C BOSTIAN THE FEAST OF PENTECOST MAY 22, 1994

C. BOSTIAN LEARNING TO ENDURE PT.2 11/23/03

Hebrews 12:1-3 (MsgB)

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. [2] Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's (Insert Slide) there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. [3] When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

THIS PASSAGE OF SCRIPTURE WAS WRITTEN TO ENCOURAGE THE HEBREW CHRISTIANS TO KEEP RUNNING IN THE RACE OF ENDURING FAITH. THE RACE NEEDS TO BE RUN WITH PATIENCE, PERSEVERENCE AND ENDURANCE BECAUSE ITS GONNA BE A LONG RACE. IN FACT THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS LIKENED UNTO A 26 MI. RACE KNOWN AS A MARATHON. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE ISN’T A 100 YARD DASH. NO, IT’S A LONG, CHALLENGING AND DIFFICULT RACE. THAT’S WHY WE NEED PATIENCE AND ENDURANCE WHEN WE BEGIN. YOU SEE, WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO GOD IS NOT HOW YOU START BUT HOW YOU FINISH. YOU CAN START WITH A FLASH BUT HOW ARE YOU DOING 30-40 YEARS DOWN THE ROAD. YOU SEE, ITS DURING THOSE DIFFICULT SEASONS THAT WE ALL NEED A SHOT OF SPIRITUAL ADRENALINE TO ENABLE US TO ENDURE. SO THIS MORNING I WANT TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT LEARNING TO ENDURE.

(Insert Slide)

2 Tim. 2:3-4 (MsgB)

When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. [4] A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders.

2 Tim. 2:3-4 (KJV)

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. [4] No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

HOW MANY OF YOU KNOW THAT GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO BE A SOLDIER IN HIS ARMY. THE MOMENT YOU ACCEPTED CHRIST AS YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOR YOU ENLISTED IN GOD’S ARMY. AS A SOLDIER WE ARE HERE TO TAKE ORDERS AND TO STAND OUR GROUND.

(Insert Slide) Ephes. 6:10-13 (KJV)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

WE NEED TO LEARN HOW TO STAND UNDER PRESSURE. OR WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH THE TOUGH GET GOING. GOD WANTS US TO TOUGHEN UP OUR RESOLVE AND TO FINISH WHAT HE HAS CALLED US TO DO. THERE WILL BE TIMES IN ALL OF OUR LIVES THAT ARE FULL OF CHALLENGES AND CHOICES THAT COMES FROM THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF OUR EVERY DAY LIVES. THE BIBLE WORD FOR THOSE CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES IS THE WORD AFFLICTION. NOW, WE HAVE USUALLY ASSOCIATED THAT WORD WITH SICKNESS, BUT THE GK. WORD FOR AFFLICTION LIT. MEANS PRESSURE FROM THE CIRCUMSTANCES WE FIND OURSELVES LIVING IN. ITS INTERESTING THAT THE WORD FOR CIRCUMSTANCES LIT. MEANS IN THE CIRCLE YOU’RE STANDING IN. SO WE FIND OURSELVES STANDING IN THESE CIRCLES AND THERE IS ENORMOUS PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO OUR LIVES. THE BIBLE TELLS US THAT AS THIS PRESSURE IS BEING APPLIED WE ARE TO STAND. IN THE MIDST OF THAT PRESSURE WE ARE TO STAND. NOW, THE WORD TO STAND MEANS HAVING DONE ALL TO BE PRESENT. TO BE PRESENT. HAVING DONE ALL TO BE THERE. AND HOW MANY KNOW THAT NOT EVERYBODY SHOWS UP? A LOT OF TIMES THE PRESSURE GETS INTENSE AND A LOT OF GUYS AREN’T PRESENT WHEN THEY’RE SUPPOSE TO BE. THEY HAVE DESERTED THEIR POST.

PAUL OFTEN USES MILITARY TERMS IN HIS EPISTLES AND THAT’S ESPECIALLY TRUE IN OUR TEXT TODAY. THIS IS ONE OF THEM: TO STAND OR HAVING DONE ALL TO BE PRESENT AND AT YOUR POST. IF YOU ARE IN THE MILITARY OR HAVE BEEN MOST OF YOU KNOW HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO BE PRESENT, ON YOUR POST, ON YOUR GAURD. IN FACT THE WORD “TAKE” IN OUR TEXT: ‘TAKE UNTO YOU THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD,’ COMES FROM THE GK WORD WE USE TODAY IN THE MILITARY FOR “STANDING ORDERS.” GOD SAYS TAKE THIS OR DO THIS AND KEEP ON DOING IT UNTIL YOUR ORDERS CHANGE. IT’S A STANDING ORDER WHICH MEANS THAT YOU DON’T STOP DOING IT EVER BECAUSE YOU’VE BEEN TOLD OR COMMANDED TO DO IT BY A HIGHER RANKING OFFICER. WHEN THE COMMANDING OFFICIER ISSUES A STANDING ORDER, NOTHING CHANGES THAT BUT THE COMMANDER. IT IS A STANDING ORDER. CIRCUMSTANCES DON’T CHANGE IT. HOW YOU FEEL DOESN’T CHANGE IT. (Insert Slide) AND IF YOU DO CHANGE IT AND LEAVE YOUR POST YOU ARE CALLED AWOL. ABSCENT WITHOUT LEAVE. WE GOT A LOT OF CHRISTIANS WHO ARE AWOL. THEY HAVE DESERTED THEIR POST UNDER PRESSURE CAUSE THEY HAVEN’T LEARNED HOW TO ENDURE.

(Insert Slide) WHEN IT COMES TO LEARNING HOW TO ENDURE WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT GOD DOESN’T EXPECT YOU TO BE A CHRISTIAN RAMBO? ONE OF THE BASIC LIFE SKILLS OF BEING A SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN IS LEARNING HOW TO ENDURE HARDSHIP AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST.

1 Cor. 4:1-2 (KJV)

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. [2] Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

(Insert Slide) 2 Cor 6:3-9 (Lvg)

3 We try to live in such a way that no one will ever be offended or kept back from finding the Lord by the way we act, so that no one can find fault with us and blame it on the Lord. 4 In fact, in every-thing we do we try to show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure suffering and hardship and trouble of every kind.

5 We have been beaten, put in jail, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, stayed awake through sleepless nights of watching, and gone without food. 6 We have proved ourselves to be what we claim by our wholesome lives and by our understanding of the Gospel and by our patience. We have been kind and truly loving and filled with the Holy Spirit. 7 We have been truthful, with God's power helping us in all we do. All of the godly man's arsenal-- (Insert Slide) weapons of defense, and weapons of attack-- have been ours. 8 We stand true to the Lord whether others honor us or despise us, whether they criticize us or commend us. We are honest, but they call us liars. 9 The world ignores us, but we are known to God; we live close to death, but here we are, still very much alive. We have been injured but kept from death.

THROUGHOUT SCRIPTURE THE LORD IS TALKING TO US ABOUT STANDING IN THE BATTLE WHEN THE PRESSURE IS ON OR ENDURING. THAT HAPPENS TO ALL OF US SO I BELIEVE THAT WE CAN ALL GLEAN SOMETHING FROM THIS MESSAGE. WHO IN THIS ROOM DOESN’T HAVE SOME KIND OF PRESSURE FROM THEIR JOB, FROM THEIR CAREER, FROM THEIR SPOUSE OR FROM OTHER WORKING RELATIUONSHIPS IN THEIR LIVES. THE ANSWER IS, WE ALL DO. SO THIS IS VERY APPLICABLE TO OUT LIVES. SO I WANT TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT SOME CHARACTERISTICS AS BELIEVERS THAT WILL ENABLE US TO MEET THE TEST AND STAND UNDER THE PRESSURES OF OUR TIME AND TO ENDURE. FAR TOO MANY BELIEVERS FAIL TO MEET THE CHALLENGES THAT ARE PRESENTED TO THEM DAY IN AND DAY OUT. GOD IS LOOKING FOR CONSISTENCY IN OUR LIFE. AND THAT’S WHY THE ENEMY ATTACKS EVERY AREA OF OUR LIFE WITH PRESSURE. HE’S TRYING TO GET US TO BE INCONSISTENT IN OUR FAITH AND IN OUR LOVE WALK BEFORE OTHERS. WE ARE LIVING IN SUCH A TIME WHERE WE AS THE CHURCH HAVE TO MEET THE TEST HEAD ON AND PROVE TO THE WORLD THAT OUR GOD IS REAL AND THAT OUR GOD IS IN CONTROL OF ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF OUR LIVES. SO WE HAVE TO BE PRESENT, STAYING AT OUR POST EVEN WHEN THERE IS PRESSURE.

(Insert Slide)

Hebrews 10:35-39 (KJV)

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. [36] For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. [37] For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. [38] Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. [39] But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

(Insert Slide)

Hebrews 10:35-39 (MsgB)

So don't throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It's still a sure thing! [36] But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion. [37] It won't be long now, he's on the way; he'll show up most any minute.

[38] But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust; if he cuts and runs, I won't be very happy. [39] But we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.

SO THIS MORNING I WANT TO PAINT A BIBLICAL PICTURE OF A SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN WHO IS EMPOWERED BY GOD TO ENDURE THROUGH THE NORMALCY OF A BORING LIFE AMIDST ADVERSITY, SETBACKS, PROBLEMS AND DISSAPPOINTMENTS AND YET FINISHES WELL. YOU KNOW, SOMETIMES (Insert Slide) WE READ THE INTRODUCTION TO MOSES IN THE BIBLE AND WE FLIP A PAGE AND 70 YEARS OF HIS LIFE HAS TRANSPIRED BEFORE HE IS PARTING THE RED SEA. WELL, WHAT’D HE DO DURING ALL THOSE BORING, NORMAL, MIRACLESS YEARS? THEY LIVED LIFE, ENDURED HARDNESS AND REMAINED FAITHFUL UNTIL GOD CALLED THEM TO DO A PARTICULAR WORK OF FUNCTION. IN OTHER WORDS, THEY WERE FAITHFUL WAITING AT THEIR POST FOR ADDITIONAL ORDERS. THEY ENDURED THROUGH IT ALL BUT WHEN THEY WERE CALLED UPON THEY WERE STANDING AT THEIR POSTS AND READY FOR ACTION AND THAT’S WHERE GOD WANTS US TO BE.

(Insert Slide)

Romans 5:3-5 (MsgB)

There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, [4] and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. [5] In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

(Insert Slide) HERE’S WHAT WE NEED TO SEE ABOUT TRIALS AND ADVERSITIES. GOD IS AT WORK IN OUR LIVES THROUGH IT ALL IN WAYS THAT WE CAN’T SEE AND UNDERSTAND CAUSE HIS OBJECTIVE IS DIFFERENT FROM OURS. WE WANT A FAITH THAT MAKES LIFE EASIER. HE WANTS A FAITH THAT WILL BUILD CHARACTER BY OUR ENDURING THROUGH LIFE, THROUGH HARDSHIP, THROUGH DIFFICULTY AND THROUGH ADVERSITY.

James 5:11 (KJV)

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

James 5:11 (MsgB)

What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You've heard, of course, of Job's staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.

WHAT WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND IS THAT WHEN WE ARE GOING THROUGH SOMETHING THAT WE ARE NOT ALONE. GOD HAS PROMISED TO NEVER LEAVE US NOR FORSAKE US. HE’S RIGHT THERE WITH US THROUGH THICK OR THIN. AND HE PROMISES NOT TO LEAVE US EVEN WHEN WE BLOW IT. HE COMES UP ALONG SIDE US AND HELPS US THROUGH THE MESS THAT WE’VE CREATED AND TURNS IT AROUND FOR OUR GOD.

(Insert Slide)

Romans 8:26-28 (MsgB)

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. [27] He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. [28] That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

THIS SCRIPTURE DOESN’T SAY THAT EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS TO YOU IS GOOD. HE DOESN’T SEND OR ORCHESTRATE SICKNESS OR CANCER BUT IN THE MIDST OF IT HE CAN AND WILL CONTINUE TO WORK IN YOUR LIFE FOR HIS GREATER GOOD. HE DIDN’T SEND BANKRUPTCY IN YOUR LIFE BUT HE CAN WORK THROUGH IT AND MAKE YOU A BETTER PERSON IN THE END. ROM.8:28 MEANS THAT I CAN REDEEM ANY DIFFICULT SITUATION WHETHER ITS CAUSED BY MY OWN DISOBEDIENCE OR THE WRATH OF MY ENEMIES AND TURN IT AROUND FOR MY GOOD AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD. YOU SEE, GOD EVEN MAKES THE WRATH OF MAN TO PRAISE HIM. THAT’S COMFORTING TO ME TO KNOW THAT GOD CAN REDEEM ANYTHING FOR ME CAUSE I’M ON HIS WINNING TEAM. LISTEN, HE’S SOVERIGN, HE CAN DO ANYTHING HE WANTS.

Job 12:9 (MsgB)

Isn't it clear that they all know and agree

that God is sovereign, that he holds all things in his hand—

Job 23:13 (MsgB)

"But he is singular and sovereign. Who can argue with him?

He does what he wants, when he wants to.

Job 25:2 (MsgB)

"God is sovereign, God is fearsome—

everything in the cosmos fits and works in his plan.

Psalm 102:12-13 (MsgB)

Yet you, God, are sovereign still, always and ever sovereign.

[13] You'll get up from your throne and help Zion— it's time for compassionate help.

THE WORD PAUL USES FOR HARDSHIP IN THE N.T. DESCRIBES SITUATIONS THAT APPEAR, AND NOTICE I SAID APPEAR, TO BE OVERWHELMING AND INSURMOUNTABLE. MAYBE YOUR FACING FINANCIAL OR PHYSICAL PRESSURE THIS MORNING. YOU FEEL LIKE ITS GONNA CRUSH YOU AND YOU CAN’T SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY. MAYBE YOU’RE IN A MARRIAGE OR RELATIONSHIP THAT IS CAUSING YOU INTENSE DIFFICULTY AND FROM WHENCE THERE IS NO RELEIF AND ITS ALL YOU CAN DO TO MAKE IT FROM DAY TO DAY RIGHT NOW. SOME OF YOU ARE STRUGGLING WITH A SIN THAT YOU’RE NOT SURE YOU’RE EVER GONNA OVERCOME IT. SOME OF YOU LIKE PAUL ARE FACING UNRELENTING CRITISICM AND PERSECUTION AND IT MAKES YOU WANT TO CRAWL IN A HOLE AND DIE. SOME OF YOU MIGHT BE IN PHYSICAL PAIN SO BAD THAT YOU’RE NOT SURE YOU CAN ENDURE IT. YOU ARE TEMPTED WHEN YOU’RE IN PLACES LIKE THAT TO THINK THAT THIS IS ALL JUST A WASTE OF TIME CAUSE ITS ALL YOU CAN DO JUST TO HOLD ON. (Insert Slide) SO HEY! YOU NEED TO HEAR SOME GOOD NEWS THIS MORNING. SOMETIMES THE GREATEST SPIRITUAL VICTORIES ON THIS PLANET EARTH ARE PEOPLE WHO SIMPLY ENDURE UNTIL THE BREAK THRU. ITS SIMPLY PEOPLE WHO ENDURE IT. IT’S PEOPLE WHO HANG ON TO THEIR INTEGIRTY WITH SINCERITY AND FAITH THAT GOD CALLS A TRUE OVERCOMER.

Rev. 3:5 (KJV)

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Rev. 3:12 (KJV)

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Rev. 3:21 (KJV)

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Rev. 21:7 (KJV)

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

THE FIRST 3 CHAPTERS OF THE BOOK OF REVELATIONS DESCRIBES SEVEN CHURCHES THAT ARE ALL GOING THRU INTENSE TRIAL AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN THE PROMISE IS GIVEN TO THE ONE THAT OVERCOMES, REWARD AND A CROWN OF LIFE. OVERCOMING SEEMS TO BE SUCH A WONDERFUL CONQUERING WORD BUT REVELATION DEFINES OVERCOMING AS HOLDING FAST TO THE FAITH EVEN IN THE MIDST OF TRIAL. ENDURING WHEN IT LOOKS IMPOSSIBLE AND INSURMOUNTABLE. NOW ISN’T THAT A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN WE MEASURE AN OVERCOMING, SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN. WE USUALLY MEASURE IT BY HOW MUCH MONEY WE HAVE, BY HOW FEW PROBLEMS WE HAVE OR HOW FAST I’M GOING UP THE LADDER OF SUCCESS OR HOW FAST MY CHURCH IS GROWING OR MY COMPANY OR MY PORTFOLIO OR MY 401K. WHEN INFACT THAT IS NOT HOW GOD LOOKS AT IT AT ALL. HIS PERSPECTIVE OF GREATNESS IS ON WHENTHER WE ENDURE CAUSE EVERYBODY HAS TROUBLE. THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY ALL GOT TROUBLES. THE POOR GOT TROUBLES AND SO DO THE RICH. EVERYBODY FACES TROUBLE BUT THE ISSUE IS DO YOU ENDURE. SO WHAT GOD’S SHOWING ME IS THAT IT’S NOT MY HAIR STYLE OR MY CLOTHES, ITS NOT HOW LOUD I SHOUT AMEN OR HOW LONG I PRAY IN THE SPIRIT, IT WHETHER I’M A QUITTER. ITS JUST EASIER TO QUIT THAN IT IS TO ENDURE.

SO ONE THING TO UNDERSTAND: GOD IS AT WORK IN YOUR PAIN AND TRIAL IN WAYS YOU DO NOT KNOW YET. SO DON’T QUIT, DON’T STOP BUT KEEP DOING WHAT YOU’RE CALLED AND DESIGNED BY GOD TO DO.

(Insert Slide) NOW LET ME PAUSE AND MAKE ANOTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION ABOUT ENDURING HARDSHIP AND ADVERSITIES. WHEN WE TALK ABOUT ENDURANCE IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT WHATEVER SITUATION YOU FIND YOURSELF IN NOW YOU’RE STUCK IN FOREVER. THAT’S THE PICTURE THE DEVIL WANTS TO PAINT IN YOUR MIND SO THAT YOU THROW UP YOUR HANDS IN DESPERATION AND QUIT.

IN ACTS 12 PETER IS IN PRISON BY HEROD, HE’S IN JAIL AND ITS MIDNIGHT. HE’S WRAPPED IN CHAINS. AN ANGEL APPEARS TO PETER WHILE HE’S IN PRISON AND A BRIGHT LIGHT BEGINS TO SHINE, THE CHAINS FALL OFF AND THE ANGEL SAYS TO PETER: FOLLOW ME. PETER DOESN’T SAY NO LEAVE ME ALONE AND LET ENDURE THIS PRISON SENTENCE. IT’S A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE THAT I MIGHT NOT HAVE AT A LATER TIME SO NO I’M GONNA STAY HERE ROT IN THIS DIRTY PRISON AND ENDURE. NO THAT’S NOT WHAT PETER SAID: HE’S OUT OF THERE FASTER THAN A BOOTLEGGER IN ALABAMA ON A FIRDAY NIGHT. HE’S GONE. HE’S NOT STAYING THERE ANY LONGER THAN HE HAS TO. SO DON’T GET SILLY ABOUT ENDURING AND DEVELOPING A MARTYRS COMPLEX. CAUSE THERE IS A TIME TO WALK AWAY FROM A BAD SITUATION. THE CALL TO ENDURANCE DOES MEAN THAT YOU DON’T LEAVE ANYTHING. IF YOU’RE IN A PHYSICALLY ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP I’M GONNA COUNSEL YOU AND THE KIDS TO LEAVE RIGHT NOW. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ENDURE THAT. WHAT YOU DO NEED TO DO IS TO ASK THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR WISDOM IN A SITUATION LIKE THAT.

THE CALL TO ENDURE IS THE CALL TO HOLD FAST TO CHRIST AND BY EXTENSION, YOU HOLD FAST TO THOSE COMMITMENTS YOU MUST HONOR IF YOU’RE GONNA BE A CHRIST FOLLOWER. IF YOU’RE IN A SEXUAL HARRASEMENT SITUATION AT WORK GOD’S NOT CALLING YOU TO ENDURE THAT. THAT’S ILLEGAL, THAT’S WRONG AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO ENDURE IT. BUT THERE MIGHT BE A DIFFICULTY IN THE MARRIAGE AND YOU’RE NOT AS HAPPY AS WHEN YOU FIRST GOT MARRIED AND YOU WANT OUT. BUT IN THAT SITUATION YOU HAVE TO ENDURE AND WORK THROUGH YOUR DIFFICULTIES. MAYBE YOUR DREAM HASN’T HAPPENED AS SOON AS YOU THOUGHT OR MAYBE YOU HAVEN’T GOTTEN OUT OF DEBT AS SOON AS YOU THOUGHT. THEN YOU GOT TO ENDURE CAUSE EVEYTHING IN LIFE TAKES LONGER THAN WE THOUGHT AND COST MORE THAN WE THOUGHT AND IS NASTIER, MESSY AND DIRTIER THAN ANYBODY TOLD US. PEOPLE USUSALLY GIVE UP IN THAT SITUATION CASUE IT IS SO DIRTY AND IT DOES TAKE LONGER AND THEY QUIT TOO SOON.

(Insert Slide) NOW IF YOU’RE GONNA ENDURE YOU’RE GONN HAVE TO EVALUATE YOUR LIFE TODAY FROM THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE. THERE ARE BASICALLY TWO PERSPECTIVES ABOUT MY LIFE AND YOUR LIFE AND ONLY ONE OF THEM WILL EMPOWER US TO ENDURE.

2 Cor. 6:8-10 (MsgB)

when we're praised, and when we're blamed; (Insert Slide) slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; [9] ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; [10] immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.

PAUL SAYS THERE WERE TIMES IN HIS LIFE WHEN HE WAS PRAISED BY SOME BUT BLAMED BY OTHERS. THERE WERE TIMES WHEN HE WAS IGNORED BY THE WORLD BUT RECOGNIZED BY GOD. THERE WERE TIMES WHEN HE FELT ABUNDANTLY ALIVE BUT OTHERS VIEWD HIM AS BEING DEAD. WHEN YOU MEASURE YOUR LIFE BY THE NORMAL STANDARDS OF THIS WORLD AND YOU’RE LIFE DOESN’T AMOUNT TO MUCH. THE WORLD MIGHT EVALUATE PAUL’S MINISTRY AS A FAILURE AND IF PAUL ACCEPTED THAT THEN HE’D BE SURE TO QUIT. HOWEVER PAUL SAID IF YOU LOOK AT MY LIFE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND IT’S ANOTHER STORY. FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THIS WORLD WE’RE TREATED AS IMPOSTORS BUT GOD KNOWS WE ARE TRUE. NO, PAUL SAYS I AM KNOWN AND HONORED BY GOD AND HE PRESERVES ME IN THE MIDST OF DANGER AND JOY JUST KEEP SPRING UP INSIDE ME. I CAN’T STOP IT AND I CAN’T QUENCH IT EVEN WHEN I’M IN PRISON. HE GOES ON TO SAY THAT HE’S ENRICHING DYING PEOPLE WITH LIFE WHICH DOESN’T MEAN ANYTHING BY THE WORLD’S STANDARD BUT IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD I’M THE RICHEST GUY I KNOW. WHEN YOU LOOK AT MY LIFE FROM THAT PERSPECTIVE, PAUL SAYS, WHY IN THEE WORLD WOULD I WANT TO QUIT. FROM THIS PERSPECTIVE QUITTING WOULKD BE THE DUMBEST THING I COULD DO. THIS GAME IS SOLD UP, ALL I GOT TO DO IS TO ENDURE.

(Insert Slide)2 Cor. 4:8-10 (MsgB)

As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, [9] but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. [10] What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives!

PAUL IS WRITING HERE ABOUT HIS COLLEGUES IN MINISTRY AND THE EXTREME PROBLEMS, PRESSURES AND PERPLEXITIES THAT THEY HAD TO ENDURE IN THE MINISTRY. LISTEN, WHETHER YOU’RE IN FULL TIME MINITRY BEHIND A PULPIT OR BEHIND A THE STEERING WHEEL OF A TRUCK, YOU’RE GONNA HAVE PROBLEMS. YOU GOT PROBLEMS, I GOT PROBLEMS, ALL GOD’S CHILDREN GOT PROBLEMS. PROBLEMS ARE A FACT OF LIFE AFTER THE FALL. LET’S JUST KIND OF EXPECT THEM TO OCCASSIONALLY COME OUR WAY. BUT DON’T EVER QUIT BECAUSE THERE’S A PROBLEM TOO BIG FOR YOU TO SOLVE BECAUSE WHAT IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH MAN IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD! LET’S LEARN TO FINISH WHAT WE START AND ENDURE.

FRANK SINATRA SANG THIS SONG: I SAID THAT’S LIFE. AND AS FUNNY AS IT MAY SEEM SOME PEOPLE GET THEIR KICKS STOPPING ON A DREAM, BUT I DON’T LET IT, LET IT GET ME DOWN, CAUSE THIS FINE OLD WORLD KEEPS IT SPINNING AROUND. I’VE BEEN A PUPPET, A PAUPER, A PIRATE A POET, A PAWN AND A KING. I’VE BEEN UP AND DOWN AND OVER AND OUT, AND I KNOW ONE THING: EACH TIME I FIND MYSELF FLAT ON MY FACE I PICK MYSELF UP AND GET BACK IN THE RACE. THAT’S LIFE! I TELL YOU I CAN’T DENY IT, I THOUGHT OF QUITTING BABY, BUT MY HEART JUST AINT GONNA BUY……

(Insert Slide) 2 Cor. 4:17-18 (KJV)

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; [18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

PAUL TALKS ABOUT BEING IN PRISON, BEING BEATEN, BEING SCOURGED AND EVEN BEING TAKNE OUT OF THE CITY AND STONED TO DEATH. BUT LISTEN WHAT HE CALLS ALL THESE SUFFERINGS: LIGHT AND MOMENTARY. LET’S DO A LITTLE QUIZ THIS MORNING. HOW ARE YOUR PROBLEMS: LIGHT AND MOMENTARY. WHEN YOU GO TO WORK TOMORROW AND YOU BOSS GETS IN YOUR FACE YOU’RE GONNA SAY: LIGHT AND MOMENTARY. WHEN THE IRS GIVES YOU YOUR TAX BILL YOU’RE GANNA SAY: LIGHT AND MOMENTARY. WHEN THE DOCTOR GIVES YOU THE BAD NEWS YOU’RE GANNA SAY: LIGHT AND MOMENTARY. PAUL SAYS, PERSECUTED, IN BEATINGS, IN PRISON, IN DISHONOR, IMPOVERSIHED AND DEATH AND PAUL SAYS: LIGHT AND MOMENTARY. SO ACCESSING YOUR PROBLEMS AND ADVERSITIES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD, YOU COME UP WITH THE ONLY POSSIBLE CONCLUSION: LIGHT AND MOMENTARY AND YOU’D BE A FOOL TO QUIT. SO LEARN TO ENDURE, WAIT ON GOD AND HE WILL ENDUE YOU WITH POWER TO ENDURE.

NOW THE REASON WHY WE CAN ENDURE IS FOUND IN VERSE 18, WHILE WE LOOK NOT AT THE THINGS THAT CAN BE SEEN BECAUSE THEY ARE TEMPORARY: LIGHT AND MOMENTARY; BUT THE THINGS THAT CANNOT BE SEEN ARE ETERNAL. THAT’S WHY BELIEVERS CALL THOSE THINGS WHICVH ARE NOT AS THOUGH THEY WERE. WE SEE THE INVISIBLE. WHAT’S VISIBLE IS JUST LIGHT AND MOMENTARY, ITS TEMPORAL. WHAT KEEPS PAUL GONG IS NOT STRENGTH OF WILL, ITS NOT A CALL TO RAMBO TYPE TENACITY. WHAT KEEPS PAUL GOING IS THE ENDURING HOPE THAT GOD IS GOING TO FILL HIM WITH HIS SPIRIT TO ENABLE HIM TO FINSISH HIS COURSE.

(Insert Slide) 1 Thes. 1:1-3 (KJV)

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. [2] We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; [3] Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

HAVING AND POSSESSING AN ACTIVE FAITH AND HOPE IS WHAT KEEPS US GOING UNDER PRESSURE. ITS WHEN WE THINK THERE’S NO HOPE THAT WE QUIT. HERE, PAUL IS WRITING TO THE CHURCH AT THESOLINICA AND ENCOURAGING THEM AS HE RECOGNIZES IN THEM THE WORKING OF FAITH, LOVE AND THE PATIENCE OF HOPE. YOU CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ENDURE UNLESS YOU HAVE A HOPE THAT TRANSCENDS THE TEMPORAL AND SEES INTO THE ETERNAL. SO WE ARE CALLED TO THE PATIENCE OR THE ENDURANCE OF HOPE.

THE ULTIMATE EXAMPLE OF SPIRIT EMPOWERED ENDURANCE IS JESUS:

(Insert Slide) Hebrews 12:1-3 (KJV)

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

THROUGH HIS BETRAYAL, TRIAL, SENTENCING AND EXECUTION HE FOUND SUPERNATURAL STRENGTH TO BRING HIS TO THE CRUX OF THE HOUR. FINALLY HE CRIED OUT “IT IS FINISHED.” I DID IT, I DIDN’T QUIT.

1. ONE THING TO UNDERSTAND, GOD IS AT WORK IN WAYS YOU CANNOT SEE IN THE ADVERSITY YOU FACE AT THE MOMENT.

2. SO DON’T QUIT, KEEP PLAYING AND ENDURE.

ILLUSTRATION: IN 1968 THE COUNTRY OF TANZANIA SELECT JOHN STEVEN AQUARRI TO REPRESENT IT TO THE MEXICO CITY OLYMPICS. ALONG THE RACE COURSE FOR THE 26 MI. MARATHON AQUARRI STUMBLED AND FELL AND SEVERLY INJURING HIS KNEE AND ANCKLE. BY 7PM A RUNNER FROM ETHIOPIA HAD WON THE RACE. ALL OTHER COMPETITORS HAD FINISHED AND BEEN CARED FOR. JUST A FEW THOUSAND SPECTATIOR WERE IN THE STANDS WHEN A POLICE CAR AT THE GATE CAUGHT THEIR ATTENTION. LIMPING THROUGH THE GATE HOURS AFTER EVERYONE HAD FINISHED WAS AQUARRI HIS LEG WRAPPED IN ABLOODY BANDAGE. THOSE PRESENT BEGAN TO CHEER AS THE COURAGEOUS MAN FINISHED THE RACE. LATER A REPORTED ASKED JOHN STEVEN AQUARRI THE QUESTION ON EVERYBODY’S MIND. WHY DID YOU CONTINUE THE RACE AFTER YOU WERE SO BADLY INJURED AND HOURS AFTER EVEYONE ELSE HAD FINISHED AND YOU COULD NOT HAVE WON? HIS REPLY: MY COUNTRY DID NOT SEND ME 5000 MILES TO BEGIN A RACE, THEY SENT ME HERE TO FINISH THE RACE. AND WE SALUTE A MAN WHO FINISHED. IN FACT THIS GUY GOT MORE ATTENTION AND RENOWN THAN THE GUY WHO WON THE RACE AND HE’S GOT MORE HONOR AND CLOUT IN HIS COUNTRY JUST BECAUSE HE FINISHED. AND THERE ARE SOME OF YOU WHO ARE RIGHT NOW IN THE MIDST OF THE RACE OF LIFE AND IF YOU HOLD OUT A BIT LONGER WILL HAVE A GREAT TESTIMONY TOO. SO GOD’S NOT IMPRESSED WITH HOW YOU START BUT HOW YOU FINISH. SO KEEP YOU HAND ON THE PLOW AND DON’T LOOK BACK. SO PRESS ON, DON’T QUIT. KEEP PLAYING AND ENDURE TILL THE END.