PATIENCE

2 PETER 1:5-11 INTRODUCTION:

A. Peter in this passage reminds us we must grow in our service to God.

B. Eight areas for growth listed here.

C. In this lesson we will look at Patience

DISCUSSION:

I. WHAT IS PATIENCE?

A. Webster defines as

1. The capacity, habit, or fact of being patient

2. Patient - Bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint

a. Manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain

b. Not hasty or impetuous

c. Steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity

d. Able or willing to bear

B. BDB/Thayer defines as 5281 hupomone 32

1. patience 29, enduring 1, patient continuance 1, patient waiting 1

2. steadfastness, constancy, endurance

a. in the NT 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

b. patiently, and steadfastly

3. a patient, steadfast waiting for

4. a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance

C. Bible defines as

1. James 5:7-11

a. Enduring, waiting for results

b. As farmer waits for the harvest even though the weather is bad

2. Heb 12:2 Jesus showed patience in enduring suffering of cross

D. A practical definition would be

1. The ability to wait for the proper result

2. Continuing faithful in the face of opposition or harm

3. Patience will allow us to stand for right in face of wrong

II. WHY DO WE NEED PATIENCE?

A. In our relationship with God

1. We must persevere for the Lord Eph 6:18

a. Some lack this quality Lk 8:15

b. We are to bear fruit with patience

2. Must continue in the Word Jhn 8:31; Acts 2:42

a. We are to be steadfast 1Cor 15:58

b. Never move away Col 1:23

3. We are to wait patiently for God Psa 37:7

4. Wait the return of Christ 2Thes 3:5

B. In our relationship with our brethren

1. We are to be tolerant of others

a. 1Cor 8:10-13, Rom 14; 15:1-2

b. Our goal is to save not avenge Lk 9:52-56

2. In dealing with disorderly.

a. Warn disorderly 1Thes 5:14 Time to encourage

b. Gal 6:1-- "Meekness". Difficult to leave old habits.

c. Patience of God to serve as example: Patience does not indicate that God approves of action 2Pet 3:10

3. In regard to growth of the church.

a. Many have great dreams of rapid growth. All should be concerned, but with solid growth.

b. Illus., growth of a pine and an oak tree.

c. Not an excuse for indifference, idleness. Should desire to have as much growth as possible, but on solid foundation. Plant the seed, God gives the increase.

C. In our relationship with alien sinners

1. Must have patience in teaching others the gospel 2Tim 2:24-25

a. Easy to jump to conclusion others are indifferent, or dishonest if don't understand as I. Often, many years of study to reach understanding which we have.

b. "Message around the world in 7 seconds; yet takes years to force an idea through a quarter inch of human skull." Seven exposures required before new idea becomes part of one thinking & action.

c. Requires time for conscientious person to learn: From different background, personality, etc.

2. In persecutions

a. Godly will suffer 2Tim 3:12. endure will be blessed Jas. 1:12

b. Example of Christ during His suffering 1Pet 2:21-23

c. Instruct disciples: "In patience possess your souls" Lk 21:19

III. HOW DO WE GET OR DEVELOP PATIENCE?

A. Slowly

1. Spiritual maturity is not developed overnight. Fruit of Spirit must be produced over time.

2. Many pray - "Lord give me patience right now!"

B. Study the example of Christ Heb 12:2

1. Read the Gospels and Acts 2. Developing the other characteristics will help develop patience

C. Trying of our faith works patience James 1:3

IV. WHAT IS THE RESULT OF STRENGTHENING OUR PATIENCE?

A. In the physical realm

1. Patience will bring peace in the home 1Cor 13:4,7

2. Will bring peace in all walks of life as we will not be as worried and or concerned about so many things

B. In the spiritual realm

1. In running the race before us

a. Run with patience...looking to Jesus Heb 12:1-2

b. A continual battle: slow progress, often tempted to give up.

c. Persistence which will not allow to become discouraged

2. In waiting for reward Heb 10:36

a. Must have patience to wait for object of hope Rom 8:24-25

b. Farmer illustrates Jas 5:7-8

c. Not to lose patience, think Christ not coming 2Pet 3:3-4

3. Realize Heaven is worth the wait Rom 8:18

CONCLUSION:

A. What about you?

B. How strong is your Patience?

C. What changes should you make to begin growing as you should?

D. Invitation to the lost.

This outline by Daniel Lee Henderson of Jasper, Texas

Go to next Characteristic : Godliness

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