THE GLORY OF GOD ( PART 60 )
Pastor Christopher Choo
Lesson 3358
THE GLORY OF GOD ( PART 60 )
From Glory to Glory ( Study 389)
Walking By The Spirit #9
The Fruit of the Spirit: Patience #2
The theme of Patience as a much-needed virtue has been consistently carried through from the Old to the New Testaments.
In the Old Testament, we behold the prophets as models of patience.
They ceaselessly spoke God’s Word to unheeding and abusive audiences:
1. Jeremiah was thrown into a cistern (Jeremiah 38:1-16),
2. Elijah was so worn out from his fight with Jezebel that he wanted to die (1 Kings 19:1-8),
3. Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den—by a king who was his friend (Daniel 6:16-28).
4. While God delayed judgment, Noah prophesied of the coming destruction, and in 120 years did not have a single convert (2 Peter 2:5).
In the New Testament, James urges believers to be patient and not to complain as we wait for Jesus to return. In fact, James holds up the prophets as models of patience (James 5:7-11).
The opposite of patience is agitation, discouragement, and a desire for revenge.
But our Father wants us to move in the opposite spirit to the worlds.
1. God does not want His children to live in agitation but in peace (John 14:27).
2. He wants to dispel discouragement and replace it with hope and praise (Psalm 42:5).
3. We are not to avenge ourselves; rather, we are to love others (Romans 12:19; Leviticus 19:18).
Abba Father, You are patient, and The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of patience in us.
When we are patient, we leave room for You to work in our hearts and in our relationships. We lay down our schedule and trust in Yours.
We thank the Lord Jesus for what and whom He has brought into our lives. For He taught us to yield to Your Wisdom, Will, and Perfect Timing for our lives. He was the perfect example of Patience - and submission to Your plan and purposes for our lives. And He gave us the Holy Spirit to bring forth the peace that passes all understanding.
If we allow His peace to reign in our hearts and minds, we will find the ability to have self-restraint and patience. We won’t feel the need to take matters into our own hands or worry about the “what if’s” of life. We will learn to wait on You and let You guide us along the path.
With the Spirit’s help, we can be peaceful and patient people who don’t feel the need to take control of every situation.
Indeed we tap into the wisdom of waiting on You and Your perfect timing. For we know through patience You will come through for us.
2 Peter 3:9
"The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."
