DIVIDENDS OF GODLY PERSISTENCE

DIVIDENDS OF GODLY PERSISTENCE TEXT: EPH. 4: 1-2 BY REV. CANON DR. LINUS OLUCHUKWU AKUDOLU INTRODUCTION • Persistence means insisting on doing a particular thing or following a course of action despite all odds and challenges with the hope of achieving a favourable result or reward at the end. • It implies determination, perseverance, consistence and steadfastness. • Persistence is a pernitent requirement in Christian race. THREE MAJOR FORMS OF PERSISTENCE • PERSISTENCE IN YOUR VISION • PERSISTENCE IN YOUR PRAYERS • PERSISTENCE IN YOUR FAITH PERSIST IN YOUR VISION • When you have a good vision or goal, be determined, resolute, and consistence in pursuing it. • It was determination that made Elisha to acquire the anointing of Elijah despite all frustrations and distractions – 2 Kings 2:1-15 • Winners never quit! If we do not quit, if we display perseverance and endurance, we would reap a harvest of glory. “ By perseverance, the snail reached the ark” – Charles Spurgeon PERSIST IN PRAYERS • In Luke 18: 1-8, the widow was able to get justice through persistence. • Daniel obtained answers to his prayers through persistency– Dan. 10:12-13. • Persistence in prayers makes the impossible possible; it brings about divine interventions and harvest of miracles. PERSIST IN FAITH • Psalm 97: 10 “ Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints…” (KJV). • Yes, he certainly preserves their souls , but does not always save the body. At times, he allows the fresh to suffer and be destroyed. • A modern interpretation of faith as prosperity, wealth, success, and goodies devoid of suffering, poverty, sickness is an unbalanced and carnal doctrine – 2 Tim. 3:12, Heb. 11:35-38 How Some of the Apostles Died (Martyrs) • It is true that God delivered Shedrack, Meshach and Abednego. He also delivered Daniel from den of Lion. He moved Joseph from prison to throne, but how about Stephen stoned, James Killed, and other martyrs? • Peter was crucified upside down • James son of Alpheus was sawn in pieces • Thomas was killed with spear • Bartholomew was flayed alive with knives • Thaddeus was shot with arrows • Philip was hung upside down until he died • Mathew was soaked in oil and pitch, and burned alive • All the apostles died as martyrs except John CHRISTIAN FAITH INVOLVES SUFFERING WITH ETERNAL REWARD • There is no doubt that faith leads to victory. God does not abandon the faithful forever, but may allow him suffer momentarily on earth, and reward him with eternal life in his kingdom . • The fact is that the present suffering is nothing when compared to glory to come- Rom. 8 :18, I Cori.2:9 • We must learn to endure suffering as part of the Christian faith for “the cross” symbolizes suffering – Luke 9: 22-25 CONCLUSION • Persist in pursuit of your vision in a godly manner; it leads to achievements, fulfillment and glory. • Persist in prayers; it brings about divine interventions and miracles • Persist in Christian faith; for it leads to eternal life.