Bearing Up Under Trials Series

DO WE HAVE KNOWLEDGE IN CHRIST JESUS

(Bearing Up Under Trials)

Part 6 of 9

Holy Ground Spirit Filled Church

6-17-06

Pastor: Joe M Garza

Text: 2:Peter 1:5-8

INTRODUCTION:

We have observed that growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ begins with the foundation of faith (conviction and trust)

----faith to which we add the quality of virtue (striving for excellence)

----virtue manifested by increasing in knowledge (regarding God’s will)

----knowledge to which we add the grace of self-control (mastering one’s desires)

*In our text 2 Peter 1:5-8, we note that to self-control we are to add perseverance

----the KJV renders it patience (as does the NKJV in many places)

----The AMP has the word steadfastness

a. What comes to mind when you hear these words?

b. How does this relate to self-control?

c. Are you adding perseverance to your life as a Christian?

I. THE DEFINITION OF PERSEVERANCE

A. THE GREEK WORD IS HUPOMONE

*This literally means, “an abiding under”

*Charles Spurgeon defines the word as “a cheerful (or hopeful) endurance”

*It implies suffering, enduring, or waiting, as a determination of the will and not simply under necessity

B. IT IS MORE THAN JUST A PASSIVE VIRTUE

a. In a PASSIVE sense

----WATCH ME CUZ I’M GOING TO FREAK YOU OUT! It would be like a ship anchored in a storm under attack by the wind and waves and anchored in just one spot

----the wind and waves are our problems

----the wind and waves are our finances

----the wind and waves are our sickness

b. In the ACTIVE sense

----It is like a ship sailing despite the obstacles but pressing on to its destination despite the obstacles

*George Mueller describes it as “bearing all trials and difficulties with an even mind, enduring in all, and persevering trough all”

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us [2] looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

*WATCH ME! Endurance is the steady determination to keep going, regardless of the temptation to slow down or give up

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (NKJV)

Do you not know that those who run in a race ALL RUN, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. [25] And everyone who competes for he prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown

----WATCH ME! A runner cannot win a race if he walks

----his goal is to win first place

----WATCH ME! Your goal is to fight through all the trials and tribulation and not slow down at all

----you need to get in shape for the big race that is about to happen as soon as you leave from here

----we must endure every race that we compete in and as long as you are in Jesus’ side He will sign you up for every single race so be ready in season and out of season

*Self-Control is crucial to victory

2 Timothy 3:10-11 (NKJV)

But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, [11] persecutions, affliction, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.

* Persecutions is the Greek verb that literally means “to put to flight”

*WATCH ME! The Lord repeatedly delivered Paul from persecutions and it should have encouraged Timothy

----it should encourage you when you are on your last breath and you are turning that corner in the race of trials and tribulations

----WATCH God step in a be your second wind in that race where it will no longer be you it will be Jesus pulling you through that finish line

[Perseverance is not simply bearing with trials, but “bearing up under trials,” and it is a quality required of Christians………………….]

II. THE DEMAND FOR PERSEVERANCE

A. IT IS NECESSARY FOR MATURE GROWTH

*Lester Sumrall said, “Real greatness grows out of character”

*We must allow patience (hupomone) to develop a mature character

*Aaron Burr is one such person. History give him prominence, but only in the sense that it remembers him as a tragic failure. His life was a monument to squandered potential. Burr’s father and grandfather were godly men. His father, the Reverend Aaron Burr, was the second president of Princeton College. His grandfather, Jonathan Edwards, is best known for his fiery preaching. Edwards was used mightily of God during the Great Awakening in colonial America. He was also briefly President of Princeton, an office he held when he died. Burr himself was brilliant. His academic record at Princeton has never been surpassed to this day. But his lusts were unquenchable, he lacked personal discipline, and his behavior often reflected immaturity. He joined the colonial army, but he got in a fight with General Washington and deserted his post. (like some people do in the church) H he was successful for a time in politics and even held the office of vice president of the United States. But he was suspected of tampering with votes to steal elections. Burr shot and killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel, and then he fled to Europe to avoid prosecution. He eventually found his way back to New York, where he died friendless, penniless, and in disgrace. His great intellect and giftedness had brought him fame and position, but they could not make him a great man.