Our Endurance
Endurance is the ability to last, or the ability to stand firm; to maintain patience and
perseverance .
Endurance grows out of a 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. 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. We are called to be salt and light to a dying world, and are told by Jesus to
“let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). As people see our endurance, they
too will have hope.
In Ephesians 6:10-14a says “finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the
power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness
in high places. Wherefore take to you the whole armor of God, that you may be able
to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having
your loins girt about with truth”. It goes on to say that the sword of the Spirit is the
word of God; and that we should pray always with all prayer and supplication in the
Spirit, watching with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Standing firm to
the end is the evidence that a person is really committed to Jesus. Persistence is
the by-product of a truly devoted life.
Endurance is an important spiritual quality. Jesus tells His disciples, everyone will
hate you because of your allegiance to Me, but those who endure to the end will be
saved (Matthew 10:16-22,39-40) “behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of
wolves; be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of
men; for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their
synagogues. And you shall be brought before governors and kings for My sake, for
a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no
thought how or what you shall speak; for it shall be given you in the same hour what
you shall speak. For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which
speaks in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father
the child; and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be
put to death. And you shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake; but he that
endures to the end shall be saved. He that finds his life shall lose; and he that loses
his life for My sake shall find it. he that receives you receives Me and he that
receives Me receives Him that sent Me”.
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, Peter
and John were being persecuted for the healing of the man which was lame from
birth; they were told not to speak anymore in the name of Jesus, but “then Peter,
filled with the Holy Spirit said to them, you rulers of the people, and elders of Israel.
If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what
means he is made whole. Be it know to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that
by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from
the dead, even by Him does this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone
which was set at nothing of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of
Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they
marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And
beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing
against it”.
Scripture teaches that we are to make careful preparation, thoughtful statements
(Colossians 4:5-6) “walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the
time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know
how you ought to answer every man”.
Endurance is the means to joy in Christ. Hebrews 3:1,6 says “wherefore, holy
brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of
our profession, Christ Jesus. Christ as a son over His own house; whose house we
are, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end”.
Because Christ lives in us as believers, we can remain courageous and hopeful to
the end. 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 (Hebrews 3:14) “for we are mode partakers of Christ, if we
hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end”. We have to remember
that we have an adversary, the devil, who is trying to stop us from achieving God’s
plan for our lives.
To keep cool when you are jarred and jolted by people or circumstances, don’t react
quickly. James says “wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to
hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. For the wrath of man works not the
righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).
In any work of ministry that you undertake, keeping your head makes you morally
alert to temptation, resistance to pressure, and vigilant when facing heavy
responsibility (James 1:2-4) “my brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers
temptations. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let
patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting
nothing”. When we run into problems and trials, we can learn to endure; our
endurance develops strength and character in us. Our patience may be tested day
by day, thank God for those opportunities to grow, and deal with them in His
strength.
Paul writes in II Corinthians 12:9-10 “and He said to me, My grace is sufficient for
you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather
glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take
pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for
Christ’s sake; for when I am week, then am I strong”. We have to see that it is not by
our power, nor by our might, but by His Spirit says the Lord Yahweh.
As Paul 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.
Paul gave these words of encouragement to Timothy, and to us, to keep fighting, no
matter how difficult the fight seems (II Timothy 4:1-8) “I charge you therefore before
God, and the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall judge the quick and the dead at His
appearing and His kingdom. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come
when they after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having
itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
to fables. But watch you in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, make full proof of your ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and
the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my
course, I have kept the faith. Hereafter there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and
not to me only, but to all them also that love His appearing”. We too should keep a
clear mind in every situation, and don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at
bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given to us. Remember
that Revelation 12:11 says “and they overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the
Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives to the death”.
Let this encourage us to endure persecution patiently and remain firm to the end,
obeying His commands and trusting in Jesus (Revelations 14:12) “here is the
patience of the saints, here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the
faith of Jesus”. Galatians 6:9 says “let us not be weary in well doing; for in due
season we shall reap, if we faint not”.
This good news should encourage God’s people to remain firm through every trial
and persecution. We 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.
Sermon by: Harriet Bond
Date: July 30, 2010
Endurance is the ability to last, or the ability to stand firm; to maintain patience and
perseverance .
Endurance grows out of a 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. 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. We are called to be salt and light to a dying world, and are told by Jesus to
“let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). As people see our endurance, they
too will have hope.
In Ephesians 6:10-14a says “finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the
power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness
in high places. Wherefore take to you the whole armor of God, that you may be able
to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having
your loins girt about with truth”. It goes on to say that the sword of the Spirit is the
word of God; and that we should pray always with all prayer and supplication in the
Spirit, watching with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Standing firm to
the end is the evidence that a person is really committed to Jesus. Persistence is
the by-product of a truly devoted life.
Endurance is an important spiritual quality. Jesus tells His disciples, everyone will
hate you because of your allegiance to Me, but those who endure to the end will be
saved (Matthew 10:16-22,39-40) “behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of
wolves; be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of
men; for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their
synagogues. And you shall be brought before governors and kings for My sake, for
a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no
thought how or what you shall speak; for it shall be given you in the same hour what
you shall speak. For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which
speaks in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father
the child; and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be
put to death. And you shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake; but he that
endures to the end shall be saved. He that finds his life shall lose; and he that loses
his life for My sake shall find it. he that receives you receives Me and he that
receives Me receives Him that sent Me”.
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, Peter
and John were being persecuted for the healing of the man which was lame from
birth; they were told not to speak anymore in the name of Jesus, but “then Peter,
filled with the Holy Spirit said to them, you rulers of the people, and elders of Israel.
If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what
means he is made whole. Be it know to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that
by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from
the dead, even by Him does this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone
which was set at nothing of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of
Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they
marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And
beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing
against it”.
Scripture teaches that we are to make careful preparation, thoughtful statements
(Colossians 4:5-6) “walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the
time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know
how you ought to answer every man”.
Endurance is the means to joy in Christ. Hebrews 3:1,6 says “wherefore, holy
brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of
our profession, Christ Jesus. Christ as a son over His own house; whose house we
are, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end”.
Because Christ lives in us as believers, we can remain courageous and hopeful to
the end. 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 (Hebrews 3:14) “for we are mode partakers of Christ, if we
hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end”. We have to remember
that we have an adversary, the devil, who is trying to stop us from achieving God’s
plan for our lives.
To keep cool when you are jarred and jolted by people or circumstances, don’t react
quickly. James says “wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to
hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. For the wrath of man works not the
righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).
In any work of ministry that you undertake, keeping your head makes you morally
alert to temptation, resistance to pressure, and vigilant when facing heavy
responsibility (James 1:2-4) “my brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers
temptations. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let
patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting
nothing”. When we run into problems and trials, we can learn to endure; our
endurance develops strength and character in us. Our patience may be tested day
by day, thank God for those opportunities to grow, and deal with them in His
strength.
Paul writes in II Corinthians 12:9-10 “and He said to me, My grace is sufficient for
you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather
glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take
pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for
Christ’s sake; for when I am week, then am I strong”. We have to see that it is not by
our power, nor by our might, but by His Spirit says the Lord Yahweh.
As Paul 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.
Paul gave these words of encouragement to Timothy, and to us, to keep fighting, no
matter how difficult the fight seems (II Timothy 4:1-8) “I charge you therefore before
God, and the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall judge the quick and the dead at His
appearing and His kingdom. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come
when they after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having
itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
to fables. But watch you in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, make full proof of your ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and
the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my
course, I have kept the faith. Hereafter there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and
not to me only, but to all them also that love His appearing”. We too should keep a
clear mind in every situation, and don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at
bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given to us. Remember
that Revelation 12:11 says “and they overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the
Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives to the death”.
Let this encourage us to endure persecution patiently and remain firm to the end,
obeying His commands and trusting in Jesus (Revelations 14:12) “here is the
patience of the saints, here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the
faith of Jesus”. Galatians 6:9 says “let us not be weary in well doing; for in due
season we shall reap, if we faint not”.
This good news should encourage God’s people to remain firm through every trial
and persecution. We 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.
Sermon by: Harriet Bond
Date: July 30, 2010
