Endurance
Do servants of Jehovah need endurance?
Why should we expect that some people will be indifferent to our preaching work or even opposed to it?
Mt 10:22; Joh 15:18, 19; 2Co 6:4, 5
Relevant Bible account(s):
2Pe 2:5; Ge 7:23; Mt 24:37-39—Though Noah is “a preacher of righteousness,” most ignore him, and only he and his family survive the Deluge
2Ti 3:10-14—The apostle Paul uses his own example of endurance to encourage Timothy to endure
Why may we expect opposition even from family members?
Relevant Bible account(s):
Ge 4:3-11; 1Jo 3:11, 12—Cain slaughters his brother because Cain’s own works are wicked, whereas Abel’s are righteous
Ge 37:5-8, 18-28—Joseph’s brothers attack him and sell him as a slave, in part because he related to them a dream from Jehovah
When persecuted, why do we not need to fear death?
See also Re 2:10
Relevant Bible account(s):
Da 3:1-6, 13-18—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego face death rather than compromise by committing an act of idolatry
Ac 5:27-29, 33, 40-42—Despite threats of death, the apostles persevere in the preaching work, showing endurance
What will help us to stay faithful to Jehovah even when we are disciplined?
Relevant Bible account(s):
Nu 20:9-12; De 3:23-28; 31:7, 8—Jehovah’s discipline disappoints the prophet Moses; yet, he endures faithfully to the end
2Ki 20:12-18; 2Ch 32:24-26—King Hezekiah sins and is rebuked, but he humbles himself and endures faithfully thereafter
How might the unfaithfulness of others test our endurance?
Relevant Bible account(s):
Ps 73:2-24—After considering the peace and prosperity of the wicked, the psalmist questions the value of enduring in his service to Jehovah
Joh 6:60-62, 66-68—Though many stop following Jesus, the apostle Peter is determined to endure in faith
What will help us to endure?
Sticking to Jehovah
Gaining knowledge of God’s Word through study and meditation
Approaching Jehovah in regular, heartfelt prayer
Relevant Bible account(s):
Da 6:4-11—The prophet Daniel continues to pray openly and regularly, despite a scheme to destroy him
Mt 26:36-46; Heb 5:7—On the last night of his earthly life, Jesus prays intensely and urges others to do the same
Associating regularly with fellow believers to worship together
Keeping our mind focused on the rewards that Jehovah promises
Strengthening our love for Jehovah, for our Christian brothers and sisters, and for righteousness
Strengthening our faith
Maintaining the right attitude toward suffering
What are some benefits of enduring faithfully?
We bring honor to Jehovah God
Pr 27:11; Joh 15:7, 8; 1Pe 1:6, 7
Relevant Bible account(s):
Job 1:6-12; 2:3-5—Satan challenges Jehovah regarding the integrity of Job, a challenge that can be answered only by Job’s faithful endurance as a servant of Jehovah
Ro 5:19; 1Pe 1:20, 21—By enduring faithfully to the end, Jesus resolves this vital question: Can a perfect man succeed where Adam failed, maintaining integrity under the hardest tests?
We encourage others to endure
Endurance contributes to a fruitful ministry
We gain Jehovah’s approval and receive promised rewards
Mt 24:13; Lu 21:19; 1Co 15:58; Heb 10:36
See also Ro 2:6, 7; Jas 1:12