The Perseverance of the Saints

Texto:

Eph 6:18

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Perseverance

‌Resisting in the course of an action or belief. In its negative sense, it can mean to be stubborn/stubborn; in its positive sense, it implies the continuity of commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Presentation: Eph 6: 10-20 He talks about the armor of God.

‌All of these weapons would be ineffective in resisting the enemy of souls were it not for the decisive help that prayer gives them (Eph 6: 18-20) the apostle, after presenting all the pieces of God's armor, describes the role of prayer in this struggle through the connection with which verse 18 begins: "through all prayer, etc."‌

To understand the role of prayer in this struggle, we can turn to the book of Exod 17: 8-16, where we see that the great battle against Amalek was not won by numbers or by the strength of the armies of Israel but by the intercession of Moses on the top of Rephidim's hill.‌

Zech 4: 6: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit alone, says the Lord of hosts."

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Verse 18 of the final chapter of Ephesians deserves special analysis.

‌(A) Let us first look at its literal version: Eph 6:18

(B) It cannot but impress any attentive reader with that fourfold "all," "all," "all," "all," which we see in verse 18. The importance of prayer is manifested therein:‌

(a) The totality in the constancy one is to watch in prayer: "being vigilant to it with all perseverance and solicitude." This same emphasis is found in; Lk 21:36 and Heb 13: 17, always in the sense of watching. The effort the shepherd makes not to fall asleep is graphically expressed since the shepherd's sleep usually results in tragedy for the sheep. This vigilance is what Paul recommends in prayer and supplication.

Human Perseverance in Sin

Is 1: 4-5. There is a generation of evil ones, depraved children, who rebel against God.

‌Rom 1:28-32 we have an example of those who persevere in their sins

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Perseverance Originates in Suffering

‌Rom 5:3; Rom 12:12 We rejoice in tribulations, that he may produce patience in us‌

2 Cor 1:6 We rejoice in the hope of Christ and are found worthy to suffer for Christ's sake.‌

2 Thes 1:4 We are afflicted to be comforted

‌2 Tim 3: 10-11 God gives us patience, our faith grows amid persecution, and God delivers us from all of them.

‌Jam 1: 2-3 Rejoice in your suffering, for God, in his grace, has you worthy to bear the suffering of Christ in you.

‌1 Pet 4:19 Whoever suffers unjustly for the sake of God has the assurance that God, the Creator of the world, watches over his soul.

‌Rev 2:2; 3:19 God himself is a witness to all our suffering.‌

Perseverance Builds and Demonstrates Christian Character

‌Rom 5:4 See also 1 Cor 13:7 ; 2 Cor 1:21-22; 12: 12 ; James 1:4; 2 P 1: 5-8

‌Rom 5:4 The tribulation of the believer is a blessing from God! It produces patience, and then it produces trial to end with hope. And our hope in Christ never shames but works for our good!‌

1 Co 13:7 God's Love suffers all things, believes all things, hopes, and endures all things! That love is inexhaustible, like a fountain of water in a desert!‌

2 Co 1: 21-22 The earnest money of the Spirit in our hearts. We have a foretaste of the certainty of salvation that Christ has purchased from us and has given us his Holy Spirit. He has sealed us with His Spirit.

James 1:4 God will keep perfecting His work in our hearts

‌2 P 1:5-8 We must supplement our faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge. Living in holiness, demonstrating Christ's love with God's people. These things should be practiced to avoid being idle and fruitless of the Spirit. By practicing these things, we show that we are Christ.

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Exhortations for Christians to Persevere

‌Acts 11:23; 13:43. We will be exhorted to remain faithful to the Lord.

‌1 Co 15:58; 16:13. We have been called to stand firm in the foundation of the Apostles and their teachings. We must be constant in God's ways. Growing in the work of Christ!

Phil 1:27. Firm in one spirit, fighting hand in hand, united in the faith of the gospel preached to us.

‌2 Tim 1:13. It is essential to retain the scriptures.

‌Acts 2:1; 4:14. Such a great salvation requires that we diligently attend to all the words written in Scripture.

Rev 3:11. Christ exhorts us to "hold fast what we have, that we may be crowned in glory by dwelling with him forever."

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