arises from suffering

Romans 5:3 See also Romans 12:12; 2 Corinthians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Timothy 3:10–11; James 1:2–3; 1 Peter 4:19; Revelation 2:2–3, Revelation 2:19

Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

Perseverance builds and demonstrates Christian character

Romans 5:4 See also 1 Corinthians 13:7; 2 Corinthians 1:21–22, 2 Corinthians 12:12; James 1:4; 2 Peter 1:5–8

perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Encouragements for Christians to persevere

Acts 11:23, Acts 13:43; 1 Corinthians 15:58, 1 Corinthians 16:13; Philippians 1:27; 2 Timothy 1:13; Hebrews 2:1, Hebrews 4:14; Revelation 3:11