Introduction:  I believe the noun "perseverance" is only found once in the King James. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Eph. 6: 18). The Greek word translated perseverance (proskarteresis) means endurance and continuance.

I. The scriptures are replete with teaching concerning continuing in the will of the Lord.

    A. Jas. 1: 22-27, 2: 14-26, Gal. 5: 6.

    B. The scriptures even teach perseverance to the point of prison, tribulation, and death (Rev. 2: 10).

    C. Still, the scriptures recognize that many will not persevere: (Matt. 13: 1-9).

II. A look at some synonymous terms.

  1. Steadfast (I Cor. 15: 58).

  2. Faithful (Col. 1: 2).

  3. Obedient (I Pet. 1: 14, cp. Heb. 5:, 8, 9).

  4. Take heed (Heb. 3: 12-14).

  5. Keep (Jude 21, I Jn. 5: 18).

  6. Overcome (Rev. 2: 7, 17).

  7. Continue (Jn. 15: 9, Acts 14: 22, Col. 1: 23).

  8. Abide (I Jn. 2: 28, 3: 6). (Stress present tense of the grammar, when applicable, and the attendant stated reasons to be steadfast, faithful, obedient, etc.)

III. Things that prevent perseverance.

    A. The Parable of the Sower lists some hindrances to perseverance.

  1. Lack of understanding (Matt. 13: 19).

  2. tribulation (Matt. 13: 21).

  3. Worry (Matt. 13: 22).

  4. Deceitfulness of riches (Matt. 13: 22).

  5. Pleasures of this life (Lk. 8: 14).

    B. The devil is behind people not persevering (Matt. 13: 19).

IV. What happens to those who do not continue?

    A. The scriptures are plain in this matter: Lk. 9: 62; 2 Pet. 2: 20-22.

    B. The scriptures teach that one is either spiritually advancing or in a state of regressing (Heb. 5: 11-14). The writer of Hebrews compares those who do not persevere to "thorns and briers" that are "rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned" (Heb. 6: 8). Peter enjoined "adding" the virtues mentioned in 2 Peter 1: 5-10. By "doing these things," Peter explained, "ye shall never fall" (2 Pet. 1: 10).