Remaining Steadfast

Patient Endurance

Life is slam full of storms, but despite the numerous storms we capable of being steadfast, of showing endurance. Tonight I want to talk about the keys to showing that patient endurance no matter what life throws your way. As we get into this journey we need to discuss what it means to be steadfast or you could say to have patient endurance.

What does it mean to be patient? You are able to tolerate things without it driving you to a state of anxiety or you are able to deal with trying times with a coolness.

What does endurance mean? Endurance is being able to last in circumstances, especially circumstances that push your limits.

So what is patient endurance? It is the ability to consistently over time to be able to withstand trying times with a level head.

Let me ask you again where is this letter being written? On Patmos, a slave camp. John is saying his a partner in tribulation and he is writing on patient endurance in these circumstances.

Romans 8:18 ESV

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

A key fact we as Christians must remember, Our attitude should not be shaped by our environment, but our attitude should be determined by the one who dwells within us.

This is not a easy task to do so. It is easy to let the environment we are in determine us, so tonight I want to talk about how do we battle against this.

Don’t Go It Alone (Partnership)

John writes that he is a brother and partner in tribulation in verse 9. The Christian life is not one that is meant to be lived in solidarity but in unity in the midst of tribulation.

What does it mean to be a brother in tribulation? First of all this is a reminder we are family. And on family I want to quote the very wise Lilo, “"Ohana Means Family. Family Means Nobody Gets Left Behind Or Forgotten." we have a responsibility to watch out for one another and to encourage one another. We should have a deep love and dedication to one another. We should desire to see everyone succeed.

How have you forgotten or left behind others spiritually?

What does it mean to be partner in tribulation? You don’t really get a whole lot of say so who is your family, but you do get some say so in who you partner with. You get a choice on rather or not to partner with someone. This makes me think of another scripture from Romans 12:15.

Romans 12:15 ESV

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Surround yourself with mature Christians who can encourage you in the love of Christ (accountability partner)

Take time to encourage one another. If God lays someone on your heart pray for them.

Surround yourself with people who are willing to walk through trials with you.

Surround yourself with godly counsel (Proverbs 13:20)

The quote, “You are who you surround yourself with” holds a lot of truth.

How can we share in others tribulations?

Give Time to the Lord (v. 10)

I know again very cliche sounding advice, but on what day did John receive the revelation? The Lord’s day, aka Sunday. John was imprisoned but still choose to distinguish special time for the Lord. He gets this revelation on Sunday? Is this coincidence? I don’t think so. I feel like John was being intentional in taking time to meet with God and to search out God’s will for his life despite the circumstances. What is a sabbath?

Genesis 2:3 ESV

So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.

Now in some circumstances are you able to find physical rest? No, like in John’s case if you are imprisoned you are sort of at the mercy of your captor. But even in the midst of persecution we can seek a spiritual sabbath time. Sabbath means a day of rest. In the midst of storms we have to make the very real decision of seeking a spiritual sabbath. A spiritual sabbath is found by seeking rest in God.

The greatest way to do this is to seek God in prayer. You can pray anytime and anywhere. The story of Daniel and the lions den comes to mind. Daniel prayed despite it being illegal. he found peace in it. Daniel was thrown in the lions den, while Darius slept in his palace. Who was restless and who was at peace?

Rest is found in walking with God. Matthew 11:30 is not necessarily talking about an easy path, but a path of rest. As you walk with God and talk with him regularly you will stay at a peace as you face various challenges of life.

Matthew 11:30 ESV

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

How is your communing with God?

How often do you pray?

How often do you read scripture?

Patient Endurance and the Lamp Stands (v. 12-16)

If you show patient endurance two things will occur:

Shine where God has placed you.

Does a lampstand choose where it goes? No. God will place you where he deems best

Where are lampstands typically placed? Where it is the darkest.

As you shine brighter in your faith expect God to put you in even darker areas. Your light is not need among the well lit areas, but among the dark areas.

Recognize Christ is in the midst of the lampstands. In this passage we see Jesus walking in the midst of the lamps. Jesus has not abandoned His lampstands. He is there to make sure you keep burning. He is their protecting His lampstands. He is their maintaining his lampstands.

In closing I want to end with this quote: “When suffering comes, we must remember above all the glory of Jesus as the Son of Man.”