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James 5:10-11 ESV

10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

I. The Prophets and Perseverance
A. To proclaim the Word of the Lord was historically speaking a hazardous occupation. (Matthew 5:11-12, 23:29-37)
B. Jeremiah had it particularly rough and serves as a case study in prophetic perseverance for us. (Jeremiah 38:4-6, 20:7-13)
C. We consider Jeremiah a hero of the faith not just because he was a picked to be a prophet but because of his perseverance as a prophet.

II. The Patriarchs and Perseverance
A. Job suffered like no one in history and serves as a case study in perseverance for us.
B. While Job was not perfect in relationship to his suffering, he persevered in his relationship with God and we consider a hero of the faith because of it.
C. From Job we learn that what we need to know to persevere in suffering is not answers from God but simply God Himself. (Job 42:1-6)

III. Our Propitiator and Perseverance
A. Jesus teaches us perseverance requires we focus on what God has given us to do rather than what the world around is doing to us. (James 5:8, Luke 9:51, Isaiah 50:7)
B. Jesus persevered because of His compassion which drove His determination to be our propitiation.
C. Jesus persevered because His mercy drove His mission to be our Messiah. (Romans 8:34-39)

IV. Next Step
A. We must press on and persevere knowing that what lies ahead for us in glory is worth suffering through today in order to have it one day. (Philippians 3:12-16)