Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, LONGSUFFERING, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness
and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
January
“Longsuffering
/ Forbearance” MiniMEET
2 Timothy 3:10-15 But
you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions,
which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what
persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will
suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors
will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But
you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing
from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you
have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
1
Timothy 14-16 And
the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are
in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying
and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I
obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might
show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him
for everlasting life.
Colossians
1:9-12 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be
filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual
understanding; that you may walk worthy of
the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing
in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all
might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with
joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified
us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
INTRO:
“Longsuffering” is defined as: patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship. “Forbearance” is defined
as: Patient self-control; restraint
and tolerance. Other definitions include:
1: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
2: manifesting forbearance under provocation or
strain
3: not hasty or impetuous 4: steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or
adversity 5: able or
willing to bear
Synonyms: forbearing, long-suffering, stoic, tolerant,
uncomplaining // Antonyms:
complaining, fed up, impatient, protesting
In
this day and age, where mass killings are becoming the norm, suicides are
effecting more and more families, and depression is on the rise, where there is
talk of our country going over a fiscal cliff, unemployment rates are high,
divorce rates are heartbreaking… it is clear that there is “suffering” going on
in the world. There is no shortage of challenge, hardship, and even tragedy.
But how many know there is nothing new under the sun?
“In the first century A.D.
being a Christian was not easy. Christians were often persecuted. Many were put
in the arena to be eaten by wild beasts; some were killed in various other
ways, often quite painfully. Of the 12 original disciples, ten, it is generally
believed, died as martyrs. Only John, who endured much, died a natural death.
Paul's life was not easy. He was flogged five times, beaten with rods three
times, stoned and left for dead, shipwrecked three times, attacked by robbers
(2 Corinthians 11:23-29); he is believed to have been executed as a martyr. He
wrote, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but
not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not
destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Peter wrote, "Dear friends, do not
be surprised at the painful trial that you are suffering, as though something
strange were happening to you" (1 Peter 4:12).
Today, Christians suffer severe persecution in Communist countries, in
many Muslim countries, and elsewhere. Many Chinese pastors have spent 20 or 25
years in jail, and are constantly threatened with reimprisonment. In Indonesia,
Nigeria, India and other countries, large numbers of Christians have been
assaulted and killed by Muslims or Hindus. In Sudan, many Christians
(especially young girls) have been enslaved, many have been killed, and there
are reports that some have been crucified. It is said that more Christians have
died for their faith in the 20th century, than in all the rest of the history
of Christianity. We in the West cannot assume that we will be immune from such
persecution.” – John Morrison {http://www.scriptureinsights.com/EasyLife.html.}
Some people believe that once they accept Jesus Christ
as their Lord and Savior, it will be easy-peasy from then on… but how many know
that is not the case? God never promised life with Him would be “easy” but He
did promise never to leave us (Deut. 31:6), He did promise that as long as we
abide in HIM all things are possible (Phil 4:13), He did promise His perfect
peace to those whose eyes are stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3). He has not left us
unequipped (ARMOR OF GOD). Today, we are going to discuss longsuffering – a
fruit of the spirit. We will discuss what it means/looks like, components of
longsuffering, how we as believers are to endure, how in enduring, we can be a
light to others, and more. Prayerfully, we will leave today with increased hope
and understanding, with a renewed spirit and focus, equipped to face the
challenges we face in life and to encourage others to do the same. It’s so
awesome how each of the gifts of the spirit, those we have already covered:
love, joy, peace, - how are all inter-connected, how they all build on one
another. As we explore longsuffering, I think you will agree that love, joy,
and peace have a lot to do with our ability to endure.
Before we talk about what longsuffering IS, let’s
spend a few moments on what it ISN’T.
1.
Complaining – Out of the abundance of the heart…
God’s word tells us in
Ephesians 4:29 (amplified): Let no foul or
polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come
out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the
spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that
it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.
And we know that, “… out
of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45 So if complaints are
flowing out of our mouths, how much more-so are they festering in our hearts? The
word “complaining” means to express negative feelings of pain, displeasure,
dissatisfaction, or resentment. It’s synonyms are grouchy, grumble, to whine,
gripe, bellyache. >>> Do any of these words sound like reflections of
Christ? Yet that is the state many of us find ourselves in daily. Antonyms of
“complain” are to applause, be content, be happy, praise, approve. Sounds
better right?
READ BLUE SECTION, last page
“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
2.
Focus/Act of Faith
-
We begin to focus on the problems of the world
and not the promises of His word.
-
Aren’t spending time in His word, in prayer,
attending service, etc.
-
Keeping the wrong company.
However,
how do we avoid the feeling of wanting to let go, give in and give up in light
of some of the trials and tragedies God allows in our lives? How do we refrain
from being angry, bitter and blaming Him?
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in
perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Romans
8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are the called according to His purpose.
2
Corinthians 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who
comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who
are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by
God. 5 For as the sufferings of
Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
Galatians
6:9 Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if
we do not lose heart.
2
Thessalonians 3:13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing
what is good.
3.
Longsuffering produces: forgiveness, patience, endurance,
contentment
James
1:2-4 // My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing
that the testing of your faith produces patience. But
let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and
complete, lacking nothing.
The
LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal
with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as
high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward
those who fear him;as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove
our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:8-12
4. What
it looks like / How to endure
Luke
9: 23-25 // Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come
after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever
desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake
will save it. For what profit is it to a
man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? Also Matthew
6:24-25
Matthew
11:28 // "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give
you rest.
Philippians
4:9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these
do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Longsuffering
speaks of a person who doesn't give in to dismay, confusion and discouragement
when difficult circumstances occur, but patiently endures them without
complaint, "seeing Him who is invisible" in the midst of the trial. (Hebrews 11:27)
When
we learn to respond in this way, Romans 5:3-5
tells us we'll be able to "glory in [our] tribulations...knowing that
tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope;
and, hope maketh not ashamed, because the Love of God is shed abroad in
our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given to us."
In
order to be able to face and stand in the face of trials and tribulations, we
need to prepare for what is to come. Constantly train, as if for the Olympics.
We need to exercise our faith as if it is a muscle:
A.
Read/Commit scripture to memory. (Don’t take your problems to God,
take the word of God to your problems. )
B. Control your thoughts & conversation C. Praise
D. Pray without
ceasing. E.
Check who you have surrounded yourself with. F. Plug into a spiritual church home. G. Serve others
January
“Longsuffering
/ Forbearance” MiniMEET 
END DIALOGUE
If you would like to ask God into your heart today, don't
hesitate... don't put it off... Accepting Jesus, will change your life forever.
You will never be the same. I am living proof. [smile]. If you would like to
accept Jesus OR rededicate your life to Him today, please pray this simple
prayer with me:
"Father, for so long
I have felt there was a hole in my heart. I've tried to fill it with so many
things and/or people, but I now know none can compare to your perfect
love. I don't want to live another day, without your love, peace, and joy.
I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from
the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite you, Jesus, to become
the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. I
am placing my heart in your hands. I trust you. I accept your love, your peace
and your joy. From this day forward, I will seek you desperately and write your
every word on my heart, that I might not sin against you. I thank you for
saving me Lord. In Jesus' precious and holy name, Amen."
More on COMPLAINING:
The following scripture and commentary was taken from www.lifetv.org:
Numbers 11:1 says,
“And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD; and the LORD heard it,
and His anger was kindled ...” -God
does not appreciate when His children are constantly murmuring and complaining
about their life. To continually murmur and complain against God will never
yield positive results. Complaining weakens our Resolve. Words of faith Empower
us.
Ephesians 4:27 in the
Amplified exhorts us to, “Leave no room or foothold for the devil [give no
opportunity to him].” Complaining opens the door to satanic activity in our
lives. Complaining, nagging, and whining divides families, splits church’s and
destroys businesses.
Philippians 2:14-15
says, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings.” The Amplified says,
“Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining....” 15 That
you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and
uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in
the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and
perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining
out clearly) in the [dark] world,
Philippians 4:4-8 Amplified Bible // 4
Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say,
Rejoice! 5 Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness
(your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near. 6 Do not
fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in
everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving,
continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours,
that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so
fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever
sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall keep
{garrison and mount guard over} your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 8 For
the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is
honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely
and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue
and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and
take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. We need to train
ourselves to walk by faith. We need to eliminate the negative words that
destroy our faith in God, and instead fill our mouths with positive, kind and
edifying words.
No comments:
Post a Comment