“But the Fruit of the Spirit is… Longsuffering…”

Galatians 5:22

INTRODUCTION

  1. In looking at the fruit of the Spirit so far we’ve acknowledged how important it is for us to bear fruit…
  2. But let’s not forget that the fruit of the Spirit, while contrasting the works of the flesh
  3. Is a singular fruit that is described in different ways…
  4. The fruit is described and can be revealed in different attributes or characteristics…
  5. But All of these attributes are listed together as essential qualities that compose (or make-up) the fruit of the Spirit…
  6. These attributes (these qualities, they shape the character of the individual that is led by the Spirit)
  7. And If we possess the fruit of the Spirit, then it will naturally be made evident to all who observe our conduct… in that we allow the Spirit to direct our paths through the word.
  8. That being said, we continue to look individually at these characteristics…
  9. And so far we’ve looked at love, joy, & peace…
  10. Now we turn our attention to longsuffering.
  11. As we consider longsuffering as our topic of study…
  12. I want for us to realize what God expects from us with this regard…
  13. And I hope that you will consider what the ramifications are if we lack in patience…
  14. Within our homes
  15. Within your career, or at school
  16. Within the church

(Let’s seek to answer some of these questions by turning to God’s word and see what He has to say about longsuffering…)

BODY

  1. First off, let’s seek to define the term. What does longsuffering mean?
  2. Strong defines longsuffering in the text of Galatians 5:22 as, “forbearance, fortitude, patience”.
  3. Thefreedictionary.com defines it as “patiently enduring wrongs or difficulties”
  4. Merriam-Webster defines longsuffering as “patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship”
  5. All of those definitions seem to go right along with the circumstances that surrounded the one in whom we usually associate with patience…
  6. I’m talking about Job…

ii. “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord--that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11)

  1. We think about the patience of Job, and how much suffering he endured… the loss of his family… his health… even his material wealth… and yet he persevered. Why?
  2. Why did Job persevere? What caused him to be so patient?

1.  Read Job 19:25-27

  1. Job endured… knowing that his redeemer lives!
  2. When your faith is tested, remember that our redeemer indeed lives
  3. I know… I know… That MY. Redeemer. Lives!
  4. Longsuffering… it is essential that we understand the significance of what the Lord expects of us with regard to this grace or this characteristic of the fruit.
  5. To whom is it essential to posses the trait of longsuffering?
  6. Titus 1:5-9… a Bishop… an elder… it is absolutely essential for an elder to not be quick-tempered. (Can you imagine what it would be like submitting to someone who does have a quick temper?)
  7. That said, is it left only for those in this office to develop patience?
  8. Well no… Many would agree that all of these qualities (that of an elder…) are ones in which all Christians should aspire to.
  9. Furthermore, consider the instructions given to Timothy by Paul
  10. READ 2Timothy 2:24-26, (Expound)… all servants of the Lord must develop patience and the reason as to why is stated here as well!
  11. What did the Hebrew writer say that Christians must do?
  12. Hebrews 12:1-2… The Hebrew Christians were to lay aside every weight… just as we are… and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us!
  13. Now, I don’t profess to be much of a runner… but I do like to go jogging a couple of times a week.
  14. And you know what happens when you don’t have endurance? You struggle… you begin to doubt in your mind how long you’re going to be able to go… and you may end up dropping out of the race… without endurance…
  15. What price did Esau pay for his impatience?

i.  READ Genesis 25:29-34

  1. The price Esau paid was that he sold his birthright; which was the promise of inheritance… it would later be designated as the position to receive a double portion of the inheritance… This also meant headship of the family…

iii.  The Hebrew writer referred to Esau as a profane man (one who did not have a proper regard for that which is holy), “Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.” (Heb 12:16-17)

1.  Do we have a proper regard for things holy… enough to patiently endure so as to obtain our inheritance?

  1. What did impatience cause Demas to do?
  2. 2Timothy 4:10, he forsook Paul…(having loved this present world)
  3. He didn’t contemplate or appreciate the value of the long term goal… Heaven. Are we to end up like Demas? Forsaking our brethren? Forsaking the work that is to be done for the Lord…?
  4. Because of our impatience? Because we aren’t willing to keep our eye on the prize?
  5. Like so many things that we are instructed in … there are ways in which we can learn to grow in all of these things, if we will but be mindful of what God has to say concerning them.
  6. How do we develop the attribute of longsuffering?
  7. James 1:2-4, the testing of our faith
  8. Romans 5:3-5, glory in tribulation; tribulation produces perseverance
  9. Romans 8:25, eagery wait; hope for what we do not see…
  10. Romans 15:4, learn the scriptures… (OT)… we gain patience and comfort in the word and develop hope.
  11. According to Hebrews 6:12, what are some of the attributes necessary to inherit the promises of God…?
  12. Don’t be sluggish; we must have faith and patience
  13. Think about what God’s longsuffering has made possible for us
  14. 2Peter 3:9-15… salvation

CONCLUSION

  1. In closing brethren, there is a big difference between longsuffering and indifference!
  2. Remember that longsuffering is defined as patiently enduring… synonymous with fortitude!
  3. Being indifferent means that one lacks concern or care or interest for what is going on. Don’t think that being hard or not really caring too much about what is going on around you means that you are patiently enduring… too many people misconstrue the two…
  4. Care about your circumstances. Be upset about your trials… be prayerful about tribulations… but be faithful. Take your concerns and petitions to the Lord in faith, and develop the fortitude that is necessary to endure!
  5. Being impatient can lead to disastrous consequences…
  6. Look at the business realm. If you are quick tempered… or impetuous (impulsive), you can lose a lot of money… maybe even your job.
  7. Same thing at school. If you don’t patiently endure circumstances with your peers, (even some teachers and administrators) there are all sorts of things that can get you into trouble.
  8. Within your home, losing patience with your spouse, your children, your siblings… can cause you to do or say things that you might possibly regret.
  9. How about within the church? Do you really want to be the one who caused a weaker brother to stumble… or fall away because of something said out of frustration?
  10. Many times our impatience comes from a result our wanting positive results in right here and right now! But we can do something about that (Our impatience). We can simply put our TRUST in the Lord!
  11. OFFER INVITATION