1. We see in our text the importance of patience. It is a must
2. We also see times in our lives when we fail to exhibit patience
1) Stopped praying - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
2) Grew weary in well-doing - Galatians 6:9
3) Some even fail to remain faithful - Hebrews 6:11
3. We know we don’t always have patience, so how do we develop it?
1. We make a decision to be patient
1) They continued steadfastly - Acts 2:42
2) We must be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding - 1 Corinthians 15:58
3) We must be faithful unto death - Revelation 2:10
2. Obedience is coupled with a promise - Revelation 21:7
1. Paul’s example edifies us
1) Look at what he went through and remained patient - 2 Corinthians 11:23-28
2) His attitude, crucified with Christ - Galatians 2:20
3) His expectation having been patient - 2 Timothy 4:6-8
4) It’s up to us because nothing else can separate us from the love of God - Romans 8:35-39
2. Christ’s example edifies us. We are to run with patience, looking to Jesus who ran with patience - Hebrews 12:1-3
3. Our brethren today edify us.
1. Christians ARE going to be persecuted - 2 Timothy 3:12
2. It takes trial to make a Christian perfect or complete in Christ - James 1:2-4
1) No father Abraham without get thee out of thy country … unto a land that I will show thee (Genesis 12:1) or Take now thy son … and offer him there (Genesis 22:2)
2) No prophet Moses without standing before Pharaoh (Exodus 5:1) or the wilderness wanderings
3) No Joshua without the battles in Canaan
4) No David without Goliath and his flights from Saul
5) No Daniel without the lions
6) No apostles without persecutions
7) No Jesus without the cross
How to acquire patience?
1. By obedience
2. By edification
3. By trial
-- Don Treadway, December 2010 --
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