GOD'S TRANSFORMING POWER
"Patience"
Pastor Duane Cross | 03.16.2014

"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing
what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is
just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires
that are opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are
constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good
intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under
obligation to the law of Moses.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are clear:
sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery,
hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition,
dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like
these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort
of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and
self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to
Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to
his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let
us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives."
Galatians 5:16-25 (NLT)

3 Causes for Impatience:

I. People disappoint you.

"Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life..."  2 Timothy 4:10 (NLT)

II. Problems blindside you.

"Alexander... did much harm, but the Lord will judge him for what he has
done."  2 Timothy 4:14 (NLT)

III. Pressures overwhelm you.

Benefits of Patient Waiting:

I. It refines our character.

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

II. It refocuses our purpose.

"For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at
the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those
who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great
endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord
is full of tenderness and mercy. "
James 5:10-11 (NLT)

III. It reproduces Christ's character within us.

"But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime
example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will
realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life."  1 Timothy 1:16 (NLT)

"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)

GOING DEEPER QUESTIONS

These questions are designed to help you go deeper with the sermon during
your week - to take a closer look at the Scripture and find fresh ways to
live out the main points of
the sermon. Going Deeper questions also are used in all of our Grow Groups
at Hope.

Scripture Reading

Galatians 5:16-25; 2 Timothy 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:16-18;

Romans 5:3-4; James 5:10-11; 1 Timothy 1:16; 2 Peter 3:9

Getting Started

What things (people, situations, circumstances) cause you to be impatient?

What is the source of impatience within you?

How has God showed patience toward you?"

A Closer Look

Pastor Duane said that there are 3 causes for impatience. Read 2 Timothy
4:9-18. Comment on each of the following:

- People disappoint you.

- Problems blindside you.

- Pressures overwhelm you.

What do you see are the benefits of patient waiting?

Read Romans 5:3-4. How does patient waiting refine our character?

Digging Deeper

When have you had to be patient over and extended period of time? How did
you handle it? What did God reveal to you about yourself?

Read 1 Timothy 1:16. How has Jesus displayed "unlimited patience" toward
you?

What steps can you take this week to increase your level of patience?