10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,
The seventh characteristic of a faithful minister is perseverance.
perseverance,
Perseverance is the continuance to persist under control no matter the difficulty or circumstance (Ro 2:7). Longsuffering has to do with patience with people, and “perseverance” has to do with patience with circumstances. The word “perseverance” comes from two words: under and to remain. This person hangs in there no matter how many problems come his way (2 Co 6:4).
PRINCIPLE:
Our walk reveals our belief.
APPLICATION:
False teaching will manifest itself in what the teaching produces. Faithful theology shows itself in willingness to pay a price for serving the Lord. Truth marks itself out from falsity; there is a disparity in the results of belief. Paul differentiated himself from false teachers by his willingness to sacrifice for his Lord.
Perseverance manifests itself in endurance, fortitude, steadfastness, and tenacity. A persevering person is someone with bulldog-like fortitude. He does not give up under adverse circumstances. This tenacity does not throw in the towel and quit under opposition (He 12:1-3).
