Perseverance (or patience) is one of the "Christian Graces" enjoined upon disciples who would desire to become "partakers of the divine nature."

"But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love" (2 Pet. 1:5-7).

To persevere means to continue in some effort in spite of difficulty or opposition. In our text, the word is translated from the Greek word HUPOMONE, which is actually a compound word: HUPO meaning "under," and MENO meaning "to abide." This word literally means to abide under. It has to do with endurance and steadfastness.

There is a difference between perseverance and patience. Patience is the ability to wait. This is needed, because we are told to wait upon the Lord (Ps. 27:14). Perseverance is the ability to bear under hardships, trials and sufferings without giving up. It allows us to keep on going in spite of obstacles, to remain constant in what we are trying to do.

Perseverance works two different ways in the life of a Christian.

The passive side of perseverance can be seen in the exercise of endurance. This is the ability to patiently bear under trials and persecutions. "Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer" (Rom. 12:12). Paul told Timothy, "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Tim. 2:3).

Endurance is necessary because without it we will quit. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus said tribulation and persecution because of the word will cause those with a "stony heart" to stumble (Matt. 13:20-21). This is one way Satan tries to get us to stop serving the Lord. We need endurance to bear under the trials that accompany discipleship. "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12).

The active side of perseverance can be seen in the exercise of persistence, the ability to keep moving forward. The Bible uses two illustrations that show the importance of this quality.

Running a Race. "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1). Christians are told to run the race set before them. This race is not a 50-yard dash. It is a marathon. Distance runners need the ability to keep on going. So do Christians: "For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise" (Heb. 10:36).

Bearing Fruit. "But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience" (Luke 8:15). Fruit isn't produced overnight. It takes time for the vine, tree, plant, etc. to mature. Then it must go through a season of pollination, growth and ripening before there is fruit. A Christian cannot bear the fruit God is looking for overnight (John 15:8). The one who perseveres and persists through a life of distraction and discouragement will produce the fruit that glorifies God.

The promise of heaven comes after we have done the will of God. We need perseverance to see us through to the end of our faith.