The God Of Patience

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Patience = Greek word “hupermone” – compound of “hupo” = under and “meno”  =  abide – together, literally means to abide under. The idea is enduring under a load.

Dictionary.com defines patience this way:

1. the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.
2. an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a slow learner.
3. quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence: to work with patience.

James 2-6(read) out of KJV

Now out of NLT -  2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

• James tells us that the only way for us to develop patience is to go through some stuff. Then he tells us to go ahead and take and let good, (patience) come out of it.

Romans 8:28 tells us this will happen if we love The Lord.

Roman 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, and who have been called according to his purpose. 

(ALL OF US CALLED TO HIS PURPOSE)

Romans 15:5   (God is the God of patience)

 5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus

                       

1. How does God show us show patience?

Encouragement - Jeremiah  33:3, James 1:5

Harmony with others -  1 John 4:8, Rom 8:39

God is telling us that patience, harmony and encouragement (of others) go together. Since love is the most important thing, 1 Cor a3:13 we can draw a parallel on how important patience is.

James 5:11              (Patience Exemplified)

11 We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.

1.    With regard to the definitions we have read, how does point to, and encourage us?

Job

Job 1:21 He said,   “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave.
     The Lord gave me what I had and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the   Lord!”

 Hebrews 6:12        

Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance

 Heb 6:15 - Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.

1.    How does this show patience?

2.      is faith involved? –

3.      After reading about Job’s trials and Heb 6:12 &15  is faith / trust in God an element of patience?      

·       An example of patient faith:

ACTS 8:26 – 40

·        Phillip had patience with the Ethiopian eunuch to teach and endure his ignorance of The Gospel

·        Phillip patiently waited for the opportunity to fulfill the general calling we all have “to be ready in season and out of season”

 Lamentations 3:26 (New Living Translation)

So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord

Romans 12:12

12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Galatians 6:9  

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good.

·       At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. For our own good and well being.

1. Why should we exercise patience?
2. Do we benefit from showing patience?
3. Do others benefit?
4. Do we benefit from other benefiting?
5. How?