Releasing God's Best: Patience
Galatians 5:22-25; I Timothy 1:15-17; James 5:7-11
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
7Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 9Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. 10Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
Forbearance, longsuffering, patience
Why is it so hard to wait?
Patience relative to our relationship with God
- God’s practice with us
- God’s presence in us
- God’s promise to us
Patience relative to our relationships with other
- God’s display of patience
- Be patient until the Lord’s coming
- Be patient, stand firm, don’t grumble
- As an example
Ask God this morning to renew the gift and the fruit of patience in your thinking, in your speaking, and in your actions. In Jesus name.
TODAY'S PREACHER
Randy Reese is Co-Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC