ROMANS 2:7

“to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life;” 

Perseverance is definitely an admirable quality in a person. I have friends who have persevered under tremendous trials and conflicts. Some of those have been physical challenges with their health. Others have faced family issues that threatened to diminish their trust in God. But through it all, they have persevered. What does Paul mean by the use of that word in today’s verse?

Paul uses the Greek word hypomonē which “conveys steadfast endurance that clings to God in the face of pressure. More than passive waiting, it is active, faith-filled perseverance that refuses to abandon obedience or hope. While English versions alternately render the term ‘endurance,’ ‘perseverance,’ or ‘patience,’ its essence is a Spirit-empowered tenacity that remains under trial until God’s purpose is fulfilled.” (Topical Lexicon). Perseverance without a God motivation is just stubbornness (that we discussed in verse 5).

APPLICATION

Hypomonē is used by Jesus in the Parable of the Sower to describe the seed in the good soil. In Luke 8:15 He says, “‘But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word with a good and virtuous heart, and hold it firmly, and produce fruit with perseverance.’” Even good soil can be challenging. Weeds can spring up that need pulling. Water is needed to help the seed germinate and grow. Fruit production takes perseverance.

We see hypomonē also in 2 Corinthians 6:4 where it is translated as “endurance.” Read verses 1-10 to get a full picture of what Paul is sharing here. But verse 4 says, “but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in difficulties,” As leaders in our churches, we are expected to exemplify hypomonē as others are observing our actions.

I love how Peter uses hypomonē in his building list of characters in 2 Peter 1:5-8. It is worth sharing here. “5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they do not make you useless nor unproductive in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

So, examine where you are on a scale of 1 to 10 in regard to your perseverance in the faith. God is not asking you to do this alone. He is right there with you. Step out and trust Him. 

O Lord, help me persevere when I see no light because I know You are the only light I need.

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