Unit H

Persevering

Sections

Each believer’s relationship with God will face many different kinds of challenges. In order to overcome these, it is vital to know both what they involve and the Bible’s teaching about how to face them.

Rejecting Sin

I.Rejecting Sin

Use God’s word to avoid sin

[A psalmist, to God:]  I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you.   Psalms 119:11 CEV

Live by the Holy Spirit

God did this [sent Jesus to deal with sin] so that the righteous demands of the Law might be fully satisfied in us who live according to the Spirit, and not according to human nature.   Romans 8:4 GNT

Living by the Holy Spirit involves: focusing on what he wants; paying attention to his promptings; and relying on his power.

Ask God for forgiveness of sin

[David, to God:]  Wash away all my guilt and make me clean again.   Psalms 51:2 NCV™

Major Pitfalls

II.Major Pitfalls

Do not be proud

Be friendly with everyone. Don’t be proud and feel that you are smarter than others. Make friends with ordinary people.   Romans 12:16 CEV

Do not love money

Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.”   Hebrews 13:5 GNT

Turn from sexual sin

Then Jesus told her [a woman who had been caught in bed with a man who was not her husband], “I am not going to accuse you either. You may go now, but don’t sin anymore.”   John 8:11b CEV

Hard Times

III.Hard Times

In hard times, trust in God

[David, to God:]  When they plot together against me, they figure out how they can take my life. 14But I trust in you, O Lord! I declare, “You are my God!” 15You determine my destiny! Rescue me from the power of my enemies and those who chase me.   Psalms 31:13b-15 NET

Persist in prayer to God

[A psalmist, to God:]  Lord, you are the God who saves me. I cry out to you day and night.   Psalms 88:1 NCV™

Take comfort in God’s word

[A psalmist, to God:]  When I suffer, this comforts me: Your promise gives me life. … 52I remember your laws from long ago, and they comfort me, Lord.   Psalms 119:50, 52 NCV™

In v. 50 the psalmist speaks of God’s promise renewing his life, through the hope that it gives.

Persecution

IV.Persecution

Do not be afraid

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30Even all the hairs on your head are numbered. 31So do not be afraid; you are more valuable than many sparrows.   Matthew 10:28-31 NET

Remain faithful to God and Jesus Christ

[Jesus Christ, to believers:]  Don’t be afraid of anything you are about to suffer. Listen! The Devil will put you to the test by having some of you thrown into prison, and your troubles will last ten days. Be faithful to me, even if it means death, and I will give you life as your prize of victory.   Revelation 2:10 GNT