Persevering in the Faith - How????

Paul's letter to Timothy - "Timothy...... endure/be strong/stand firm..."

How???????

I.  Stick with Sound Doctrine - called to persevere within the faith.
2 Tim. 1:13, 3:14
Being IN the faith requires:  A.)  Knowledge of the truth (basic Bible doctrine) and proper application - 2 Tim. 2:15
               B.)  Attention to the truth - Heb. 2:1 - knowledge does not necessarily translate to being in the faith. It is so easy for our focus to get off on something else.  MUST pay attention.
1 Tim.4:16

II. Stop, Think, Consider, Meditate
2 Tim. 2:7  Phil. 4:8
You won't persevere in the faith by following your feelings!!!!
2 Tim. 4:3-5 - "Keep your head" - cannot expect blessings by sinning.  Don't follow every whim of heart.

III.  Flee Sin, Pursue Righteousness - 2 Tim. 2:22
This means - active, intentional, continual AVOIDANCE of sin
AND -          active, intentional, continual PURSUIT of righteousness
"Put off & Put on" - (180 degree/repent) - AND RUN!!!  Heb. 12:1 - not only about rules, but what's going to help in the race.

IV.  Choose Companions Wisely
V.  Focus on What's Important
2 Tim. 3:1-5 - Avoid foolish people
2 Tim. 2:16 - avoid foolish issues - petty stupid, insignificant
2 Tim. 2:23 - avoid foolish arguments - that produce quarrels and divisions

VI.  Disciple others - 2 Tim. 2:2, 4:2
Three helpful steps to faithfulness-----1.) Know the Faith
                                                      2.)  Practice the Faith
                                                      3.)  Share the Faith  - Philemon 6 - when sharing faith, helps keep us in the  faith.

VII.  Trust God - 2 Tim. 2:8, 1:14  Rom. 15:4-5
On one hand, Persevering in the Faith is what we're called to do.
On the other hand, we don't do it without the ever present assistance of GOD...

Doctrine of "sufficient grace" - 2 Cor. 12:9
He will not do your part, your work.  However, Hi will never leave you or forsake you as you pursue your part, your work.

WE must persevere, but we don't have to do it alone!