CENTRAL THOUGHT: Every believer should manifest patience.
HYMN: HO, MY COMMARADES, SEE THE SIGNAL…
TEXT: 2 Peter 1:5-8
INTRODUCTION: In the fast-growing world in which we live today, where everything is expected to happen in a hurry, the idea of waiting for something (not to talk of waiting without complaint) may seem alien to many.
“The quicker, the better” seems to be the watchword of this generation, and whatever it takes to rapidly achieve the expected end appears acceptable, so long as the desired result is obtained.
As Christian’s, however, we are encouraged not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so as to prove that good acceptable and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2). We are called to be “salt” and “light” to the world we live in. (Matt 5:13-14). Showing, in all things, the more excellent way. Patience, although cast aside as foolish by today’s world, is esteemed by God (Eccl. 7:8) and a genuinely patient attitude in a child of God should be seen as a sign of maturity and truly godly character. It ought, therefore, to be highly coveted and sought after by every sincere child of God.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
1.To define patience and show its basic characteristics.
2.To show when (i.e. in what circumstances) patience is needed.
3.To discover how we can develop patience in our individual lives.
4.To show the benefits of patience.
BIBLE TRUTH
Q1. WHAT IS PATIENCE?
Patience may be defined as being able to wait for somebody to come, or for something to happen, without complaining, even when what one is waiting for appears to be delayed. It could further be defined as being able to accept annoyance or suffering without complaint, and without any other negative reaction such as retaliation. A patient person does not get angry or tired. He continues steadfastly in what is right, in spite of difficulty or delay.
Genuine patience goes beyond mere self-control, in which one may keep a check on negative feelings and, thus, not show them outwardly although he may be “boiling” inside. It is not mere tolerance of a situation but a calm readiness to see it through to the expected end.
Q2. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENCE?
1.) It expects something (waits for somebody to come or for something to happen). In other words, it has a hope- it is looking for something yet unseen. It could be the arrival of an
expected person or thing, or a change in a particular situation, or even in the character of another person. (Rom. 8:24-25, Tit. 2:13, 2 Tim. 2:24-25, Heb. 6:12, 10:36).
2.) It waits, no matter how long. It has confidence that the expected end will surely come and is therefore willing to wait, in spite of apparent delay. It accepts the waiting as a necessary route to receiving the promise; therefore, it does not get upset. Just as a farmer does not get upset with his crops but waits till the appointed time of harvest (James 5:7).
3.) It endures (annoyance or suffering). The scriptures abound with examples of those who were patient in suffering; who, for the sake of the kingdom, endured all kinds of indignities (humiliations) against themselves, their families and their property without retaliation or complaint (Rom. 12:12, 2 Thess. 1:4, 2 Cor. 6:4-5).
Q3. UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCE IS PATIENCE NEEDED?
1.) We need to be patient with others. 1 Thess. 5:14, 2 Tim. 2:24-25, Rom. 15:1-7, Gal. 6:1
This includes those who are closely related to us, as well as others with whom we come in contact with, either occasionally or by chance, or on a regular basis. Our family members (nuclear or extended), neighbors, friends, colleagues at work or in school as well as casual contacts in our daily lives. Any one of these people may be believers, or those who are yet to come to a saving knowledge of Christ. We need to be patient when these ones offence us, or are unappreciative of our efforts towards them, we also need patience in dealing with negative character traits that may manifest in any of them, or when they appear to be slow in their growth to maturity, either from the physical or the spiritual point of view.
2.) In times of tribulation (persecution). 2 Tim. 3:12, Luke 21:16-19
Persecution (tribulation) is to be expected at some time or the other in the life of a believer, and should therefore be endured without negative reaction, as this gives honor to our LORD and glorifies His name. It shows the genuineness of one’s faith and testifies to the possession of something so precious that it is worth suffering for.
3.) As we wait for the fulfillment of God’s work or His promises in our lives. Eccl. 3:1,11, Psalm 40:1
The Lord, in His infinite wisdom has HIS own purpose and timetable for our individual lives. If we truly believe that His way is the best for us, we must accept it, even if it seems to be delayed; having faith that when we call on Him, He will surely answer us, and knowing that, in His own time, He will perfect all things that concerns us.
4.) In our daily walk as Christians. 1 Tim. 6:11, 12, Heb. 12:1
Difficulties and delays may come, the road may seem just too hard at times, but we are called to flee the things that pull us away from our goal, to patiently endure all obstacles, and to continue steadfastly in the faith until we lay hold on the promise.
5.) As we wait for the Lord’s return. 2 Pet. 3:3,4,8,9, James 5:7,8, Heb. 10:35-37
In our pilgrimage walk, and work laboring for the Kingdom, we need patience as we await the final return of our Lord, Master, Savior and King Jesus Christ.
Q4. HOW CAN WE DEVELOP PATIENCE?
a.) Desire it. Ps. 37:4, Prov. 10:24, 11:23, Ps. 145:19
We must first believe in our own hearts that it is for a necessity for us and, therefore, something to be sought after. The Lord promises to fulfill every desire of those who fear Him because such desires would be according to His will.
b.) Ask for it. Matt. 7:7-11, 21:22, Mark 11:24, 1 John 5:14-15, John 14:13
We have confidence in Him that when our desires are in accordance with His will, He hears us and answers us when we pray, granting us our request.
c.) Practice it. James 1:22-25, 2 Peter 1:5,6
Even as we know that mere faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Simply desiring to become patient in character, even when backed with earnest prayers will achieve little result in our lives if we do not follow it up with action. As opportunities present themselves in our daily lives it is our duty to practice patience in the appropriate situations. Through we may fail many times, the Lord will surely see and reward our sincerity, and each effort (whether ending in failure or in triumph) makes us stronger and brings us closer to establishing patience as a part of our character.
Q5. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF PATIENCE?
It pleases God (1 Pet. 2:19, 20,21). It shows our obedience to His word, and our submission to His will for our lives, and therefore proves that we truly love and honor Him. It has a reward of inheriting blessings (Heb 6:9-12, Heb. 6:15, Rom. 2:6-7). It fulfills the Golden rule of Matt.7:12. If we ourselves would like others to bear with our infirmities, and treat us with patience in our weaknesses, we owe them the same courtesy in similar situations; always bearing in mind that we are different, not better, and that, but for the grace of God, we could be even worse (Titus 3:2-5). Also, it makes one fruitful. Luke 8:15, 2 Peter 1:5-6, 8. Fruit that will endure and be pleasing to the Master takes time and effort to cultivate, but with patient continuation in well doing the best results can be achieved. Furthermore, it perfects the believer (Rom. 5:3-4, James 1:2-4).
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
Developing a patient character should be a priority to every true believer, for it pleases the LORD, honors His name, shows the sincerity of our faith, and produces maturity and perfection in our lives. It also aids us in our daily walk with the Lord, and with our fellow men, bringing peace and balance into our lives.
If our ultimate aim as a believer is to be given an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord, we should give all diligence (leaving no stone unturned) in our efforts to make our calling and election sure; for if we do these things, we shall never fall. (2 Peter 1:10-11).
MEMORY VERSE
Hebrews 10:36
“For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Monday: Abraham patiently endued and obtained the promise.
Hebrews 6:13-15
Tuesday: Job was patient in tribulation.
Job 1:20-22, 2:9-10, James 5:10-11
Wednesday: David waited for God to fulfill His promise.
1 Sam. 24:1-15
Thursday: We should be patient with others as God is with us.
Matt. 18:21-30, Rom. 15:1-7
Friday: Jesus, our perfect example.
1 Peter 2:19-23
Saturday: Looking unto Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1-4