HOLY HABIT #4
PERSEVERANCE
Introduction
We’ve been exploring the Christian Graces in 2 Peter 1:5–7—what we’re calling Holy Habits—virtues we’re called to develop intentionally as followers of Jesus. Today, we focus on perseverance—sometimes translated as endurance, steadfastness, or patient endurance.
2 Peter 1:5-7 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
We are to make every effort to put these into practice. When we add these to our faith we are productive and useful in our knowledge of Jesus. If we do these things we will never fall away.
2 Peter 1:11 “Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.”
These are elements of the life to which God has called us. And they are elements of actions - habits that become part of our daily life.
It is easy to get discouraged in the Christian walk.
Galatians 5:7 “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?”
Why is so easy to become discouraged?
-We could be listening to the wrong people.
-We sense that we have a long way to go.
-We so often wonder if we are making progress.
-We go through difficult times and get distracted.
-We have not developed the habits that will influence our daily decisions and actions.
The main commitment of our life is following Jesus Christ, and that means we are committed to developing these holy habits.
Perseverance is a powerful force in our lives.
1. Perseverance is Powerful
Perseverance Fights Temptations
1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
God helps us fight temptations and endure with this promise. Perseverance becomes the habit of continually
choosing God’s path—especially when we feel pulled in other directions.
Perseverance Points us to our Commitment
Philippians 3:14 “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ
Jesus.” Paul faced all kinds of difficult situations but he kept pressing toward the goal - that’s perseverance / endurance.
Perseverance is a quality of Prayer.
Luke 18:1 “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” Romans 12:12 “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.”
Perseverance is assurance that what we do for God matters.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
2 Peter 1:12 “Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught.”
2. How to Develop the Habit of Perseverance.
James Clear: “Researchers estimate that 40-50 percent of our actions on any given day are done out of habit.” Developing perseverance isn’t something that happens all at once—it’s a process shaped by mindset, habits, and intentional choices.
Remember Your Purpose.
Why are you seeking to develop holy habits in your life? Our life with God is more important to us than anything else - because it shapes and influences every choice we make. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 says, "Our purpose is to please God…"
Take Small Steps and Stay Consistent.
James Clear wrote, “A habit is a behavior that has been repeated enough times to become automatic.” Clear talked about one entry-level salesman ultimately became the head of the company with paperclips. He put 120 paperclips in a jar. For every sales call he made, he moved a paperclip into an empty jar. What do you need to do to remain consistent in your commitment to Christ? We develop good habits when we intentionally track our actions. That leads to perseverance! It may be journaling, goal-setting, prayer, reading Scripture, physical exercise. Track it!
Grow from the Failures.
Nobody does it perfectly. What can you learn when you fail to follow through? Persistence refuses to give up and finds a better way forward. C.S. Lewis wrote, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”
Draw Strength from God
Don’t get so focused on trying to develop a new habit that you do not seek his help. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to walk alongside us and help us. We are not alone in the struggle - trust God to help you. Habits of prayer, meditation, worship, fellowship with others - these are ways we grow in our strength and endurance.
3. Who to Watch When You Want to Quit!
When you are struggling, it’s time to take a look at the persevering people all around you!
Find great examples in the endurance of Bible Faith Heroes!
Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance
taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
All of Hebrews 11 lists of great men and women of faith who battled all kinds of obstacles but kept clinging to God.
Find encouragement in the greatest example of all.
Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Conclusion
Perseverance is a powerful habit to develop.
2 Peter 1:10-11 "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Perseverance is blessed with a promise. Revelation 2:10b "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown."
Perseverance is not about perfection—it’s about faithfulness. When the race is hard, we press on because our reward is not just survival — it’s the victor’s crown. Let us not grow weary. Let us endure. Let us persevere!
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Questions For Discussion
1. Why do you think Peter includes perseverance in his list of Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5–7)?
2. What are some common reasons people lose momentum in their spiritual walk? What has kept you going when you were discouraged in your faith journey?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. How does this verse encourage us when we feel tempted to give up or give in? How is it often mis-quoted?
4. What does Philippians 3:14 teach us about staying focused on our spiritual goal? How can we keep that “goal” in front of us each day?
5. How does perseverance influence our prayer life according to Luke 18:1 and Romans 12:12?
6. How does knowing that your work “is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58) change your attitude toward serving God?
7. Think of someone you know who models perseverance in faith. What qualities do you see in their life?
8. Read Hebrews 12:1–3. What does it mean to “fix our eyes on Jesus”? How does this help us not grow weary?
9. What promise does God give to those who remain faithful (Revelation 2:10)? How does that motivate you personally?
10. What would you say to someone who is spiritually tired or ready to give up? How would you encourage them using Scripture?
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Resources for this Series Include...
Austin, Daniel. Be Certain, Sermon Series.
https://sermoncentral.com/sermon-series/be-certain-sermon-series-from-daniel-austin-5895
Barclay, William.
The Daily Study Bible: The Letters of James and Peter. Westminster Press, 1960.
Clear, James. Atomic Habits. Avery Press, 2018.
Cole, Steven J. Growing in Godliness
http://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-3-growing-godliness-2-peter-15-7
Copeland, Mark. Growing in the Knowledge of Jesus Christ Sermons
https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/growing-knowledge-jesus-christ/
Cortez, Enrich. Our Pursuit for Growth Sermon series.
https://sermoncentral.com/sermon-series/our-pursuit-for-our-growth-sermon-series-from-eyriche-cortez-999
Criswell, W. A. The Seven Christian Graces
https://wacriswell.com/sermons/1974/the-seven-christian-graces/
Deffinbaugh, Bob. The Pursuit of Christian Character
https://bible.org/seriespage/pursuit-christian-character-2-peter-15-7
Fox, Michael. Complete in Christ. Xulon Press, 2007.
Harmon, Matthew S. ESV Expository Commentary, Volume XII Hebrews - Revelation. Crossway, 2018.
Harvey, Robert and Philip H. Towner. The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: 2 Peter and Jude. InterVarsity Press, 2009.
Helm, David R. Preaching the Word Series: 1 & 2 Peter and Jude. Crossway, 2008.
Mathis, David. Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines. Crossway, 2016.
Shelly, Reubel.
Something to Hold On To: Studies in First and Second Peter. 21st Century Christian, 1985.
Warden, Duane. 1 & 2 Peter and Jude
Truth for Today Commentary Series, Resource Publications, 2009.
