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Fruits of the Spirit – Patie n ce. October 13, 2013. Galatians 5:22-23. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” . Introduction.
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Fruits of the Spirit – Patience October 13, 2013
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Introduction • Waiting for something we desperately want • Not what this fruit of the Spirit really is • Not about waiting for something you want, but enduring for something you need
Review • Recognize them by their fruit Matt 7:16 • Types of fruit depends on type of soil of hearts • Pathway People - Disappointed with No Fruit • Rocky People – Without deep roots • Thorny People – Lost in the weeds • Productive People – Good ground • Love is unique, comes from God • Joy is not happiness, from God’s presence • God is source of peace, peace brings healing
Patience • Doesn’t mean being placid and phlegmatic • Not indifference, fatalistic attitude toward life • Quality of character demonstrated by Jesus as he embraced suffering & difficulty for us • God’s longsuffering, patience has saved the earth, our lives, and eternal destiny • If He wasn’t patient, we would be wiped out by now. 2 Peter 3:9
What is Patience? • Patience is powerful capacity of selfless love to suffer long under adversity • Bear with difficult people or adverse circumstances without breaking down • Willingness to understand awkward people or disturbing events that enter our lives • Produces positive results even under opposition • Because of the benefit it may bring to others • Willingness to wait for the right moment to make the right move
Why is Patience Difficult to Obtain? • Prefer to opt out of adversity quickly • Escape from difficult situations, turn from anything that might bring suffering • Easier to pray for deliverance than perseverance
What are the Benefits of Patience? • Generates hope and optimism in people • Non Christians can see what Christ is like when they see a Christian exercise patience • Patience produces tremendous strength and endurance in believer’s character • Discover God’s faithfulness in situations • Lift up your heart to rejoice in midst of this situation because of what God is producing • He works all things together for my good Rom 8:28
Conclusion • Patience is suffering long under adversity • Patience is difficult because it requires perseverance • Patience builds tremendous strength of character