Endurance!

Joy in Trials

1² Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

What is hypomone?

1. Notice “that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” or, as many translations read either “patience” or “endurance.”
2. There are two synonyms for endurance in the New Testament.
   1. Makrothumia – “Long-suffering” KJV
   2. hypomone – “endurance”

Why is endurance so important?

Have you ever used a sponge? Did you notice sponges work best when they are squeezed? Likewise, Jesus tells us, “by your endurance you will be saved,” (Luke 21)

How can we endure?

“And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us,”

Paul, Romans 5:2b-5

12     Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ² Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

Questions

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 Knowledge

1. Why is praying for patience “a dangerous prayer”?
2. Why is patience a key to fruitfulness (Luke 8:15; Galatians 6:9)?
3. What qualities do the Proverbs say lead to patience? (Proverbs 14:29; 19:11)? How are these characteristics related to patience?
4. What is the difference between “patience” (macrothumia) and “endurance” (hupomone)? Which one is harder?
5. Why is patience essential for health relationships?
6. Why does Paul say patience is the first ingredient in love?

Attitude

1. Since true patience is “a calm endurance, based on the certain knowledge that God is in control” (James Rye), how could acknowledging God’s power over your circumstances help you to be patient in dealing with:
   1. Career
   2. Ministry
   3. Relationships
   4. Hardships
2. Why are patient people so attractive?
3. How would your life be different if you were more patient?

Action

• In what area of your life is patience most difficult right now? Consider what you need to do to exercise faith in this situation, and write out a prayer to use this week to help you grow.