Fruit Week 4: Patience
October 6, 2019

19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. —Galatians 5:19-21

Not all fruit is good
-Obvious
-The wording here is significant – the works of the flesh are plural. You can participate in one or two without participating in all of them.

22 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. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. —Galatians 5:22-25

The Fruit of the Spirit
-The word fruit is singular.
-The fruit of the spirit develops complete in the life of the believer

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. —John 15:5

In purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; —2 Corinthians 6:6

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. —Ephesians 4:2
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, —Galatians 5:22

How do these traits look in the real world?

-His example while being mistreated

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. —Luke 23:34

His example for us everyday

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. —2 Peter 3:9

When is the right time to be patient?

When circumstances are out of my CONTROL.

See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. —James 5:7

When people are difficult

Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. —James 5:10

When you encounter problems

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. —James 5:11

Why should I be Patient?

The Lord is Coming

7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! —James 5:7-9

God Rewards our Patience

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. —James 5:11

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. —Matthew 5:11-12

God has a plan

have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. —James 5:11

“for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” —Philippians 2:13

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. —Romans 8:28

So while I am waiting and exercising patience – what am I expected to do?

Mature Christians Use these times to Pray

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. —James 5:13-16
3 Specific Times to Pray
1. When I am hurting Emotionally
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. —James 5:13
2. When I am hurt physically
14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. —James 5:14-15
3. When I am hurt spiritually
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. —James 5:16