The Power of Patience Time to Grow Up

The Power of Patience Time to Grow Up – Part 9 December 10, 2008

Marks of Spiritual Maturity 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Patient in Testing Practices the Truth Power over Tongue Peacemaker, not Troublemaker PRAYERFUL IN TROUBLES See James 5: 1 -12

Be Patient See James 5: 7 -12

Be Patient “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ” Titus 2: 13

Be Patient “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. ” Acts 14: 22

Patience of the Farmer See James 5: 7 -9

Patience of the Farmer “For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your fallow ground, and do not sow among thorns. ” Jeremiah 4: 3

Patience of the Farmer Key to endurance: KNOW that God is producing a harvest “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

Patience of the Farmer “Establish your hearts” ? ? ?

Patience of the Farmer “Establish your hearts” ? ? ? “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. ” Romans 1: 11 -12

Patience of the Farmer “Establish your hearts” ? ? ? “[I] … sent Timothy…to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for yourselves know that we are appointed to this. ” 1 Thessalonians 3: 2 -3

Patience of the Farmer “Establish your hearts” ? ? ? Confirm God’s truth in your heart “Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord” Psalm 4: 5

Patience of the Prophets See James 5: 10

Patience of the Prophets You can be completely inside the will of God and still be suffering “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. ” 2 Timothy 3: 12

Patience of the Prophets You can be completely inside the will of God and still be suffering “The will of God won’t lead you where the grace of God can’t keep you”

Patience of the Prophets Why it has to be this way?

Patience of the Prophets Why it has to be this way? Because a picture is worth 1000 words “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. ” Romans 15: 4

Patience of Job See James 5: 11

Patience of Job “…was caught up to the third heaven…” “…he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. ” 2 Corinthians 12: 2, 3

Patience of Job “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. ” 2 Corinthians 12: 7

Patience of Job “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. ” 2 Corinthians 12: 7 Blessings usually come in the midst of trials

Patience of Job

Patience of Job didn’t listen to people; instead he patiently endured and waited on God. “Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning” Job 42: 12

Patience of Job What was his reward?

Patience of Job What was his reward? Job experienced God in deeper way “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. ” Job 42: 5

What Do We Learn?

What Do We Learn? 1. No matter what happens, God is always in control

What Do We Learn? 1. No matter what happens, God is always in control 2. God can/will use anything for my benefit “But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. ” Job 23: 10

What Do We Learn? 3. When suffering, run to the throne of grace “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. ” 2 Corinthians 12: 9

What Do We Learn? 3. When suffering, run to the throne of grace “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. ” Hebrews 4: 16

The Mark of Success

The Mark of Success My words

The Mark of Success My words “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. ” In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. ” Job 1: 21 -22

The Mark of Success My words “But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity? ” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. ” Job 2: 10