1. Fruits of the Spirit – Patience October 13, 2013

2. Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

3. Introduction Waiting for something we desperately want Not what this fruit of the Spirit really is Not about waiting for something you want, but enduring for something you need

4. Review Recognize them by their fruit Matt 7:16 Types of fruit depends on type of soil of hearts Pathway People - Disappointed with No Fruit Rocky People – Without deep roots Thorny People – Lost in the weeds Productive People – Good ground Love is unique, comes from God Joy is not happiness, from God’s presence God is source of peace, peace brings healing

5. Patience Doesn’t mean being placid and phlegmatic Not indifference, fatalistic attitude toward life Quality of character demonstrated by Jesus as he embraced suffering & difficulty for us God’s longsuffering, patience has saved the earth, our lives, and eternal destiny If He wasn’t patient, we would be wiped out by now. 2 Peter 3:9

6. What is Patience? Patience is powerful capacity of selfless love to suffer long under adversity Bear with difficult people or adverse circumstances without breaking down Willingness to understand awkward people or disturbing events that enter our lives Produces positive results even under opposition Because of the benefit it may bring to others Willingness to wait for the right moment to make the right move

7. Why is Patience Difficult to Obtain? Prefer to opt out of adversity quickly Escape from difficult situations, turn from anything that might bring suffering Easier to pray for deliverance than perseverance

8. What are the Benefits of Patience? Generates hope and optimism in people Non Christians can see what Christ is like when they see a Christian exercise patience Patience produces tremendous strength and endurance in believer’s character Discover God’s faithfulness in situations Lift up your heart to rejoice in midst of this situation because of what God is producing He works all things together for my good Rom 8:28

9. Conclusion Patience is suffering long under adversity Patience is difficult because it requires perseverance Patience builds tremendous strength of character