Nehemiah 6:1-14
Perseverance: the continued effort and ability to stay the course amidst difficulty, danger, distraction, discouragement, and opposition
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing … Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
– James 1:2-4; 12
Big Idea: Faithfulness to God’s Word produces perseverance for God’s work.
How To Persevere Under Pressure:
1) Devote Myself To God’s Work Amidst Distractions (v. 1-4)
2) Entrust My Reputation To God Amidst Disparagement (v. 5-9)
“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
– 1 Timothy 4:16
3) Anchor In God’s Word Amidst Deception (v. 10-14)
“Preach the word: be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
– 2 Timothy 4:2-5