PERSEVERANCE WORKS EXPERIENCE These words of Jesus were spoken to His disciples. He had just warned them of the opposition they would be facing. They were entering a fierce spiritual conflict where here would be betrayal "even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends." Some of them would even be "put to death" (v 16). Rather than their liberating message bringing them favor with everyone, they would be "hated of all men" for the sake of Jesus (v 17). Notwithstanding, He promised, "not a hair of your head shall be lost" (v 18). Their appointed work would not be terminated, but would accomplish what God intended!
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope" (Rom 5:1-4, KJV). " . . . and perseverance, proven character . . . " (NASB). " . . . perseverance, character . . . " (NIV). "And steadfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope" (ASV).
"In your patience possess ye your souls." (Luke 21:19)
It was in this context that Jesus admonished, "By your patience possess your souls." Some later versions read, "By standing firm you will gain life" (NIV), but that is far too weak. In this sense of our text, "life" is living in the Divinely appointed area, and accomplishing the work given to them. In their patience, or perseverance, they would, by the grace of God, "reign in life" (Rom 5:17). They were to bring the totality of their lives into subjection to the revealed will of God.
Your soul is the expressive part of your person. Rationality, emotion, and will are used, so to speak, by the soul. The soul is the life that has this world as its locus--i.e., the place where it is presently situated within a frail and vile body. Because the soul is capable of descending into the depths as well as rising into the heights, it must be possessed, managed, and brought into subordination to the new creation.
Your work is to possess your soul--to bring it under the administration of "new man," or "new creation" (Eph 4:24; 2 Cor 5:17). The ultimate possession will take place in the world to come, where we will inherit all things (Rev 21:7). Jesus alludes to this in His counsel to those who would suffer the opposition of the wicked. "In your patience ye shall win your souls" (Luke 21:19, ASV). This is the opposite of losing your soul (Matt 16:26). Perseverance is underwritten by God, and is the appointed means of saving your life (Matt 16:25).
Your "patience," or "perseverance" will have a calculated effect upon you. It will contribute to your spiritual maturity. As it is written, "And let patience have (its) perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing" (James 1:4). Any form of spiritual advancement requires your consent, your faith, and your effort. You must extend yourself for Christ when called upon to do so.
Jesus commanded a lame man to pick up his bed and walk (John 5:8). He told a man with withered hand to stretch it forth (Luke 6:10). A woman with a bowed back was commanded to stand up (Luke 13:11-13). A dead man was commanded to come out of a tomb (John 11:43). Peter was told to walk on water (Matt 14:29). Israel was commanded to walk across a sea (Ex 14:15).
The Lord has always asked people to do things that were impossible, from the human point of view! No person should be surprised that we are told to "stand fast" "keep the faith," "run the race," and "be faithful unto death" (1 Cor 16:13; 2 Tim 4:7; Heb 12:2; Rev 2:10). That is another way of saying, "By your patience possess your souls."
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, give me grace to be a good steward of the life you have given me.