When a large crowd came to Jesus, he spoke to them in a parable we now commonly call the Sower and the Seed that captures the four responses people have when hearing the Word of God: 1) they hear then the devil comes and immediately takes away the Word from their heart so they will not believe and be saved; 2) they believe for a while but have no firm root and in time of temptation fall away; 3) after hearing they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life and bring no fruit to maturity; 4) the final group is the subject of this article – the ones who have heard the Word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast and bear fruit with perseverance.
Everyone who hears the Word of God is tempted to get distracted and fall away, but those who persevere bear fruit in this life and in the kingdom to come. Perseverance is vital! According to the Greek word translated “perseverance” it literally means steadfast endurance under pressure. It does not mean escaping difficulty or avoiding hardship but staying faithful while under pressure.
The importance of perseverance is addressed in the book of Romans.
Romans 2:4-8. Or do you think lightly of the riches of His [God] kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation.
Since we live in an age where Satan is called the god of this world, and we continue to contend with our sinful nature, we must learn to face temptation successfully and persevere in our faithfulness to God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5 offers some encouragement.
Romans 5:3-5. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
The word “exult” means to feel or express great triumph, joy, or jubilation. It is closely related to words like “rejoice” or “glory,” which is why some translations use those words instead.
Tribulations are a part of life, and often they tempt us to sin or give up. Yet suffering also gives us an opportunity to endure in our faith by seeking and depending on God. In a very real sense, hard times can deepen and strengthen our relationship with Him.
The key is perseverance. Patience and perseverance are not identical. Patience is the ability to wait calmly, while perseverance is the strength to stand firm under trial, remaining faithful to God. When we weather the storms by dependence on God, it builds our confidence in God. With perseverance we enhance our character which builds hope and hope does not disappoint.
Romans 8:24-25. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
The context of these verses is the return of our Lord Jesus and the coming of the Kingdom of God. Persevering through difficult times strengthens our faith, as we experience God’s presence, His provision, and the way He ultimately works things out for good.
As we go through these trials again and again, we build a pattern of trust. That repeated experience produces a deeper perseverance, one that not only sustains us now, but also prepares us to endure with confidence as we look forward to the day of our great deliverance and salvation.
Romans also offers two great ways to build perseverance into our character.
Romans 15:4. For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
When Romans was penned “whatever was written in earlier times” refers to what we now call the Old Testament. Within its pages are countless examples, beginning with God Himself. His steadfast faithfulness to the covenants He cut with Abraham and David, despite Israels ongoing disobedience and idolatry stands as the ultimate picture of perseverance. The book of Romans reveals He still has not given up on them. Rather, He promises that in the end they will turn back to Him and He will receive them.
Noah built the ark for approximately 100 years when “the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” He stood without wavering – that’s perseverance.
Abraham “believed against hope,” holding fast to God’s promise. For 25 years he persevered, trusting faithfully until he reached 100 years old, when Isaac was finally born. Moses put up with the yahoos in the wilderness for 40 years. David writes in Psalms the trials and tribulations he endured during his lifetime without giving up. There are many others in the Old Testament who persevered without giving up. How did they do it? The answer is revealed in:
Romans 15:5. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,
God gives perseverance and encouragement to those who seek Him. God will hide us in the secret place of His presence from all that would tempt us to give up. We focus on the Scriptures and pray.
Psalm 31:19-20. How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, before the sons of men! You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues.
I am very thankful for the words spoken in this article. We need to share Gods wonderful word with others so they can be built up and comforted knowing God will take care of us during rough times❤️