Experiencing God's Transforming Power: Patience

  • Pastor Duane Cross
  • Apr 27, 2008
  • Series: Extreme Makeover II

EXTREME MAKEOVER II
Experiencing God's Transforming Power: Patience
Pastor Duane Cross
04.27.08

“Love is patient....” (1 Cor. 13:4)

“But the fruit of the Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against these things there is no law!” (Gal. 5:22-23)

Three ways we tend to lose patience:

1. People disappoint you.

“....Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me....” (2 Tim. 4:10)

2. Problems blindside you.

“....Alexander...did me a great deal of harm...he strongly opposed our message.” (2 Tim. 4:14-15)

3. Pressures overwhelm you.

“At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me... But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength... The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (2 Tim. 4:16-18)

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PATIENT AWAITING?

I. It refines our character.

“We can rejoice too when we run into problems and trials for we know that they’re good for us. They help us learn to be patient and patience develops strength of character in us.” (Rom. 5:3-4, TLB)

II. It also refocuses our purpose.

“You’ve heard about Job’s patience and you know the Lord’s purpose for him in the end.” (James 5:11, NCV)

III. It reproduces Christ’s character within us.

“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” (1 Tim. 1:16)

“The Lord is not slow in doing what he promised... But God is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to be lost, but He wants all people to change their hearts and lives.” (2 Peter 3:9, NCV)

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