Young People's Group

But You Have Carefully Followed (VIII)

by Mitchell Tan
December 15, 2017

THE PRINCIPLE OF PERSEVERANCE

Perseverance is the last principle in Paul’s list of principles and practices. This is an important principle because without it, he would not be able to fulfil what God wanted him to do.

“But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance”
2 Timothy 3:10

The word “perseverance” is the Greek word “hupomone.” It has the idea of being under great stress and yet being able to remain steadfast and strong. Paul persevered in all things that he did for the Lord. Timothy had also carefully followed this principle of perseverance. Our challenge is to also persevere in all things that we seek to do for the Lord.

THE CHALLENGE TO PERSEVERE

What were some of the things that Paul persevered in?

1. PERSEVERING IN PRAYER

“As without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day”
2 Timothy 1:3

Prayer was very much a part of Paul’s life. He persevered in praying for Timothy. Unceasingly, he would remember him in prayer. Night and day, he would supplicate to the Lord on his behalf with love and concern. It takes perseverance to be able to be committed in praying for someone. This was part of Paul’s life and ministry. He also prayed for the Philippians without ceasing (Philippians 1:3). He persevered in prayer for the brethren.

2. PERSEVERING IN HOLDING FAST TO SOUND WORDS

“Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 1:13

The truths that were revealed to Paul were truly sound words. They were the teachings that the Lord Jesus had personally revealed to him (Galatians 1:11-12). Paul persevered in holding fast to them. He did not set them aside. The word “Hold fast” is actually one word in Greek. It has the idea of vigorously remembering and retaining what has been taught and possessing them as part of life. Paul had established the standard of sound words that Timothy was to hold fast to.

3. PERSEVERING IN ENDURING ALL THINGS

“Therefore I endure all things for the sake for the elect”
2 Timothy 2:10

Paul had to go through much suffering for the sake of the gospel and for the sake of the elect. The extent of his suffering was to the point of going to prison and being in chains (2 Timothy 2:9). He persevered in enduring sufferings by focusing on the Lord Jesus and exercising faith in His word. He was a good example of one who persevered in enduring all things.

CAREFULLY FOLLOWING PAUL’S EXAMPLE OF PERSEVERANCE

The apostle Paul learnt to persevere in whatever he had to go through. Timothy also learnt to carefully follow his example. He had to learn to cultivate the same spirit of faith in the Lord. We too can have the same spirit of faith in persevering. Young people, let’s also seek to persevere in all things that we go through.

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