Persevere

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"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Matthew 16:24 "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." Matthew 10:38
Jesus makes many references to seeking, striving, persevering and enduring in order to be saved because the gates are narrow. People like to think they are saved by what they say or think about God. Religion is not what you think but what you do. We are told over and over that we are to be Keeping the commandments.
The preacher who tells you otherwise is not of the Holy Spirit nor is he preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom or the Doctrines of Jesus. If we do not keep the Commandments, our faith is dead, unreal, a strong delusion, and a lie.
We are told to pick up your cross and plow in hope[1] and not take our hand from that plow because if you do you are not fit for the kingdom of God.[2]
There can be no doubt that the Gospel preached by Christ requires that you be steadfast and endure in your seeking the kingdom of God.
To seek, endure, persevere, strive, and be a doer of the word are clearly a part of the Doctrines of Jesus.


Persevere

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" Ephesians 6:18

The Greek word proskarteresis [3] only appears once in the Bible and is translated as "perseverance ". As we can see there are many other words that mean virtually the same thing.

Continue

To persevere means to continue and we find a similar word proskartereo[4] from two words: the preposition pros and kartereo meaning steadfast which is almost always translated to some form of continue'. It is defined, "to adhere to one.... to be devoted or constant... to be steadfastly attentive unto".[5]

Endure

  • Matthew 10:22 "And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."

Time and time again, we see this word hupomeno[6] , commonly translated endure, and promoted by Christ and the apostles.

This Greek word hupomeno may be translated endure a dozen times.

Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure <5278> unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure <5278> unto the end, the same shall be saved.
1 Corinthians 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth <5278> all things.
2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure <5278> all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Hebrews 10:32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured <5278> a great fight of afflictions;
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured <5278> the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured <5278> such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Hebrews 12:7 If ye endure <5278> chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth <5278> temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure <5278>. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
Mark 4:17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure <1526> but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.

It also appears as "to tarry behind", "take patiently", and "patient".

Luke 2:43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind <5278> in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
1 Peter 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently <5278>? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently <5278>, this is acceptable with God.
Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient <5278> in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

It is even translated "suffer".

2 Timothy 2:12 If we suffer <5278>, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

One time it is translated as a form of the word abide.

Acts 17:14 And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode <5278> there still <5278>.

Abide

The Greek word hupomeno, meaning "to endure" is from two words:

  • "hupo", a preposition;
  • "meno", a verb, which is also translated abide, remain, continue, and endure.

The word meno[7] means to remain, not to depart but to continue to be present.

While it can mean abide, it always includes the idea of remaining and enduring. Of the 120 times it appears in the Bible, it is often included in instructions by Jesus and the apostles.

Matthew 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide <3306> till ye go thence.
Matthew 11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained <3306> until this day.
Matthew 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye <3306> here, and watch with me.
Mark 6:10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide <3306> till ye depart from that place.
Mark 14:34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye <3306> here, and watch.
Luke 9:4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide <3306>, and thence depart.
Luke 10:7 And in the same house remain <3306>, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
Luke 19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide <3306> at thy house.
Luke 24:29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide <3306> with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry <3306> with them.
John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining <3306> on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth <3306> on him.
John 4:40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry <3306> with them: and he abode <3306> there two days.
John 5:38 And ye have not his word abiding <3306> in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth <3306> unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
John 6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth <3306> in me, and I in him.
John 7:9 When he had said these words unto them, he abode <3306> still in Galilee.
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue <3306> in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:35 And the servant abideth <3306> not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth <3306> ever.
John 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth <3306>.
John 10:40 And went away again beyond Jordan int
John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth <3306> alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
John 12:34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth <3306> for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should <3306> not abide <3306> in darkness.
John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth <3306> in me, he doeth the works.
John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide <3306> with you for ever;
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth <3306> with you, and shall be in you.
John 14:25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present <3306> with you.
John 15:4 Abide <3306> in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide <3306> in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide <3306> in me.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth <3306> in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:6 If a man abide <3306> not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
John 15:7 If ye abide <3306> in me, and my words abide <3306> in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye <3306> in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide <3306> in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide <3306> in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain <3306> in you, and that your joy might be full.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain <3306>: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
John 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry <3306> till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
John 21:23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry <3306> till I come, what is that to thee?
Acts 5:4 Whiles it remained <3306>, was it not thine own <3306>? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
Acts 20:23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide <3306> me.
Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode <3306> with him.
Acts 28:30 And Paul dwelt <3306> two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand <3306>, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
1 Corinthians 3:14 If any man’s work abide <3306> which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
1 Corinthians 7:8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide <3306> even as I.
1 Corinthians 7:24 Brethren, let <3306> every man, wherein he is called, therein abide <3306> with God.
1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth <3306> faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth <3306> the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
2 Corinthians 9:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth <3306> for ever.
1 Timothy 2:15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue <3306> in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
2 Timothy 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer<5278>, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 If we believe not, yet he abideth <3306> faithful: he cannot deny himself.
2 Timothy 3:14 But continue <3306> thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
Hebrews 7:24 But this man, because he continueth <3306> ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
Hebrews 13:1 Let <3306> brotherly love continue <3306>.
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth <3306> for ever.
1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth <3306> in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
1 John 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth <3306> in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
1 John 2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth <3306> in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth <3306> for ever.
1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued <3306> with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
1 John 2:24 Let <3306> that therefore abide <3306> in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain <3306> in you, ye also shall continue <3306> in the Son, and in the Father.
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth <3306> in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide <3306> in him.
1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide <3306> in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
1 John 3:6 Whosoever abideth <3306> in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth <3306> in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth <3306> in death.
1 John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding <3306> in him.
1 John 3:17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth <3306> the love of God in him?
1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth <3306> in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth <3306> in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth <3306> in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 Hereby know we that we dwell <3306> in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 ¶ And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth <3306> in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth <3306> in love dwelleth <3306> in God, and God in him. 17 ¶ Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
2 John 1:2 For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth <3306> in us, and shall be with us for ever.
2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth <3306> not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth <3306> in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

Carry and bear

Another word tranlated endure is phero[8] which is more often translated to bring or bear in the sense of carry.

Romans 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured <5342> with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
Hebrews 12:20 (For they could <5342> not endure <5342> that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:
Luke 23:26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear <5342> it after Jesus.
John 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth <5342> not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth <5342> fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth <5342> more fruit... 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear <5342> fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear <5342> much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding <5342> all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Steadfastness and constancy

Another similar word is hupomone[9] from hupomeno, commonly translated as patience but also enduring and patient continuance and defined "steadfastness, constancy, endurance".

Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience <5281>.
Luke 21:19 In your patience <5281> possess ye your souls.
Romans 2:7 To them who by patient continuance <5281> in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience <5281>; 4 And patience <5281>, experience; and experience, hope:
Romans 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience <5281> wait for it.
Romans 15:5 Now the God of patience <5281> and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
2 Corinthians 1:6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring <5281> of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience <5281>, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience <5281> and longsuffering with joyfulness;
1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience <5281> of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
2 Thessalonians 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience <5281> and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure<430>:
2 Thessalonians 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting <5281> for Christ.
1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience <5281>, meekness.
2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience <5281>,
Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience <5281>.
Hebrews 10:36 For ye have need of patience <5281>, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience <5281> the race that is set before us,
James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience <5281>.4 But let patience <5281> have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience <5281> of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
2 Peter 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience <5281>; and to patience <5281> godliness;
Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience <5281> of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience <5281>, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
Revelation 2:3 And hast borne, and hast patience <5281>, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
Revelation 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience <5281>, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience <5281>, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Revelation 13:10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience <5281> and the faith of the saints.
Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience <5281> of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Hold up

Another word translated endure but more commonly translated suffer is anechomai.[10] It actually means to hold up as in to sustain, or to bear or stand firm.

Matthew 17:17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer <430> you? bring him hither to me.
Mark 9:19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer <430> you? bring him unto me.
1 Corinthians 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it <430>:
2 Corinthians 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might <430> well bear with <430> him.
Colossians 3:13 Forbearing <430> one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
2 Thessalonians 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure <430>:
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will <430> not endure <430> sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Hebrews 13:22 And I beseech you, brethren, suffer <430> the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.

Endure hardness

Also, there is kakopatheo[11], translated "endure hardness" and "endure affliction".

2 Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness <2553>, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble <2553>, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
2 Timothy 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions <2553>, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
James 5:13 Is <2553> any among you afflicted <2553>? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

Patiently endure

The word makrothumeo is another word for "patient" in the sense of "patiently endure" or "longsuffering:.[12]

Matthew 18:26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience <3114> with me, and I will pay thee all.
Matthew 18:29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience <3114> with me, and I will pay thee all.
Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long <3114> with them?
1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long <3114>, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient <3114> toward all men.
Hebrews 6:15 And so, after he had patiently endured <3114>, he obtained the promise.
James 5:7 Be patient <3114> therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience <3114> for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be <3114> ye also patient <3114>; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering <3114> to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Bear to endure

And again, the word combination hupophero appears a few times in the sense of endure or to bear up (a thing placed on one’s shoulders).[13]

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear <5297> it.
2 Timothy 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured <5297>: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
1 Peter 2:19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure <5297> grief, suffering wrongfully.

Steadfast

The word kartereo, meaning "to be steadfast", only appear once and is a derivative of a word meaning dominion.[14]

Hebrews 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured <2594>, as seeing him who is invisible.

Strive

  • Luke 13:24 "Strive [15] to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."

He was answering the question about being saved which we see in Luke 13:23 "Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them".

While we are saved by Grace through Faith if there is no works our Faith comes into question. The same is true of Fruits. Christ constantly is talking about picking up your cross, striving and persevering and just being a Doer of the Word.

Christ came to serve and if we are coming in His name no one should have to tell you that you should be a Doer. The Greek word agonizomai translated strive from agon meaning an assembly. This is one reason Christ commanded that His disciples make the people sit down in a network of small intimate companies and link them together in ranks of 100.

Paul told the guard "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Paul was not suggesting that if you think you believe you are saved you are saved. He was saying that you had to actually believe in Christ that your real faith compelled action in accordance with The Way of Christ. Real faith in Christ brings us into conformity with what Christ said to do. We automatically become Doers of the Word striving daily for perfect conformity.

Many Christians believe that all you have to do is believe and you are saved but if you believe Jesus you must believe what He said and he said "strive".

We see the Greek word agonizomai in the text which is also translated fight and labour fervently. Paul could not have meant that you did not have to strive or keep the commandments of God since he preached the Gospel first.

  • John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight <75>, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery <75> is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
  • Colossians 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving <75> according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
  • Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently <75> for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

  • 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight <75> the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
  • 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought <75> a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

The word agonizomai is from agon[16] meaning an an assembly but translated conflict 2, fight 2, contention 1, race 1.

It appears in:

Philippians 1:30 Having the same conflict <73> which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Colossians 2:1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict <73> I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
1 Thessalonians 2:2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention <73>.
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight <73> of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight <73>, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race <73> that is set before us,


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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
  2. Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
  3. 4343 ~προσκαρτέρησις~ proskarteresis \@pros-kar-ter’-ay-sis\@ from 4342; TDNT-3:619,417; {See TDNT 361} n f AV-perseverance 1; 1
    1) perseverance
  4. 4342 ~προσκαρτερέω~ proskartereo \@pros-kar-ter-eh’-o\@ from the preposition pros and kartereo meaning steadfast; TDNT-3:618,417; {See TDNT 361} v AV-continue 4, continue instant 1, continue steadfastly 1, attend continually 1, give (one’s) self continually 1, wait on 1, wait on continually 1; 10
    1) to adhere to one, be his adherent, to be devoted or constant to one
    2) to be steadfastly attentive unto, to give unremitting care to a thing
    3) to continue all the time in a place
    4) to persevere and not to faint
    5) to show one’s self courageous for
    6) to be in constant readiness for one, wait on constantly
  5. Persevere continually
    Mark 3:9 "And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on <4342> him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him."
    Acts 1:14 "These all continued <4342> with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."
    Acts 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly <4342> in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
    Acts 2:46 "And they, continuing <4342> daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,"
    Acts 6:4 "But we will give ourselves continually <4342> to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."
    Acts 8:13 "Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued <4342> with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done."
    Acts 10:7 "And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on <4342> him continually <4342>;"
    Romans 12:12 "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant <4342> in prayer;"
    Romans 13:6 "For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually <4342> upon this very thing."
    Colossians 4:2 "Continue <4342> in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;"
    Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance<4343> and supplication for all saints;"
  6. 5278 ~ὑπομένω~ hupomeno \@hoop-om-en’-o\@ from 5259 and 3306; v AV-endure 11, take patiently 2, tarry behind 1, abide 1, patient 1, suffer 1; 17
    1) to remain
    1a) to tarry behind
    2) to remain i.e. abide, not recede or flee
    2a) to preserve: under misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one’s faith in Christ
    2b) to endure, bear bravely and calmly: ill treatments
  7. 3306 ~μένω~ meno \@men’-o\@ a root word; v AV-abide 61, remain 16, dwell 15, continue 11, tarry 9, endure 3, misc 5; 120
    1) to remain, abide
    1a) in reference to place
    1a1) to sojourn, tarry
    1a2) not to depart
    1a2a) to continue to be present
    1a2b) to be held, kept, continually
    1b) in reference to time
    1b1) to continue to be, not to perish, to last, endure
    1b1a) of persons, to survive, live
    1c) in reference to state or condition
    1c1) to remain as one, not to become another or different
    2) to wait for, await one
  8. 5342 ~φέρω~ phero \@fer’-o\@ a primary verb (for which other and apparently not cognate ones are used in certain tenses only, namely, ~οιω~ oio \@oy’-o;\@ and ~ενεγκω~ enegko \@en-eng’-ko;\@ v AV-bring 34, bear 8, bring forth 5, come 3, reach 2, endure 2, carry 1, misc 9; 64
    1) to carry
    1a) to carry some burden
    1a1) to bear with one’s self
    1b) to move by bearing; move or, to be conveyed or borne, with
    the suggestion of force or speed
    1b1) of persons borne in a ship over the sea
    1b2) of a gust of wind, to rush
    1b3) of the mind, to be moved inwardly, prompted
    1c) to bear up i.e. uphold (keep from falling)
    1c1) of Christ, the preserver of the universe
    2) to bear, i.e. endure, to endure the rigour of a thing, to bear patiently one’s conduct, or spare one (abstain from punishing or destroying)
    3) to bring, bring to, bring forward
    3a) to move to, apply
    3b) to bring in by announcing, to announce
    3c) to bear i.e. bring forth, produce; to bring forward in a speech
    3d) to lead, conduct
  9. 5281 ~ὑπομονή~ hupomone \@hoop-om-on-ay’\@ from 5278; TDNT-4:581,581; {See TDNT 481} n f AV-patience 29, enduring 1, patient continuance 1, patient waiting 1; 32
    1) steadfastness, constancy, endurance
    1a) in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings
    1b) patiently, and steadfastly
    2) a patient, steadfast waiting for
    3) a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance
    For Synonyms see entry 5861
  10. 430 ~ἀνέχομαι~ anechomai \@an-ekh’-om-ahee\@ middle voice from 303 and 2192; v AV-suffer 7, bear with 4, forbear 2, endure 2; 15
    1) to hold up
    2) to hold one’s self erect and firm
    3) to sustain, to bear, to endure
  11. 2553 ~κακοπαθέω~ kakopatheo \@kak-op-ath-eh’-o\@ from the same as 2552; TDNT-5:936,798; {See TDNT 606} v AV-endure hardness 1, suffer trouble 1, endure affliction 1, be afflicted 1; 4
    1) to suffer (endure) evils (hardships, troubles)
    2) to be afflicted
  12. 3114 ~μακροθυμέω~ makrothumeo \@mak-roth-oo-meh’-o\@ from the same as 3116; TDNT-4:374,550; {See TDNT 462} v AV-be patient 3, have patience 2, have long patience 1, bear long 1, suffer long 1, be longsuffering 1, patiently endure 1; 10
    1) to be of a long spirit, not to lose heart
    1a) to persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes and troubles
    1b) to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others
    1b1) to be mild and slow in avenging
    1b2) to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish
  13. 5297 ~ὑποφέρω~ hupophero \@hoop-of-er’-o\@ from 5259 and 5342; ; v AV-endure 2, bear 1; 3
    1) to bear by being under, bear up (a thing placed on one’s shoulders)
    2) to bear patiently, to endure
  14. 2594 ~καρτερέω~ kartereo \@kar-ter-eh’-o\@ from a derivative of a word meaning dominion 2904 (transp.); TDNT-3:617,417; {See TDNT 361} v AV-endure 1; 1
    1) to be steadfast
  15. 75 ~ἀγωνίζομαι~ agonizomai \@ag-o-nid’-zom-ahee\@ from agon an assembly; v AV-strive 3, fight 3, labour fervently 1; 7
    1) to enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games
    2) to contend with adversaries, fight
    3) metaph. to contend, struggle, with difficulties and dangers
    4) to endeavour with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something
  16. 73 ~ἀγών~ agon \@ag-one’\@ from 71;n m AV-conflict 2, fight 2, contention 1, race 1; 6 1) an assembly, 1a) a place of assembly: especially an assembly met to see games 1b) the place of contest, the arena or stadium 2) the assembly of the Greeks at their national games 2a) hence the contest for a prize at their games 2b) generally, any struggle or contest 2c) a battle 2d) an action at law, trial