PATIENCE
There’s a much deeper element to patience than simply working hard to be patient. In addition to the patience we are to have with others,
Being patient is being content with the moment and hopeful for something better later. Phil 4:11-13
Being impatient is dissatisfaction with what is happening right now. I Tim 6:6-11
Consider that an aspect to impatience is wishing not to have to deal with all that is imperfect in the world. We have two choices:
Acknowledge our longing for heaven.
Have an expectation that we deserve better now
Questions we need to ask ourselves
Do we really know what is better?
Why do we think we know what is best for our future?
Problem
When what we are impatient about, “our” best, does not line up with God's best, then we are simply wanting for something that is not going to be best for us.
Our trust is in ourselves rather than God.
Solution
When our better is in line with God's best, then we've got it right!
Then we simply need to trust that God's best will happen at the right time in this corrupted world.
God’s Word is clear as to where trust is to be given. Prov 3:5-6
WORK IT OUT
What kind of things are you impatient about? _________________________________________________
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If on this earth, you have today what you don’t want to wait for, in what way are you a better person?_____________________________________________________________________________________
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On a scale from 1 to 10, how much do you trust God that he is doing what is best for you every moment of every day? _________
What has turned out better in your life because you were impatient?
If something worked out better, did it work out better for your flesh or your relationship with God?
What things do you think you know what is best for you more than God. Relationships, freedom of time, money, being controlled by others, health, etc. __________________________________________________________
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Write out why you think at times you act as if your way is better than trusting God for the present and the outcomes of situations. _________________________________________________________________________
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OVERVIEW
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:18-25
First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Pet 3:3-9
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. Rev 21:3-7
EXAMPLES
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Phil 4:11-13
COMMANDS
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. I Tim 6:6-11
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Heb 13:5
Patience in hard times
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Rom 12:12
But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. I Pet 2:20
Patience with others
And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. I Thes 5:14
And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. I Tim 2:24
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Eph 4:2
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7
BENEFITS
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isa 26:3
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Prov 3:5-6
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. Prov 14:29
Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. Prov 16:32
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19