The New American Standard Bible NT Greek lexicon defines hupomone (which means remain under) (hoop – o – mo- nay, Strong# 5281) as “the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings. “

We run our earthly race to obtain a heavenly reward – glory, salvation, everlasting life
Ro 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with endurance.  Heb 6:15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.  Heb 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

We get/build endurance by developing biblical hope and encouragement
Ro 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the endurance and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.  Ro 15:5 Now may the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus  (NIV) 1Th 1:3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

We should endure because it is a characteristic of Jesus and successful saints
Col 1:11 (….walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing…being fruitful…increasing in the knowledge) strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all endurance and longsuffering with joy;  1Ti 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.  2 Ti 2:3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 
2 Ti 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.  2Ti 3:10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, endurance,  2Pe 1:6 (…diligence…virtue…knowledge) to knowledge self-control, to self-control endurance, to endurance godliness,

Endurance doesn't happen automatically
Re 2:3 "and you have persevered and have endurance, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.  Re 2:19 "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your endurance; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.

We can be thrown off course in our spiritual journey
Ro 5:3-4 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces endurance; and endurance, character; and character, hope.  Jas 1:3 (…count it all joy when you fall into various trials) knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  But let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  Jas 5:11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the endurance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord--that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful

So no endurance, no blessing
2 Th 1:4 (…your faith grows exceedingly…) so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure.  2 Ti 3:11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra – what persecutions I endured.  And out of them all the Lord delivered me.  1 Pe 2:19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.

Finishing the race
1Co 9:24-26 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.  2 Ti 4:5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.  2 Ti 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do some people fail to progress in the Christian life?  Why do others succeed?
2. What is the alternative to walking with God in Truth?
3. What has helped you keep going when the going got tough?
4. What steps will you take to make sure you keep putting one foot in front of the other on your quest for glory?
5. What steps will you take this week to develop the endurance which will enable you to go the distance?