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1. In perseverance there is a concurrence of our care and diligence (Philippians 2:12, 13). The main work is God's (Philippians 1:6), and the same Jesus that is "Author" is also "Finisher" (Hebrews 12:2). The deeper radication of the habit, the defence of it, the growth and perfection of it, is all from God (1 Peter 5:10); but yet a concurrence there is of our care and endeavours. Well, then, let us not neglect the means.

2. Men that have grace had need look to the keeping of it.

(1) We ourselves are prone to revolt (Jeremiah 14:10; Psalm 95:10).

(2) We are assaulted with continual temptations. An importunate suitor, by perseverance in his suit, may at length prevail. Long conversing with the world may taint the spirit.

(3) A man of long standing is apt to grow secure and negligent, as if he were now past danger (Revelation 3:17-19).

(4) The worst is past, we have but a few years' service more, and we shall be happy for ever (Romans 13:11). A little more and you will land safe at the expected haven; if we have a rough passage, it is a short one.

3. Of all graces, love needeth keeping.

(1) Because of all graces it is most decaying (Matthew 24:12; Revelation 2:4). Flame is soon spent, graces that act most strongly require most influence, as being most subject to abatement.

(2) Because love is a grace that we can ill spare; it is the spring and rise of all duties to God and man.

4. The next note is from the coupling of these two: "The love of God," and "looking for the mercy of Christ unto eternal life." See the like connection (2 Thessalonians 3:5).

(1) Love allayeth fear (1 John 4:18).

(2) Love quickeneth desire (2 Peter 3:12).

5. From that "looking for the mercy," etc., observe that looking earnestly for eternal life is a good means of perseverance.

(1) What this looking is. It implieth patience, but chiefly hope.

(a) Patience in waiting God's leisure in the midst of present difficulties (Hebrews 10:36; Luke 8:15; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Romans 8:25).

(b) Hope. This looking or expectation is not that blind hope that is found in men ignorant and presumptuous, that regard not what they do. This hope which I press you to is a serious act, arising from grace aiming at its own perfection. Again, this looking is not some glances upon heaven, such as are found in worldly persons, who now and then have their good moods and sober thoughts; but alas! these sudden motions are not operative, they come but seldom, and leave no warmth upon the soul, as fruit is not ripened that hath but a glance of the sun. Again, it is not a loose hope or a probable conjecture; this hath no efficacy upon the soul. Thus negatively I have shown you what it is not, but now positively; it is an earnest, well-grounded expectation of blessedness to come. It bewrayeth itself —

(c) By frequent and serious thoughts. Thoughts are the spies and messengers of hope; it sendeth them into the promised land to bring the soul tidings from thence. A carnal expectation filleth men with carnal musings and projects, as Luke 12:18; James 4:13. It is usual with men to forestall the pleasure of their hopes. Now, so it is also in heavenly things; men that expect them will be entertaining their spirits with the thoughts of them.

(d) By hearty longings (Romans 8:23). As the decays of nature do put them in mind of another world, they begin to lift up the head and look out (Romans 8:19).

(e) By lively tastes and feelings. A believer hath eternal life (John 17:3). He beginneth it here.

(2) Let me show you the influence it hath upon perseverance.

(a)  It sets us a-work to purge out sin (1 John 3:3).

(b)  It withdraweth our hearts from present things (Philippians 3:20).

(c)  It maketh us upright and sincere; looking asquint on secular rewards is the cause of all our declinings (Matthew 6:2).

(d)  It supporteth us under those difficulties and afflictions which are wont to befall us in a course of godliness.

(e)  It helpeth us to resist temptations.

6. The next point is from that clause, "the mercy." The ground of our waiting and looking for eternal life is God's mercy, not for any works or merits of ours; we cannot challenge it as a debt: sin and death are as work and wages, but eternal life is a donative (Romans 6:23).

7. This mercy is called "the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ." Thence observe, that this mercy which we look for is dispensed by Jesus Christ; He purchased it, and He hath the managing of it in the whole economy of grace.

(1) Get an interest in Christ, otherwise we cannot look for mercy in that great day (1 John 2:28).

(2) It maketh for the comfort of Christ's people and members. Our blessed hopes are founded upon the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in His hands to dispense them. From thence you may collect —

(a)  The fulness of this blessedness. An infinite merit purchased it, an infinite mercy bestoweth it.

(b)  The certainty of this blessedness. Christ hath the managing of it. He never discovered any backwardness to thy good nor inclination to thy ruin.

8. The last note is from that clause "unto eternal life." The great benefit which we have by Christ is eternal life.

(1) There is life; all that you labour for is for life, that which you prize above other things is life.

(2) It is an excellent life. The life of sense, which is the beasts', is better than that vegetative life which is in the plants, and the rational life which is in men is better than the sensitive, and the spiritual exceedeth the rational, and the glorious life the spiritual.

(3) It is a happy life.

(4) It is eternal life. This life is but a flower that is soon withered, a vapour that is soon blown over; but this is for ever and ever. Well, then, let this press you to keep yourselves in the love of God till this happy estate come about.

(T. Manton.)

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KJV: But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

WEB: But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.