THE GREAT SUSTAINER

HOLDING FAST TO HOPE THROUGH PERSEVERANCE

19  This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 
20  where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. —Hebrews 6:19 - 20

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. —Hebrews 10:23

1  Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 
2  through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 
3  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 
4  and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 
5  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in
our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. —Romans 5:1 - 5

1. Perseverance is found in forward motion.

12  Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13  Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 
14  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 3:12 - 14

1  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,
 2  looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. —Hebrews 12:1 - 2

66  From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 
67  Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”
68  But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 
69  Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” —John 6:66 - 69

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; —Philippians 1:6

32  But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: 
33  partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; 
34  for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. 
35  Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
36  For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
37  “For yet a little while,And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. —Hebrews 10:32 - 39

1. Perseverance is fueled by faith in the unseen that is inspired by hope.
2. 
   

   Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. —Hebrews 11:1

But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. —Romans 8:25

16  Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 
17  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, —2 Corinthians 4:16 - 18

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. —1 Thessalonians 1:3

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. —2 Timothy 4:7