3. D ESPERATELY S EEKING P ATIENCE

4. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

6. Patience “(Patience) is that quality of self- restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish. It is the opposite of anger and is associated with mercy, and is used of God.“ Vine’s Expository Dictionary

7. Patience Patience is the virtue that enables us to reap the reward of Spiritual life Patience (also called longsuffering) is a divine quality owned by Saints You can’t be saved if you are impatient Christians are people who labor and sacrifice now for a reward in the next life

8. Why Patience is so Good Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 1 Thessalonians 1:3

9. Why Patience is so Good "But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:15

10. Why Patience is so Good that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:12

11. Why Patience is so Good Patience permits endurance Patience leads to ALL rewards Patience leads to peace and joy

13. Learning Patience with Family Jesus’ brothers were not believers John 7:1-5 His family gave Him grief Mark 3:21 His patience won them over James 1:1, Jude 1:1 Jesus maintained the Patience of Hope

14. Learning Patience with Children ALL children are trying at times Proverbs 22:15 In particular we avoid exasperation Colossians 3:21 Ultimately, faithful parenting works Proverbs 22:6, 15:20 Good things come to the patient

15. Learning Patience with Work Joseph worked hard for Potiphar Genesis 39:1-5 But his master was unfair to him Genesis 39:11-20 Joseph’s struggle led to greater things Genesis 41:37-41 Patience is necessary for growth

16. Learning Patience with Saints Brethren can try our patience 2 Corinthians 2:4 Paul’s admonition to Timothy: be patient 2 Timothy 2:24-26 Ultimately, Saints are our closest family Matthew 19:29 Great rewards call for great endurance

17. Learning Patience with Sinners Remembering they have been blinded 2 Corinthians 4:4 Remembering His patience with us Matthew 18:26-27 Considering the great rewards James 5:20 Patience is necessary for growth

18. Delayed Gratification Godliness has a great reward Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 Patience is the key to that reward

19. Fruits of Patience And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9

21. Conclusions Liberal approach to authority is condemned Liberal christians are recognizable Liberal churches bear specific fruits