TDA 

The David Alliance

[email protected]

Garth Heckman 

Romans 5

1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God (so things should be good now… we got peace - Right?) because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Patience/Perseverance  = 

"In the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, a Japanese gymnast, Shun Fujimoro, was competing in the team competition. Somehow. during the floor exercises, he broke his right knee.

His mindset was not that I came to compete, nor was it that I came to win… it was I came to complete or what I would add persevere until I am done.

I came to prove myself…

NO SLEEPING - STAY AWAKE - RUN FOR THE PRIZE

2 Tim. 2:3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 

Paul uses 3 individuals in regards to serving God… but ask yourself what do they have to persevere against?  

Farmer has to persevere elements of the world

Warrior persevere over others

Athlete must persevere over himself