We Christians often need to endure things– what, why and how?

by David Leach
(Temecula, Ca)

What does it mean to Endure and what things exactly will we have to endure??

Endure – The Greek word is Hupophero - It means “To bear up under things” – without getting weary, without losing heart, remaining joyful, continuing to trust in God and continuing to abide in Christ. - when – we are faced with temptations, trials, persecutions and afflictions, disappointing circumstances and people and apparent setbacks – looking patiently and steadfastly to God for the strength to endure and in His time for deliverance.

Some examples of those who may challenge our endurance: 2 Tim 3:1-5 But know this, that in the last days…men (Church going people) will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having an appearance of godliness but denying (un-submitted to) its power (The Holy Spirit).

The necessity of endurance

2 Tim 2:3 You therefore must endure hardship (including the hardness of heart of some others) as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Eph 3:13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart…

1 Cor 9:12 …But (we) endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.

One cause for failing to endure – stones in the heart (areas of hardness to God & people)

Mar 4:16-17 And in the same way the ones sown upon stony ground are those who, when they hear the Word (of God), at once receive and accept and welcome it with joy; And they have no real root in themselves (no depth of heart soil because of the hardness – see Matt 13:5 Amp.), and so they endure for a little while; then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away. AMP

The reward of endurance

Heb 10:35-36 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

Jam 5:11 Indeed we count them happy 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. Eccl 7:8 The end of a thing is better than its beginning ; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. KJV

Jam 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith produces patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (something only patient endurance can ever be brought to).

How God enables us to endure

Heb 11:27 …He (Moses) endured as (or by) seeing Him who is invisible (so can we)

Ps 25:15 My (spiritual) eyes are ever toward the LORD, For He shall pluck my feet out of the net (and keep me from falling and caving in to circumstances).

1 Co 13:7 (Love)…endures all things. 1 John 4:16 …God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep (retain) His commandments (His words) …
(and His words enable us to overcome doubt, unbelief and disobedience).

1 Co 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear (endure) it. (Jesus the living word – is - often that way – His strong word in us is the way of escape from compromise).

2 Pe 2:9 …The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations…

Motives for me to endure

2 Tim 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation…(when I give up the faith fight what message does that give to others and what does it do to my availability to God to help others?)

2 Co 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary (and subject to change), but the things which are not seen (God’s word and God’s Spirit) are eternal (and unchangeable and therefore utterly reliable).

Heb 12:3 For consider Him (Jesus) that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds KJV (in your thought wrestlings against doubt, especially when faced with the following:)

1 Co 4:12-13 …We have blessed those who cursed us. We have been patient with (and endured) those who injured us. We have replied quietly when evil things have been said about us. Yet right up to the present moment we are like dirt underfoot, like garbage (in the eyes of some). TLB