Aspects Of Endurance

Aspects of Endurance

Of course, the need for enduring does not mean we adopt a persecuted-prophet perspective

or conduct ourselves so zealously that we induce hardships. It does one no good to

manufacture hardships so that they can practice endurance.

The endurance Christ repeatedly

urges Christians to demonstrate is our maintaining faith and service in the face of difficulties and

opposition. We must remember that we are talking about endurance that leads to our achieving

perfection, which brings us to the fact that we must fully understand the scriptural meaning of

endure. To this end, let us examine a few facts about endurance.

a. Need for endurance. All true Christians are in a relationship with Jesus where we labor to

mature through obedience to Jesus’ teaching and through fulfillment of our ministry of

reconciliation. It is a tough mission and we have need of endurance, so that when we have done

the will of God, we may receive what is promised. (Hebrews 10:36) If we do not endure, we do

not receive what is promised.

b. Examples of endurance we can follow. We have the example of suffering and patience

exhibited by the Old Testament prophets. (James 5:10-1) We can also look to Jesus, the founder

and perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross so that we might live. (Hebrews 12:2) Then we

have the example of the Apostles, and those in the early church, and those throughout history,

and those brothers and sister suffering in distant lands today.

c. We need to remember that our endurance is being witnessed. Therefore, since we are

surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which

clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, … (Hebrews 12:1)

We are not alone in our hardships. God and a multitude of spiritual beings know what we are

going through and they are rooting for us.

d. We are to rejoice in the need for endurance. As strange as it sounds, we should be glad that

we have an opportunity to endure hardships. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have

peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our

introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about

perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not

disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy

Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:1-5) Every hardship we endure should move us closer to

being the kind of disciple Jesus wants us to be; and, the closer we get to Jesus the more peace

and joy we will have in our life.

e. We are to share the suffering of others. The body of Christ exists so that we do not have to

experience suffering all by ourselves. We are to share one another’s suffering and through this

sharing we enhance our ability to endure. We are to share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ

Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:3) This is another reason it is so vital that we belong to a fellowship of

kindred souls who love and labor for one another.

f. We are encouraged to endure for our salvation. Few Christians understand how important it

is to our salvation and our heavenly rewards for us remain in Christian faith and service to Jesus.

Our relationship with Jesus is totally dependent on our love for Jesus; and our love for Jesus is in

direct proportion to our obedience to Jesus; and, our salvation is totally dependent on our

relationship with Jesus.

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the

crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12)

You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who

will be saved. (Matthew 10:22)

At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false

prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love

will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. (Matthew 24:10-13)

Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this

you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. (1Timothy 4:16)

5. We must not fail to endure

Most assuredly Jesus has given us an abundant life; perhaps not exactly what the world calls