16 Jun
2024

Be Patient

Passage: Galatians 5:22-23 & James 5:7-11

“God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which he must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves.” —A.W. Tozer

SERMON OUTLINE:

  1. Wind of the Spirit 

2. Sail of Patience 

3. Setting the Sail 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

How would you define patience? Consider how Jesus showed patience in his life and ministry on earth. What does patience look like in your life?

Read Galatians 5:16-18, 22-25 and James 5:7-11. What from these passages do we learn about God and about our human condition? What in this passages surprises, encourages, or challenges your understanding of following Jesus?

Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in our lives is a bit like a sailboat hoisting its sails so that the wind can provide the energy and power needed to sail. We all have access to the power and energy of the Spirit and remain dependent on the Spirit for transformation in our lives. We participate by “hoisting the sails” of our souls, remaining in step with the Spirit. How does this perspective compare with the popular self-help/self-improvement strategies common today?

Our lives are mostly fast and convenient. Patience involves being steadfast, long-suffering, humble, and future-focused (expectant). In what relationships, settings, or activities are you particularly prone to impatience? Where do you see yourself being weary, grumbling, angry, and consumed with the present?

What promises from these passages encourage you to trust in Jesus and equip you to be patient in the face of suffering? What habits, rhythms, or disciplines have you found helpful in keeping in step with the Spirit especially in consideration of patience?

PRAYER

Share with your group how they can be praying for you: what is weighing on you from this past week? What are you praising God for from this past week?

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9