Introduction:     The Highly Effective Christian....1) Practices Spiritual Diligence 2) Cultivates A Passion For Virtue 3) Concentrates On Increasing Biblical Knowledge 4) Develops "Temperance" and then in verse 6 we learn that the Highly Effective Christian....5) Maintains Spiritual Endurance Notice in verse 6 that we are told to add to our faith, "patience." The Greek word translated "patience" in HUPO-MO-NE.  It refers to one steadfastly enduring in faith, not surrendering to circumstances. Let's look again at the progression that Peter presents us with. Peter says that we must have a desire to do what is right.  We must have a knowledge of what is right.  We need the discipline to do what is right.  And then we need Spiritual endurance, so we will keep doing what is right when we are challenged or opposed. Why do we need spiritual endurance? Why does Peter include this ingredient in the Recipe of a Growing Faith?

I.          CHRISTIANS ARE NOT SHIELDED FROM DIFFICULTY

Some believe that if they will become a Christian all of their problems will go away.  That is just not the truth. The recipients of this letter were certainly facing difficulty and they needed to be encouraged to remain steadfast and faithful to the Lord. Nero, a madman was in power in Rome.  He was so deranged that he killed his first three wives as well as his own mother for fear of losing his political power. Under his insanity, the flames of persecution were ignited against the church. Such persecution brought enormous pressure upon the first century believers to surrender their loyalty to Christ to the opposition. Peter too, knew what difficulty was. In Acts we learn of how he was imprisoned for boldly preaching the gospel of Jesus. God miraculously freed him on two occasions via angels.  Although he was jailed and threatened he persisted in proclaiming Jesus. We too face difficulty. James called them trials. (James 1:2-3)  They come in various forms, but they come. That's one reason we need to maintain spiritual endurance.

Secondly, we need to maintain spiritual endurance because...

II.         CHRISTIANS ARE NOT SHIELDED FROM DEFEAT

In the scriptures we learn not only of the victories of many saints of God, but we also learn about some of the defeats of those who followed the Lord. James told us not only of the battles we will have with trials, but he also told us about the battles we would have with temptation. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation…" It takes spiritual endurance to press on even when we fail the Lord. We need to have the attitude of one little boy I heard about. (Illus: This little boy begged his tired dad to go out in the yard with him so his dad could see him hit the baseball. The dad finally consented. The little boy said, "Watch me dad, watch me hit the ball…He took the ball, tossed it into the air, and with all the concentration he could muster, he took his third swing and missed the ball again. "Strike three," he said. The father’s heart sank. But before he could even get a word of encouragement out of his mouth, his son with a sparkle in his eye said, "I'm a pretty good pitcher, ain't I.") I like that attitude.  He wasn't about to wallow in his defeat. And neither should we. Now I am not trying to minimize the seriousness of our sins. What I want you to learn is that when we fail, we need to watch that we don't give up. We need to endure by following God's word. I John 1:9 tells that if we will confess our sins that God will be faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The condition is clear...confess.  The promise is clear...God will forgive. We need spiritual endurance because we are not shielded from difficulties, we are not shielded from defeat, and then finally....

III.       CHRISTIANS ARE NOT SHIELDED FROM DISCOURAGEMENT

I believe that one of Satan's most effect weapons against us is discouragement. The scriptures warn of us becoming weary in well doing. Timothy, Paul's son in the faith, almost succumbed to discouragement. In the first chapter of I Timothy, Paul addresses the fact that Timothy wants to leave the ministry because he is having a discouraging run of it as the pastor of the Church in Ephesus. Paul gives him the instruction to use his gifts for God. Later in II Timothy Paul tells Timothy to "endure" as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  Paul told him to be faithful to the task of preaching the Word (II Tim. 4:1-4) There are many things that can discourage us. I believe the way to overcome discouragement is to stay focused on the right thing. Hebrews 12:1-2, tells us to keep our eyes on Jesus... He is our great example and encourager. He endured... He endured the cross. Jesus did God's will when it was hard to do God's will...so must you and I.  

Conclusion:       A "Highly Effective Christian" maintains spiritual endurance. First... By Trusting God in times of Difficulty Second...By Confessing Sin in times of Defeat. Third...By Staying Focused in times of Discouragement.