1. Bible Study on Character - Patience
By Eldon Lingg

2. What animal do you associate with patience? Why?
Elephant
Turtle
Dog
Cat
Bird
Ants/Bees
Fish
Alligator
Sheep/Lamb
Deer
Tiger
Spiders

3. Do you think that patience comes naturally, i. e
Do you think that patience comes naturally, i.e., you have it as a child, or is it something that is learned as you get older and more mature?

4. We all lose our patience from time to time
We all lose our patience from time to time. What are some situations in which you get frustrated and lose your patience? Do these situations more often involve things or people?

5. Does today's society and way of living encourage one to be patient?

6. In the dictionary, "patience" has several meanings: 1) bearing pains or trials calmly and without complaining, 2) not being hasty or impetuous, 3) being steadfast despite opposition or adversity, and 4) showing forbearance under provacation or strain. We often think of patience (or being patient) as something benign (meaning #2), but the dictionary definitions and Bible imply that pain, trials, adversity, and strain may also be involved (James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 2:20, Romans 5:3-4, 12:12). Does this give you a new slant on the concept?

7. James 1:2-4 “Testing of Your Faith/Patience”
James 1:2  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 
James 1:3  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 
James 1:4  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 

8. 1 Peter 2:20
For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 

9. Romans 5:3-5, 12:12
Rom 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 
Rom 5:4  And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 
Rom 5:5  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 
Rom 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

10. In the Bible, perseverence is often mentioned in the same verse as patience (Matthew 24:13, Galatians 6:9, Hebrews10:23, 10:36, James 1:2-4). Why do these two traits go hand in hand? What is the difference between them?

11. Matthew 24:13 & Galatians 6:9
Mat 24:13  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 
Gal 6:9  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 

12. Hebrews10:23 & 10:36
Heb 10:23  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 
Heb 10:36  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 

13. The Bible also frequently mentions a promise along with patience and perseverence (Psalms 37:7-9, 37:34, 40:1- 3, Hebrews 6:12, 10:36, James 5:7-8). What are these promises?

14. Psalms 37:7-9
Psa 37:7  Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 
Psa 37:8  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 
Psa 37:9  For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. 

15. Psalms 37:34, 40:1-3
Psa 37:34  Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
Psa 40:1  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 
Psa 40:2  He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 
Psa 40:3  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

16. Hebrews 6:12, 10:36
Heb 6:12  That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Heb 10:36  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 

17. James 5:7-8 “Patience in Suffering”
James 5:7  Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 
James 5:8  Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 

18. Memory verse is Psalm 37:34
Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep traveling steadily along his pathway and in due season he will honor you with every blessing, and you will see the wicked destroyed. “Living Bible (TLB)” What is the important action message for you in this verse (if there is one)?

19. What To Do:
1. Pray for greater patience in specific situations where you typically lose patience Memorize a Bible verse on patience.