Patience

The upcoming lesson, July 7, is COURAGE.

Lesson Notes:

Here is a dictionary definition of patience.

patience (with somebody / something) 1. the ability to stay calm and accept a delay or something annoying without complaining 2. the ability to spend a lot of time doing something difficult that needs a lot of attention and effort

However, as we continue our Marks of a Christian study, we seek more than a dictionary definition.  We want a Biblical definition.

As Drew Ford reminded us in class this morning, "Patience is an attribute of God and is intended to characterize each Christian – it is described as a quality, fruit of the Spirit, attribute of love and a virtue.'

We began by looking at the works of the flesh that show the opposite of patience—jealousy, outbursts of anger, and dissension.  Each of these and others shows an unwillingness to wait for the Lord's timing.  

Here is a list of Bible verses with a short explanation of what they say about patience:

• Romans 2:4 – God is the patient one – taking abuse from us with the hope of our repentance
• Romans 9:22 – God is the patient one – again taking abuse from us – vessels of wrath prepared for destruction
• 2nd Corinthians 6:6 – Paul describes ministry difficulties
• Ephesians 4:2 – We are called to walk worthy of the calling – including fruit of the Spirit behaviors
• Colossians 1:11 – We are called to walk worthy of the Lord – including the fruit of the Spirit
• Colossians 3:12 – We are called to walk worthy of the Lord – as God's chosen ones – command – PUT ON – Spirit behaviors/fruits
• 1st Timothy 1:16 – Jesus patient with Paul (worst of sinners)
• 2nd Timothy 3:10 –Paul'ss example of Christ – teaching & conduct
• 2nd Timothy 4:2 –Paul'ss charge to Timothy – Produce Godly behaviors and traits
• 1st Peter 3:20 –God's patience in the Days of Noah
• 2nd Peter 3:9 – The Lord is patient with desire for all to repent
• 2nd Peter 3:15 – The Lord is patient – desiring our salvation

Growing in patience takes time, requires difficult situations, and oftentimes includes challenging people.

Growth in patience doesn't have shortcuts.  It is not produced by us but by the Holy Spirit.  Because of this, it depends on God, which means it must include prayer.

Additional Notes:

In The Fruitful Life by Jerry Bridge,"

"The word patience, as we use it in everyday speech, actually stands for several different words in the New Testament and is used to describe a godly reaction to a variety of situations.""

Suffering mistreatment"

"This aspect of patience is the ability to suffer a long time under the mistreatment of others without growing resentful or bitter.""

"The opposite of retaliation is to entrust ourselves to God, who judges just."   Remember Romans 12:19

While suffering, we must remember that God is just and faithful.

Responding to Provocation"

"The best way to develop this slowness to anger is to reflect frequently on the patience of God toward u.""

Tolerating Shortcoming"

"Impatience with the shortcomings of others often has its roots in pride.""

"Forbearance, or tolerance, the Scriptures is associated with love, the unity of the believers, and the forgiveness of Chris.""

Ephesians 4:2-3

Waiting on God

The cure for impatience with the fulfillment of God's timetable is to believe his promises, obey His will, and leave results to him"."

Remember Hebrews 6:12.

Persevering through Adversity"

"Whereas long-suffering should be our patient reaction to people who mistreat or provoke us, endurance and perseverance should be our reaction to circumstances that try us.  Endurance is the ability to stand up under adversity; perseverance is the ability to progress in spite of "t."" 

"Whatever the source of our adverse circumstances, the key to endurance and patience is to believe that God is ultimately in contr"l."  

Remember Romans 15:".

"Trials always change our relationship with God.  Either they drive us to Him, or they drive us away from Him.  The extent of our fear of Him and our awareness of His love for us determines in which direction we will move."