Endurance reminds me of athletes who punish their bodies in order to outlast their opponents.  I think of marathons and the runners – how much training is involved – the diet – pushing themselves to be better.

Paul said “Endure hardness” – hardness? That certainly implies difficulty.

1.  When Nicodemus came to Jesus in John 3, he told Jesus that he was convinced that He was come from God because no man could do what he was doing.  While the bulk of the Gospels is spent recording what Jesus said, what convinced a stagnant, religious leader that Jesus was God was power and demonstration, not just His words.

2.  The Apostle Paul stated that he didn’t come to the church with enticing words of man’s wisdom but in power and demonstration of the Spirit.  Words can sway or move a person to action, but without demonstration the next smart fella who comes in the room can sway a person the other direction.  However, when the Word is validated or certified by Demonstration, then there is a landmark the person can continue to look to.  Doctrine was never meant to stand alone but is to be the foundation for a Church and Saints that walk in Power that Performs.

3.  The old adage “Actions speak louder than Words” is certainly confirmed by the Gospels and the book of Acts.  The Words of Jesus were confirmed by the Works of the Spirit – the Words of the Apostles were confirmed by the working of the Holy Ghost.  And I believe that the Doctrines taught by the Church Today, must be Confirmed by Demonstration of the Spirit or our Doctrine will come into Question.