Spreading God's Love Thru Prayer
ENDURANCE
WHY IS ENDURANCE AN IMPORTANT SPIRITUAL QUALITY?
BIBLE READING: Matthew 10:16-42
KEY BIBLE VERSE: And everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me. But those who endure to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22)
ENDURANCE REQUIRES PREPARATION.
Jesus told the disciples that when arrested for preaching the gospel, they should not worry about what to say in their defense-God’s Spirit would speak through them. This promise was fulfilled in Acts 4:8-14 and elsewhere. Some mistakenly think this means we don’t have to prepare to present the gospel because God will take care of everything. Scripture teaches, however, that we are to make carefully prepared, thoughtful statements (Colossians 4:6). Jesus is not telling us to stop preparing, but to stop worrying.
ENDURANCE GROWS OUT OF COMMITMENT TO JESUS CHRIST.
Jesus predicted that his followers would be severely persecuted by those who hated what he stood for. In the midst of terrible persecutions, however, they could have hope, knowing that salvation was theirs. Times of trial serve to sift true Christians from false or fair-weather Christians. When you are pressured to give up and turn your back on Christ, don’t do it. Remember the benefits of standing firm, and continue to live for Christ.
Standing firm to the end is not a way to be saved but the evidence that a person is really committed to Jesus. Persistence is not a means to earn salvation; it is the by-product of a truly devoted life.
BIBLE READING: Hebrews 3:1-6
KEY BIBLE VERSE: But Christ, the faithful Son, was in charge of the entire household. And we are God’s household, if we keep up our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ. (Hebrews 3:6)
ENDURANCE IS THE MEANS TO JOY IN CHRIST.
Because Christ lives in us as believers, we can remain courageous and hopeful to the end. We are not saved by being steadfast and firm in our faith, but our courage and hope reveal that our faith is real. Without this enduring faithfulness, we could easily be blown away by the winds of temptation, false teaching, or persecution. (See also 3:14.)
BIBLE READING: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
KEY BIBLE VERSE: But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you. (2 Timothy 4:5)
GOD WILL MAKE OUR ENDURANCE WORTHWHILE.
To keep cool when you are jarred and jolted by people or circumstances, don’t react quickly. In any work of ministry that you undertake, keeping your head makes you morally alert to temptation, resistant to pressure, and vigilant when facing heavy responsibility.
As he neared the end of his life, Paul could confidently say he had been faithful to his call. Thus he faced death calmly, knowing that he would be rewarded by Christ. Is your life preparing you for death? Do you share Paul’s confident expectation of meeting Christ? The Good News is that the heavenly reward is not just for giants of the faith, like Paul, but for all who are eagerly looking forward to Jesus’ second coming. Paul gave these words to encourage Timothy, and us, to keep fighting-no matter how difficult the fight seems. When we are with Jesus Christ, we will discover that it was all worth it.
BIBLE READING: Revelation 14:1-20
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Let this encourage God’s holy people to endure persecution patiently and remain firm to the end, obeying his commands and trusting in Jesus. (Revelation 14:12)
OUR ENDURANCE IS RELATED TO THE QUALITY OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
This news about God’s ultimate triumph should encourage God’s people to remain firm through every trial and persecution. They can do this, God promises, by trusting in Jesus and obeying the commands in his Word. The secret to enduring, therefore, is trust and obedience. Trust God to give you patience to endure even the small trials you face daily; obey him, even when obedience is unattractive or dangerous.
ENDURANCE, GOD’S WORD ON
WHAT’S THE POINT OF ENDURANCE? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
1 Timothy 6:11 . . . Run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good. Pursue a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
2 Timothy 2:3 . . . Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 2:20 . . . Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing right and are patient beneath the blows, God is pleased with you.
Revelation 13:10 . . . The people who are destined for prison will be arrested and taken away. Those who are destined for death will be killed. But do not be dismayed, for here is your opportunity to have endurance and faith.
Endurance is commanded and commended by God. It is necessary to reaching the goal of a life well-lived and ultimately, of eternal life.
Luke 9:62 . . . Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
Mark 13:13 . . . Everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me. But those who endure to the end will be saved.
Hebrews 3:6 . . . Christ, the faithful Son, was in charge of the entire household. And we are God’s household, if we keep up our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.
2 Timothy 2:12 . . . If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.
Endurance is the sign that our faith is for real, because it shows that we have our eternal goals clearly in mind.
IN WHAT AREAS SHOULD WE DEVELOP ENDURANCE?
Deuteronomy 11:1 . . . You must love the Lord your God and obey all his requirements, laws, regulations, and commands.
Joshua 1:7 . . . Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do.
Deuteronomy 5:32 . . . Moses told the people, “You must obey all the commands of the Lord your God, following his instructions in every detail.”
Deuteronomy 12:1 . . . These are the laws and regulations you must obey as long as you live in the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you.
We should develop endurance in obedience. We must consistently obey God, not just obey him once in a while.
Psalm 119:147-148 . . . I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise.
Psalm 57:7 . . . My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises!
Acts 13:43 . . . Many Jews and godly converts to Judaism who worshiped at the synagogue followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged them, “By God’s grace, remain faithful.”
Psalm 17:5 . . . My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you.
Ezekiel 18:24 . . . However, if righteous people turn to sinful ways and start acting like other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of course not! All their previous goodness will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins.
Joshua 23:8 . . . Be faithful to the Lord your God as you have done until now.
Job 17:9 . . . The righteous will move onward and forward, and those with pure hearts will become stronger and stronger.
We should develop endurance in seeking, believing and faithfully following God. Endurance shows that your faith and your conversion was real, and not something done with wrong motives.
Psalm 123:3-4 . . . Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy, for we have had our fill of contempt. We have had our fill of the scoffing of the proud and the contempt of the arrogant.
1 Corinthians 4:12 . . . We have worked wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us.
We should develop endurance in dealing with difficult people. We must endure in our kindness and patience as we deal with people who make life tough on us. This is the only way to win them over, by patiently pouring on them the love of Christ.
Revelation 2:3 . . . You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.
2 Thessalonians 1:4 . . . We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering.
2 Timothy 3:10-11 . . . You know what I teach, Timothy, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith and how long I have suffered. You know my love and my patient endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra-but the Lord delivered me from all of it.
1 Peter 1:6-7 . . . Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Acts 14:22 . . . They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.
We should develop endurance in suffering through persecutions, hardships, trials and tribulations. This demonstrates that our faith is strong and real, and can withstand any difficult test.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 . . . As we talk to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and your continual anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Chronicles 15:7 . . . Now, you men of Judah, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.
Galatians 6:9 . . . Don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
We should develop endurance in doing good. It is hard to do good over a long period of time when life throws us so many trials and temptations. An enduring faith, however, is up to the challenge.
HOW DOES GOD MODEL ENDURANCE FOR US IN HIS CHARACTER?
Daniel 6:26 . . . “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end.”
Daniel 4:3, 34 . . . How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders! His kingdom will last forever, his rule through all generations. . . . “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal.”
Hebrews 12:27-28 . . . This means that the things on earth will be shaken, so that only eternal things will be left. Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be destroyed, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
God models endurance through his eternal kingdom which will last forever.
Psalm 89:33 . . . I will never stop loving him, nor let my promise to him fail.
Psalm 103:17 . . . The love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children.
Psalm 136:1 . . . Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34, 41 . . .Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever . . . David also appointed Heman, Jeduthun, and the others chosen by name to give thanks to the Lord, “for his faithful love endures forever.”
2 Chronicles 5:13 . . . The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words: “He is so good! His faithful love endures forever!” At that moment a cloud filled the Temple of the Lord.
2 Chronicles 7:3 . . . When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell face down on the ground and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying, “He is so good! His faithful love endures forever!”
Psalm 100:5 . . . The Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
God models endurance through his love and faithfulness. God never gives up on us. His love for us is persistent and tenacious.
Psalm 111:3 . . . Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails.
God models endurance through his righteousness. Never does he sin.
Luke 1:50 . . . His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who fear him.
God models endurance through his mercy. His mercy goes on and on, even when we don’t deserve it in the first place.
Psalm 119:89 . . . Forever, O Lord, your word stands firm in heaven.
Matthew 24:35 . . . Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever.
Luke 21:33 . . . Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever.
1 Peter 1:23 . . . You have been born again. Your new life did not come from your earthly parents because the life they gave you will end in death. But this new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.
God models endurance through his Word. God has promised that his Word will never be destroyed from the face of the earth, and in fact, will exist throughout eternity.
Philippians 1:6 . . . I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.
God models endurance through his work in our lives. God never gives up on us and is always proactively working to bring us to perfection.
Hebrews 12:2 . . . We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven.
God models endurance through his Son, Jesus, who has conquered death and has proven to all people that those who believe in him will have eternal life and endure forever.
HOW DO WE DEVELOP ENDURANCE?
Romans 15:5 . . . May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other-each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other.
2 Corinthians 1:8-9 . . . I think you ought to know, dear friends, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead.
Colossians 1:10-11 . . . Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 . . . May the Lord bring you into an ever deeper understanding of the love of God and the endurance that comes from Christ.
Habakkuk 3:19 . . . The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.
Ephesians 6:13 . . . Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Endurance originates with God. He is our source of the power and perseverance we need to endure.
Hebrews 12:2-3 . . . We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don’t become weary and give up.
We have the example of Jesus on which to focus and model for endurance.
Hebrews 12:1-3 . . . Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don’t become weary and give up.
Get rid of sin for it drags you down and keeps you from enduring. Hold onto Jesus, who gives you the strength to endure.
Romans 5:3 . . . We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure.
James 1:2-4 . . . Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
Problems, trials, troubles and the testing of our faith can strengthen our endurance or drag us down. With God’s strength we can learn to endure despite these things. Without God’s strength we falter because of these things.
Habakkuk 2:3 . . . These things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 . . . As we talk to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and your continual anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We develop endurance by maintaining an eternal perspective inspired by hope.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ENDURANCE?
Revelation 2:2, 19 . . . I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. . . . I know all the things you do-your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.
1 Peter 2:19 . . . God is pleased with you when, for the sake of your conscience, you patiently endure unfair treatment.
Endurance pleases God.
James 5:11 . . . We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. Job is an example of a man who endured patiently. From his experience we see how the Lord’s plan finally ended in good, for he is full of tenderness and mercy.
ENDURANCE HONORS GOD AND HIS PLAN FOR US.
1 Peter 4:13 . . . Instead, be very glad-because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world.
Hebrews 3:14 . . . If we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.
2 Timothy 2:10-12 . . . I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a true saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.
Matthew 24:13 . . . Those who endure to the end will be saved.
Hebrews 10:36 . . . Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
James 1:12 . . . God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Romans 2:7 . . . He will give eternal life to those who persist in doing what is good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.
1 Timothy 4:16 . . . Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right, and God will save you and those who hear you.
2 Timothy 4:5-8 . . . You should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you. As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his glorious return.
Endurance makes us partners with Christ in his suffering and in his glory.
2 Peter 1:5-9 . . . Make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very shortsighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin.
James 1:2-4 . . . Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
1 Peter 1:7 . . . These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Romans 5:3-4 . . . We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.
Endurance produces godliness, love, productivity, usefulness, growth, strength of character, preparedness, strong faith and eternal rewards.
2 Corinthians 1:6 . . . When we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.
1 Peter 5:9 . . . Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that Christians all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
Revelation 1:9 . . . I am John, your brother. In Jesus we are partners in suffering and in the Kingdom and in patient endurance. I was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and speaking about Jesus.
Our endurance encourages others.
PROMISES FROM GOD:
Galatians 6:9 . . . Don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
BIBLE READING: Matthew 10:16-42
KEY BIBLE VERSE: And everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me. But those who endure to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22)
ENDURANCE REQUIRES PREPARATION.
Jesus told the disciples that when arrested for preaching the gospel, they should not worry about what to say in their defense-God’s Spirit would speak through them. This promise was fulfilled in Acts 4:8-14 and elsewhere. Some mistakenly think this means we don’t have to prepare to present the gospel because God will take care of everything. Scripture teaches, however, that we are to make carefully prepared, thoughtful statements (Colossians 4:6). Jesus is not telling us to stop preparing, but to stop worrying.
ENDURANCE GROWS OUT OF COMMITMENT TO JESUS CHRIST.
Jesus predicted that his followers would be severely persecuted by those who hated what he stood for. In the midst of terrible persecutions, however, they could have hope, knowing that salvation was theirs. Times of trial serve to sift true Christians from false or fair-weather Christians. When you are pressured to give up and turn your back on Christ, don’t do it. Remember the benefits of standing firm, and continue to live for Christ.
Standing firm to the end is not a way to be saved but the evidence that a person is really committed to Jesus. Persistence is not a means to earn salvation; it is the by-product of a truly devoted life.
BIBLE READING: Hebrews 3:1-6
KEY BIBLE VERSE: But Christ, the faithful Son, was in charge of the entire household. And we are God’s household, if we keep up our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ. (Hebrews 3:6)
ENDURANCE IS THE MEANS TO JOY IN CHRIST.
Because Christ lives in us as believers, we can remain courageous and hopeful to the end. We are not saved by being steadfast and firm in our faith, but our courage and hope reveal that our faith is real. Without this enduring faithfulness, we could easily be blown away by the winds of temptation, false teaching, or persecution. (See also 3:14.)
BIBLE READING: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
KEY BIBLE VERSE: But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you. (2 Timothy 4:5)
GOD WILL MAKE OUR ENDURANCE WORTHWHILE.
To keep cool when you are jarred and jolted by people or circumstances, don’t react quickly. In any work of ministry that you undertake, keeping your head makes you morally alert to temptation, resistant to pressure, and vigilant when facing heavy responsibility.
As he neared the end of his life, Paul could confidently say he had been faithful to his call. Thus he faced death calmly, knowing that he would be rewarded by Christ. Is your life preparing you for death? Do you share Paul’s confident expectation of meeting Christ? The Good News is that the heavenly reward is not just for giants of the faith, like Paul, but for all who are eagerly looking forward to Jesus’ second coming. Paul gave these words to encourage Timothy, and us, to keep fighting-no matter how difficult the fight seems. When we are with Jesus Christ, we will discover that it was all worth it.
BIBLE READING: Revelation 14:1-20
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Let this encourage God’s holy people to endure persecution patiently and remain firm to the end, obeying his commands and trusting in Jesus. (Revelation 14:12)
OUR ENDURANCE IS RELATED TO THE QUALITY OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
This news about God’s ultimate triumph should encourage God’s people to remain firm through every trial and persecution. They can do this, God promises, by trusting in Jesus and obeying the commands in his Word. The secret to enduring, therefore, is trust and obedience. Trust God to give you patience to endure even the small trials you face daily; obey him, even when obedience is unattractive or dangerous.
ENDURANCE, GOD’S WORD ON
WHAT’S THE POINT OF ENDURANCE? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
1 Timothy 6:11 . . . Run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good. Pursue a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
2 Timothy 2:3 . . . Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 2:20 . . . Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing right and are patient beneath the blows, God is pleased with you.
Revelation 13:10 . . . The people who are destined for prison will be arrested and taken away. Those who are destined for death will be killed. But do not be dismayed, for here is your opportunity to have endurance and faith.
Endurance is commanded and commended by God. It is necessary to reaching the goal of a life well-lived and ultimately, of eternal life.
Luke 9:62 . . . Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
Mark 13:13 . . . Everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me. But those who endure to the end will be saved.
Hebrews 3:6 . . . Christ, the faithful Son, was in charge of the entire household. And we are God’s household, if we keep up our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.
2 Timothy 2:12 . . . If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.
Endurance is the sign that our faith is for real, because it shows that we have our eternal goals clearly in mind.
IN WHAT AREAS SHOULD WE DEVELOP ENDURANCE?
Deuteronomy 11:1 . . . You must love the Lord your God and obey all his requirements, laws, regulations, and commands.
Joshua 1:7 . . . Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do.
Deuteronomy 5:32 . . . Moses told the people, “You must obey all the commands of the Lord your God, following his instructions in every detail.”
Deuteronomy 12:1 . . . These are the laws and regulations you must obey as long as you live in the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you.
We should develop endurance in obedience. We must consistently obey God, not just obey him once in a while.
Psalm 119:147-148 . . . I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise.
Psalm 57:7 . . . My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises!
Acts 13:43 . . . Many Jews and godly converts to Judaism who worshiped at the synagogue followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged them, “By God’s grace, remain faithful.”
Psalm 17:5 . . . My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you.
Ezekiel 18:24 . . . However, if righteous people turn to sinful ways and start acting like other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of course not! All their previous goodness will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins.
Joshua 23:8 . . . Be faithful to the Lord your God as you have done until now.
Job 17:9 . . . The righteous will move onward and forward, and those with pure hearts will become stronger and stronger.
We should develop endurance in seeking, believing and faithfully following God. Endurance shows that your faith and your conversion was real, and not something done with wrong motives.
Psalm 123:3-4 . . . Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy, for we have had our fill of contempt. We have had our fill of the scoffing of the proud and the contempt of the arrogant.
1 Corinthians 4:12 . . . We have worked wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us.
We should develop endurance in dealing with difficult people. We must endure in our kindness and patience as we deal with people who make life tough on us. This is the only way to win them over, by patiently pouring on them the love of Christ.
Revelation 2:3 . . . You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.
2 Thessalonians 1:4 . . . We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering.
2 Timothy 3:10-11 . . . You know what I teach, Timothy, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith and how long I have suffered. You know my love and my patient endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra-but the Lord delivered me from all of it.
1 Peter 1:6-7 . . . Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Acts 14:22 . . . They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.
We should develop endurance in suffering through persecutions, hardships, trials and tribulations. This demonstrates that our faith is strong and real, and can withstand any difficult test.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 . . . As we talk to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and your continual anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Chronicles 15:7 . . . Now, you men of Judah, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.
Galatians 6:9 . . . Don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
We should develop endurance in doing good. It is hard to do good over a long period of time when life throws us so many trials and temptations. An enduring faith, however, is up to the challenge.
HOW DOES GOD MODEL ENDURANCE FOR US IN HIS CHARACTER?
Daniel 6:26 . . . “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end.”
Daniel 4:3, 34 . . . How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders! His kingdom will last forever, his rule through all generations. . . . “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal.”
Hebrews 12:27-28 . . . This means that the things on earth will be shaken, so that only eternal things will be left. Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be destroyed, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
God models endurance through his eternal kingdom which will last forever.
Psalm 89:33 . . . I will never stop loving him, nor let my promise to him fail.
Psalm 103:17 . . . The love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children.
Psalm 136:1 . . . Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34, 41 . . .Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever . . . David also appointed Heman, Jeduthun, and the others chosen by name to give thanks to the Lord, “for his faithful love endures forever.”
2 Chronicles 5:13 . . . The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words: “He is so good! His faithful love endures forever!” At that moment a cloud filled the Temple of the Lord.
2 Chronicles 7:3 . . . When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell face down on the ground and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying, “He is so good! His faithful love endures forever!”
Psalm 100:5 . . . The Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
God models endurance through his love and faithfulness. God never gives up on us. His love for us is persistent and tenacious.
Psalm 111:3 . . . Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails.
God models endurance through his righteousness. Never does he sin.
Luke 1:50 . . . His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who fear him.
God models endurance through his mercy. His mercy goes on and on, even when we don’t deserve it in the first place.
Psalm 119:89 . . . Forever, O Lord, your word stands firm in heaven.
Matthew 24:35 . . . Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever.
Luke 21:33 . . . Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever.
1 Peter 1:23 . . . You have been born again. Your new life did not come from your earthly parents because the life they gave you will end in death. But this new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.
God models endurance through his Word. God has promised that his Word will never be destroyed from the face of the earth, and in fact, will exist throughout eternity.
Philippians 1:6 . . . I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.
God models endurance through his work in our lives. God never gives up on us and is always proactively working to bring us to perfection.
Hebrews 12:2 . . . We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven.
God models endurance through his Son, Jesus, who has conquered death and has proven to all people that those who believe in him will have eternal life and endure forever.
HOW DO WE DEVELOP ENDURANCE?
Romans 15:5 . . . May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other-each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other.
2 Corinthians 1:8-9 . . . I think you ought to know, dear friends, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead.
Colossians 1:10-11 . . . Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 . . . May the Lord bring you into an ever deeper understanding of the love of God and the endurance that comes from Christ.
Habakkuk 3:19 . . . The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.
Ephesians 6:13 . . . Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Endurance originates with God. He is our source of the power and perseverance we need to endure.
Hebrews 12:2-3 . . . We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don’t become weary and give up.
We have the example of Jesus on which to focus and model for endurance.
Hebrews 12:1-3 . . . Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don’t become weary and give up.
Get rid of sin for it drags you down and keeps you from enduring. Hold onto Jesus, who gives you the strength to endure.
Romans 5:3 . . . We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure.
James 1:2-4 . . . Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
Problems, trials, troubles and the testing of our faith can strengthen our endurance or drag us down. With God’s strength we can learn to endure despite these things. Without God’s strength we falter because of these things.
Habakkuk 2:3 . . . These things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 . . . As we talk to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and your continual anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We develop endurance by maintaining an eternal perspective inspired by hope.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ENDURANCE?
Revelation 2:2, 19 . . . I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. . . . I know all the things you do-your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.
1 Peter 2:19 . . . God is pleased with you when, for the sake of your conscience, you patiently endure unfair treatment.
Endurance pleases God.
James 5:11 . . . We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. Job is an example of a man who endured patiently. From his experience we see how the Lord’s plan finally ended in good, for he is full of tenderness and mercy.
ENDURANCE HONORS GOD AND HIS PLAN FOR US.
1 Peter 4:13 . . . Instead, be very glad-because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world.
Hebrews 3:14 . . . If we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.
2 Timothy 2:10-12 . . . I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a true saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.
Matthew 24:13 . . . Those who endure to the end will be saved.
Hebrews 10:36 . . . Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
James 1:12 . . . God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Romans 2:7 . . . He will give eternal life to those who persist in doing what is good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.
1 Timothy 4:16 . . . Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right, and God will save you and those who hear you.
2 Timothy 4:5-8 . . . You should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you. As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his glorious return.
Endurance makes us partners with Christ in his suffering and in his glory.
2 Peter 1:5-9 . . . Make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very shortsighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin.
James 1:2-4 . . . Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
1 Peter 1:7 . . . These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Romans 5:3-4 . . . We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.
Endurance produces godliness, love, productivity, usefulness, growth, strength of character, preparedness, strong faith and eternal rewards.
2 Corinthians 1:6 . . . When we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.
1 Peter 5:9 . . . Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that Christians all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
Revelation 1:9 . . . I am John, your brother. In Jesus we are partners in suffering and in the Kingdom and in patient endurance. I was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and speaking about Jesus.
Our endurance encourages others.
PROMISES FROM GOD:
Galatians 6:9 . . . Don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Evangelist Marion Davis on
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I pray I endure to the end. when man make s you feel what you do is notr important and do not to take part in it but what they do is important and you better do what they do.
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Permalink Reply by JOSEPH LEE ROBERTSON on
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PRAISE THE LORD MY SISTER' YOU SURE KNOW HOW TO GIVE A MAN A PLATE FULL OF GOOD FOOD' UMMMMMM, GOOD, I'M SITTING RUBBING MY BELLY. VERY GOOD' I AGREE' WITH YOU, PRAISE'GOD' PRAISE GOD. I WAS HUNGRY, BUT YOU TOOK CARE OF THAT. MAY GOD KEEP ON BLESSING, BECAUSE YOU DOING YOUR HOME WORK PEACE, SERVANTGODGIVETH, PEACE WEOUT, WITH A FAT BELLY, IN JESUS NAME AMEN
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