We Must Endure
Do you realize that it’s a blessing to endure? James said “Indeed we count them (Christians) blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” James 5:1...........This is the part we forget sometimes…….the Lord is very compassionate and merciful……to those who endure, for those who wait patiently.........We serve an amazing God who will always see us through each step of the way…. ....But Satan wants you to be pre-occupied and thinking that God has left you alone…..Whether it be: The Internet, with TV .....With Work........... With Entertainment.......... With Community Events..............With your Complaining and Murmuring......With Problems in your Marriage or Family
Psalmist wrote “through he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand” Ps 37:24....... He upholds us! With what? He's sovereign all powerful HAND....................SO we should never fear or feel alone....This is a truth that we need to hang on to so tightly and never let go! This was a church that endured and waited patiently.......Patience (means) …….cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting)............. What are we to be so cheerful, constant, and patiently waiting for?...........
Why are we to endure? Answer: "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:1-3.....
Luke wrote in Acts 1: 10-11 “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."
Can I ask you a personal question?
· Are you waiting patiently?
· Are you enduring as we wait for the Lord Jesus Christ?
The world today throws so much at us that we sometimes tend to doubt what we believe to be true especially in this post-moderen world……………Why? Because the Lord hasn’t come back yet! Jesus said we don’t know the day or the hour He is to return…..All He asks of us is that we endure and wait patiently!
1. Endurance leads to glory to God in our suffering…………….. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Rom 5:1-5...... The people of God rejoice not only in our future glory but also in our present trials…………Not because trials are pleasant and we go out looking for them, but because they produce endurance........The ability to remain under tremendous weight and pressure without falling away!
2. Endurance is the character of the Saints………………… But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” Prov 4:18.....Path of the righteous is the way of wisdom…..walking in that wisdom of God......The path of the believer is one of increasing light……………..just as the sun begins to rise and get brighter and brighter……………to endure is a character of a Christian…. It’s an ever increasing brightness, walk, it’s a path that grows brighter with every day………………it continues to the end…………….!
3. Endurance leads to a greater increase of Knowledge……………….Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32.....The word “abide” literally means to “habitually” constantly, routinely, normally, consistently abide in Jesus Word.......We are to hold fast, obey and practice what the Word of God says continually....... Persevering, enduring to the obedience of the Word of God which is hard work! Which requires a us to continue in it
4. Endurance leads to assurance in this hope we have in Christ………… But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. For God is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence (thoroughness, carefulness, attention)…….to the full assurance of hope until the end (conclusion, finish, closing stages) that you do not become sluggish (means dull, gray), but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Heb 6:9-12......... To the end……………….means we must have enduring faith to the end! .......Which is? An eternity with Jesus Christ......... The Author and Finisher of our salvation and faith! Paul wrote "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” Phil 1:6..........We have an enduring Hope.......The same living enduring hope that the believers in Thessalonica had
5. Endurance leads to blessing …………………I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved. 2 Tim 4:7-8..........What are we to endure for? This hope that Paul so clear speaks about!...........The day that we get to be in His presence....a place that He has been and still is preparing today for: His bride.....The prophet.......The saints of old...........The apostles..........The born again Christian’s...........You and me!
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