Patience
Key Takeaways
Patience Defined: Living life at the speed of relationship with God and others through endurance
Two Biblical Pictures of Patience:
Running a race set before us (not one we design ourselves)
Being parented by our heavenly Father
The Greatest Act of Patience: Jesus enduring the cross for the joy set before him, which is us
Enemies of Patience:
Bitterness
Sexual immorality and unholy living
The Path to Patience: Looking to Jesus and growing in awareness of both God's holiness and our sinfulness
Study Questions
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How does the concept of patience as 'living life at the speed of relationship with God and others' challenge your current approach to daily frustrations and setbacks?
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When you consider Jesus enduring the cross with you as 'the joy set before him,' how does that reshape your understanding of your value and identity in Christ?
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Where might a root of bitterness be growing in your heart toward God, a person, or a group of people, and what would it look like to surrender that to Jesus?
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How does our culture of instant gratification and constant connectivity specifically undermine your ability to develop the spiritual fruit of patience?
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How does the cross chart illustration of the growing awareness of both God's holiness and your own sinfulness (see below) describe or challenge your current spiritual journey?
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What practical step from Hebrews 12 (lift, make, strive, watch, observe) is God calling you to take this week to actively participate in developing patience?
The Cross Chart
Seeking God’s Face Devotional
How then do we keep the gospel front and center in this season of shadows known as Lent? The cross keeps our gospel focus clear. Lent is a season to journey with Jesus in his passion, to survey the cross, taking the measure of Christ’s love in his suffering and death.
This year, we’ll be using the devotional Seeking God’s Face for our personal daily discipleship. Learn more about this devotional, how to use it during Lent, and follow along with us.
This Week’s Liturgy
Call to worship
Psalm 27:13-14
Leader: I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!
All: Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Confession of FAITH | the new city catechism question of the week
New City Catechism Q & A #7
Q: What does the law of God require?
A: Personal, perfect, and perpetual obedience; that we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love our neighbor as ourselves. What God forbids should never be done and what God commands should always be done.
Confession of sin
Father, we confess that we resist your timing and run ahead of you. We grow weary in hardship, resent your discipline, and cling to bitterness and cravings. We seek comfort over holiness and demand quick answers instead of enduring in trust. Forgive our impatience with you and one another. Train us as your children to lay aside sin, fix our eyes on Jesus, and run with steady, joyful endurance. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Lamentations 3:31-32
For the Lord will not cast off forever, for, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
This Week’s Playlist
Looking Ahead
Join us next week as we continue to explore Fruit of the Spirit.