Fruits of the Spirit – Patience

October 13, 2013

Galatians 5:22-23“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Introduction• Waiting for something we desperately want• Not what this fruit of the Spirit really is• Not about waiting for something you want, but enduring for

something you need

Review• Recognize them by their fruit Matt 7:16• Types of fruit depends on type of soil of hearts• Pathway People - Disappointed with No Fruit• Rocky People – Without deep roots• Thorny People – Lost in the weeds• Productive People – Good ground• Love is unique, comes from God• Joy is not happiness, from God’s presence• God is source of peace, peace brings healing

Patience• Doesn’t mean being placid and phlegmatic• Not indifference, fatalistic attitude toward life• Quality of character demonstrated by Jesus as he

embraced suffering & difficulty for us• God’s longsuffering, patience has saved the earth, our lives,

and eternal destiny• If He wasn’t patient, we would be wiped out by now. 2

Peter 3:9

What is Patience?• Patience is powerful capacity of selfless love to suffer long

under adversity• Bear with difficult people or adverse circumstances without

breaking down• Willingness to understand awkward people or disturbing

events that enter our lives• Produces positive results even under opposition• Because of the benefit it may bring to others• Willingness to wait for the right moment to make the right move

Why is Patience Difficult to Obtain?

• Prefer to opt out of adversity quickly• Escape from difficult situations, turn from anything that might

bring suffering• Easier to pray for deliverance than perseverance

What are the Benefits of Patience?

• Generates hope and optimism in people• Non Christians can see what Christ is like when they see a

Christian exercise patience• Patience produces tremendous strength and endurance in

believer’s character• Discover God’s faithfulness in situations• Lift up your heart to rejoice in midst of this situation because of

what God is producing• He works all things together for my good Rom 8:28

Conclusion• Patience is suffering long under adversity• Patience is difficult because it requires perseverance• Patience builds tremendous strength of character