Bulletin Articles
2 Peter Series: Endurance
As we consider supplementing our faith from 2 Peter 1:3-10, we will be discussing the importance of perseverance and endurance.
While the words endurance and perseverance are similar, there are key differences between the two words. Endurance is experiencing or surviving the pain. Perseverance, however, is not merely experiencing pain or hardships in life but also going against these hardships in order to strive for excellence. Endurance can be likened to a still movement of the individual, but perseverance is not. It is full of action.
The character qualities of endurance and perseverance are developed over time in our lives through a learning process. To develop endurance and persevere, we must actively engage these qualities to become proficient. This will be challenging, but there is no other way to develop the ability to endure and persevere. Therefore, if we are wise, we will pray for these qualities to be developed in our lives, even though the learning process will be difficult, but undoubtedly worth it. We should pray, as Paul did, to be strengthened in endurance and patience:
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son. Colossians 1:11-13 (ESV)
The ability to endure things patiently, and to persevere are qualities, which God wants us to have. They are two of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. That means they are not gifts. God does not give us patience, endurance or perseverance in the way that He gives us natural abilities. They have to grow in us over long periods of time. We can, of course, ask for God’s help in developing these qualities, but it is still our responsibility to grow them.
We must choose to pursue these character qualities and to develop them over time. First of all, we must set our minds to want these things and to be determined to get them, because Gods word repeatedly tells us that we need these qualities:
For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. Hebrews 10:36 (ESV)
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NASB)
For now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 1Thessalonians 3:8 (NASB)
9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear:
10 If anyone is to be taken captive,
to captivity he goes;
if anyone is to be slain with the sword,
with the sword must he be slain.
Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
Revelation 13:9-10 (ESV)
The passages quoted above indicate the responsibility is on us, not on God, to endure, stand firm, be strong etc. He will help us, but He will not do it for us. We can be encouraged because these qualities really can be developed. We have Jesus’ example to follow first of all. But we also have the example of all the people of faith who have gone before us and who have endured severe trials and achieved great things by doing so. The writer to the Hebrews describes these people who have gone ahead of us as being a “cloud of witnesses.” Moses, Abraham, David, and Joshua would certainly be among those who are cheering us on, as well as countless others.
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, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or faint-hearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Hebrews 12:1-4 (ESV)
Nobody endured more than Jesus, or was more hated than He was. He literally withstood every temptation Satan challenged Him with. Our Savior endured significant suffering while on this Earth in human form, just as we must. As we strive to follow His example, we can do likewise with our own suffering, realizing we need His help to persevere while praying and asking Him for that help.
Winston Churchill is quoted as saying;
“Never Give In”
“This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”
May we adopt this mindset in our Christian walk as we persevere and endure to the glory of Heaven our God has promised to the faithful.
