Hebrews 12:3-Hebrews 12:3-44

Endurance despite OppositionEndurance despite Opposition

Pg 1070Pg 1070In Church BiblesIn Church Bibles

As it is recorded that David, in the heat of battle, waxed faint, so may it be written of all the servants of the Lord. Fits of depression come over the most of us.

Charles Spurgeon, Pastor in London (1834–1892)Charles Spurgeon, Pastor in London (1834–1892)

Usually cheerful as we may be, we must at intervals be cast down. The strong are not always vigorous, the wise not always ready, the brave not always courageous, and the joyous not always happy.

Why?

Charles Spurgeon, Pastor in London (1834–1892)Charles Spurgeon, Pastor in London (1834–1892)

Is it not first that we are men? Moreover, most of us are in some way or other unsound physically. the great mass of us labor under some form or other of infirmity, either in body or mind. Certain bodily maladies, are fountains of despondency; and, let a man strive as he may against their influence, there will be hours and circumstances in which they will for awhile overcome him. Charles Spurgeon, Pastor in London (1834–1892)Charles Spurgeon, Pastor in London (1834–1892)

Is it not first that we are men? Moreover, most of us are in some way or other unsound physically. As to mental maladies, is any man altogether sane? Are we not all a little off the balance?

Charles Spurgeon, Pastor in London (1834–1892)Charles Spurgeon, Pastor in London (1834–1892)

Is it not first that we are men? Moreover, most of us are in some way or other unsound physically. Most of all, there are Spiritual causesIt is not necessary by quotations from the biographies of eminent ministers to prove that seasons of fearful prostration have fallen to the lot of most, if not all of them.

Charles Spurgeon, Pastor in London (1834–1892)Charles Spurgeon, Pastor in London (1834–1892)

Knowing by most painful experience what deep depression of spirit means, being visited therewith at seasons by no means few or far between, I thought it might be consolatory to some of my brethren if I gave my thoughts thereon, that younger men might not fancy that some strange thing had happened to them when they became for a season possessed by melancholy

Charles Spurgeon, Pastor in London (1834–1892)Charles Spurgeon, Pastor in London (1834–1892)

We have need of endurance (10:36)…since..surrounded..by..witnesses …(v1)…let us run with endurance (v1)…looking unto Jesus..who..endured.. (v2)

Endurance by Jesus enablingEndurance by Jesus enablingEndurance by Jesus example Endurance by Jesus example

…For consider Him who endured…(v3)Endurance despite opposition Endurance despite opposition

Enduring despite Opposition(overcoming Soul

Discouragement)

1)1)Hostility should be expectedHostility should be expected

1 Peter 4:12-14

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you

John 15:18-19

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

John 15:20

Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.

Matthew 10:24-25

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!

Enduring despite Opposition(overcoming Soul

Discouragement)

1)1)Hostility should be expectedHostility should be expected•Hostility unexpected can be a discouragement •Hostility expected can be an encouragement

Acts 4:29-31

Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word… And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Enduring despite Opposition(overcoming Soul

Discouragement)

1)1)Hostility should be expectedHostility should be expected•Hostility unexpected can be a discouragement •Hostility expected can be an encouragement

Enduring despite Opposition(overcoming Soul

Discouragement)

1)1)Hostility should be expectedHostility should be expected2)2) Hostility should be weighed Hostility should be weighed with Christwith Christ

•Weigh our battle - Called to •Weigh our battle - with others•Weigh our battle - with Christ’s •Weigh our battle - sanctified shaming

- holy tonic to the soul•In considering Christ…strengthened

1 Peter 4:12-14

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you

1 Peter 4:12-14

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

1 Peter 4:12-14

If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

Enduring despite Opposition(overcoming Soul

Discouragement)

1)1)Hostility should be expectedHostility should be expected2)2) Hostility should be weighed Hostility should be weighed with Christwith Christ3)3) Hostility should be weighed Hostility should be weighed with deathwith death

•Our battle is less than could be, martyrdom •Our battle at it’s worst…isn’t that bad •Christian, this world is closest get to hell•Unsaved? This world is closest get to heaven

Luke 11:23

He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.

Enduring despite Opposition(overcoming Soul

Discouragement)

1)1)Hostility should be expectedHostility should be expected2)2) Hostility should be weighed Hostility should be weighed with Christwith Christ3)3) Hostility should be weighed Hostility should be weighed with deathwith death

Psalm 42-43

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted

within me?

Psalm 42-43

As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, “Where is your God?”

Psalm 42-43

O my God, my soul is cast down within me…Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me.

Psalm 42-43

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted

within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance

and my God.

Enduring despite Opposition(overcoming Soul

Discouragement)

1)1)Hostility should be expectedHostility should be expected2)2) Hostility should be weighed Hostility should be weighed with Christwith Christ3)3) Hostility should be weighed Hostility should be weighed with deathwith death

Psalm 42-43

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted

within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance

and my God.