Jan. 26, 2025

Grow Up!

Perseverance

Primary Text:  James 1:12                 

Last Teaching:  Grow Up!

1)  Press On

Philippians 3:13–15:  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. 

2)  Mature & Complete

James 1:2–4:  Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

This Week’s Teaching:

1)  Blessed

James 1:12 (NIV84):  Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12 (NKJV):  Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12 (ESV):  Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

DQ 1) Define perseverance.  What are the various characteristics of a person who is steadfast and perseverant?  

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2)  The Steadfastness of Job

James 5:10-11:  Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.  As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.  You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.  The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 

DQ 2) What were the good and not so good attributes of Job’s perseverance?   

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3)  The Product of Suffering

Romans 5:2-4:  And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  

DQ 3) How does suffering produce perseverance and character?   

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4)  Love Always

1 Corinthians 13:4–8:  Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails. 

DQ 4) Describe how perseverance is a characteristic of love.

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5)  Courage to Endure

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.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  

DQ 5) Why does it often take courage to endure and persevere?

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