In 2 Peter 1:5-7, we are told to diligently add several characteristics to our faith. One of them is perseverance.
The word perseverance is translated from the Greek term hupomone. This is a compound word: hupo – “under,” meno – “to abide.” While patience is the ability to wait, perseverance is the ability to continue to live and function under hardships.
Perseverance is needed for numerous reasons. First, the process of spiritual growth is not easy. Accomplishing the task set forth in 2 Peter 1:5-7 takes time and effort. We will face obstacles and experience setbacks as we add virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to our faith.
Second, we need perseverance because the way is difficult. Jesus has not called us to walk with Him through a rose garden. We must enter the narrow gate and stay on the difficult way that leads to life (Matt. 7:13-14). Jesus always calls on us to take the “high road” when facing temptation and tough choices.
Third, we need perseverance because persecutions will come. Paul and Barnabas strengthened the souls of new converts, “exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God’” (Acts 14:22). Paul also wrote, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). We will need perseverance to see us through these efforts to shake us from our faith.
Finally, we need perseverance because the Christian life is a marathon, not a 50-yard dash. “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Heb. 10:36; “endurance” is translated from hupomone). Heaven is a promise to those who live faithfully, not a guarantee to those who make a one-time profession of their belief in Jesus.
How We Obtain Perseverance
Perseverance does not come naturally, nor is it given to us miraculously. It is something we must diligently add to our character (2 Pet. 1:5). The following are some things the Bible says we can do to obtain perseverance.
1. Exercising perseverance. Just like exercising a muscle, the situations that demand perseverance also produce it. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4; “patience” is translated from hupomone). A runner gains endurance by running. A Christian gains perseverance by faithfully suffering through persecutions and temptations (Rom. 5:3-4).
2. Following the correct examples. “My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord - that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful” (James 5:10-11). The prophets and the patriarch Job are great examples of endurance and perseverance. They were called on to suffer unjustly, but through them we are able to see there is a purpose behind our suffering and good that will be brought out of exercising perseverance. It is easy to find people who complain and quit. However, there are still godly people in our world today who exhibit the ability to keep-on-keeping-on. We need to follow their example.
3. Having faith in our reward. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18). Satan loves to get us so overwhelmed with our present suffering that we forget about the reward that awaits us. Without faith in God’s promises, there is no reason or spiritual resource from which we can endure the sufferings of this present time. Many souls lie shipwreck along life’s pathway because they lacked perseverance. We need to set our “mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2).
4. Showing dedication. Paul told Timothy, “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them” (2 Tim. 3:14). There are things we can do that will allow us to keep-on-keeping-on. We need to be reading our Bible and praying every day. We need to be in the habit of assembling to worship God with faithful Christians. We need to make time in our lives to associate with others who are diligently adding virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to their faith. Purposely numbering ourselves with God’s faithful people will give us the encouragement we need to persevere to the end.
Conclusion: Developing as a Christian requires us to obtain the qualities and characteristics that will equip us to serve the Lord faithfully throughout our lives. The way is hard, the days are long, and the toil is tiresome, but our soul is too precious and heaven is too great for us to quit.
“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb. 6:11-12).