Building Endurance to Go the Distance: How to Develop the Power to Persevere

Hebrews 12:1-3

12 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, ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter 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 fainthearted. (Hebrews 12:1-3, ESV)

On a scale of 1-5, with 1 being “not much,” and 5 being “a lot.”

1. Weariness 
2. Discouragement 
3. Opposition 
4. Frustration 

My power to persevere will increase . . .  

1. When I gain from those who have gone me. (v. 1a)

2. When I (v. 1b)

3. When I adjust my to match the and of my race. (v. 1c)

“endurance”

→ Greek NT, hupomone

→  literally, “a remaining under”

→ “capacity to continue to bear up under difficult circumstances” (Greek-English Lexicon)

→ “steadfastness; constancy; perseverance; in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings” (Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon)

4. When I with others who share my values and purpose. (v. 1)

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

5. When I my on . . . day after day after day. (vv. 2-3)