2. The fruit of the Spirit Patience

3. Review  The fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) The first three (love, joy, peace) primarily direct our attention toward our relationship with God The first three (love, joy, peace) primarily direct our attention toward our relationship with God The next three (patience, kindness, goodness) primarily direct our attention toward our relationship with others The next three (patience, kindness, goodness) primarily direct our attention toward our relationship with others The last three (faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) primarily direct our attention to ourselves The last three (faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) primarily direct our attention to ourselves

4. Patience defined  Greek makrothumia Literally “long-tempered” Literally “long-tempered” “Patience, forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs” (Thayer) “Patience, forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs” (Thayer) “Longsuffering is that quality of self- restraint in the face of provocation which does not retaliate or promptly punish.” (Vine) “Longsuffering is that quality of self- restraint in the face of provocation which does not retaliate or promptly punish.” (Vine)

5. Examples of patience  God 1 Pet 3:20 – in the days of Noah 1 Pet 3:20 – in the days of Noah Neh 9:16-21 – with the people of Israel Neh 9:16-21 – with the people of Israel 2 Pet 3:7-9 – with us today 2 Pet 3:7-9 – with us today 2 Pet 3:15 – so that we can be saved 2 Pet 3:15 – so that we can be saved  David Seen in David’s response to Saul’s attempts at killing David (1 Sam 24-26) Seen in David’s response to Saul’s attempts at killing David (1 Sam 24-26)  Job and prophets (James 5:7-11)

6. The need for patience  In order to remain faithful (Jms 5:7-8)  In order to forgive (Col 3:12-13)  In order to be unified (Eph 4:1-3)  In order to teach the lost (2 Tim 2:24-26)  In order to inherit (Heb 6:11-12) Heb 10:35-37 Heb 10:35-37

7. Developing patience  Begins with tribulation (Rom 5:3-6) Produces experience and hope Produces experience and hope Jms 1:3-4 Jms 1:3-4 2 Cor 6:3-6 2 Cor 6:3-6 Gives proof to the ministryGives proof to the ministry  Through love (1 Cor 13:4-8a) If we don’t have love, we won’t bear with one another when wronged If we don’t have love, we won’t bear with one another when wronged  Through prayer (Col 1:9-12)

8. Conclusion  The Lord is patient with us  His servants have been patient David, Job, etc. David, Job, etc.  We need to learn patience so that we can bear the fruit of the Spirit