6 keys to Endurance

Read 2 Timothy 2.

Dr. Henrietta Mears served as the Christian Education Director at her church for 35 years.  She directly influenced Billy Graham, Bill Bright, Christian publishing, Christian camping, world missions, and countless other ministries.  In one of her biographies, when asked the secret to her success, the answer was her 35 years.  Obviously, it took much more than longevity, but her endurance in using what God gave her changed the world to this day.

The Apostle Paul admonished Timothy to "be strengthened" as he served the Lord.  Paul used his own example of endurance in ministry, despite his suffering and imprisonment (vv.9-10).  Then, he encouraged Timothy with six keys to strengthening his character no matter the hardships.
1. By the grace of God. (v.1)
At the heart of living for Jesus is the recognition that everything belongs to Him.  Our existence, our salvation, our gifts, our opportunities, those whom we serve, and the results are all His.  Therefore, He alone receives the glory.  We serve with great gratitude and humility that the God of heaven would use us in His work.
2. By word of God. (v.2)
Paul faithfully taught and mentored Timothy according to the Scriptures.  Only by knowing and applying what God has said do we live lives pleasing to Him.  "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
3. By remaining focused on the assignment. (vv.3-4)
He compared this to the duty of a soldier.  The soldier preparing for battle cannot allow himself to become distracted by other pursuits.  Knowing what God wanted him to accomplish, Paul wrote, "But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on..." (Philippians 3:13)  But the prize of victory awaits.
4. By refusing to take shortcuts. (v.5)
An athlete who cheats will be disqualified from competing.  He must know what is expected and discipline himself accordingly.  First and foremost, this a character issue.  Second, it requires strenuous, private preparation.  Natural ability will only carry an undisciplined athlete so far before an embarrassing end.  But a crown of victory awaits.
5. By working hard. (v.6)
Without a full-on commitment to the required tasks in a timely manner, there will be no chance of success in the harvest.  Farming involves early rising and long days during the seasons of planting, cultivating, and reaping.  But the fruit of the labor awaits.
6. By maintaining purity. (vv.20-21)
The usability of a vessel is not found in the material but in its cleanliness.  A dirty gold cup will not be selected.  A clean, rugged, wooden mug may be picked instead.  In regards to being used by God, Dr. Crawford Loritts is famous for saying, "The price is purity."  "If anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work."