Tri-Annual Singing!
February 21, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Patience
Subject: Patience
Wait for the Lord
The 33rd Psalm talks of God’s preeminence from the point of view of the Israelite. The Psalmist calls for praise for God, and gives numerous reasons why the LORD is worthy of that praise. His word is right. He is righteous and just, and blesses the earth. He is the Creator. His will is inexorable, “For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast” (9). From heaven he looks down upon all men and considers their works. No strength of man compares to His might. He is both willing and able to care for His own.
As such, we should consider verses 20-22 of the text, “Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in You.”
Just as the Psalmist, it is important that we recognize and meditate upon the greatness of the Lord. This will lead us to praise Him. It will also lead us both to understand His ability to help and protect us, and to be patient as we wait upon His intervention in our lives.
We must trust God! It is not our place to question either His timing or His ability to care for us. Instead may we pray, “Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in you” (22). Does your soul wait for the LORD?
The Fruit of the Spirit
In Galatians 5 the apostle Paul describes the conflict between the lust of the flesh and the fruit that is developed in the child of God as we grow and mature, heeding the Spirit of God. Noting the works of the flesh first, (19-21), we will in this lesson describe and define the fruit of the Spirit, listed in verses (22-23). This is important, for in this context Paul assures us to, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (16).
Love
The Greek word agape is the word that Paul uses here. It is uniquely used in the New Testament to describe the highest expression of love for others. It is an unselfish love, motivated and informed as to what is best for others. For example, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). It is the type of love we should have for God (John 4:15); for our brethren (1 John 2); for our wives (Ephesians 5:25); and even for our enemies (Matthew 5:44). It is not surprising that this heads Paul’s list. A love for God and for man is the basis of God’s expectations for us as we serve Him (Matthew 22:36-40). Continue reading “The Fruit of the Spirit”
Old Fashioned Punishment
The Old Testament taught a harsh form of justice, especially under certain circumstances. For example, if two men fight, with the pregnant wife of one man losing her child, Exodus 21:23-25 states, “then you shall give life for live, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”
Things are different under the New Covenant. That doesn’t mean that the civil government does not have a responsibility to impose punishment (sometimes harsh) upon the evildoer. “Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake” (Romans 13:2-5). Continue reading “Old Fashioned Punishment”
Wait Quietly
As Jeremiah lamented the rebellion of Judah, and the chastisement of his God, he nevertheless acknowledged God’s judgement was righteous and that His nature was merciful and good. And so he wrote, “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth” (Lamentations 3:25-27).
There are a couple of truths in this passage that are worthy of examination. Taking the last words first, we should acknowledge that it “is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth.” While burdens, chastisements and distress are never easy, they do build character. The prophet knew that the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians and God’s judgment of the people was, though harsh, very much deserved. To live through this would help the young know of the consequences of rebellion, and cause a turn to righteousness and steadfastness as the lesson was learned.
The second truth is that God does His own will in His own time. It is not appropriate for us to complain about these things. Job did , and even to the degree of his suffering, the answer of God was basically, “How dare you?” So, when things are going bad with us, little or big, and we chafe at trouble, let us not murmur and complain. Instead, let us “wait quietly for the LORD.” He is the preeminent Creator. As His people, let us not be presumptuous!
Reasons for Thanksgiving
In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he began by expressing thanksgiving for them. Why was he thankful?
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Because it was fitting (3). In other words, there was a legitimate reason for his joy. Its origin was their conduct in Christ, which he lists in verses 3-4.
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Because their faith was growing exceedingly (3). These Christians hadn’t stalled in their faith as others did and can do today (Hebrews 5:12—6:6). Through diligence and effort, they were making progress, and growing stronger spiritually.
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Because their love for each other was abundant (3). John considered this the primary characteristic identifying the people of God (1 John 4:7-11). The Thessalonians were wonderful examples of the proper response to God’s love. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
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Because they were strong in faith and patience in the midst of tribulation and persecution (10). It is one thing to be strong when the going is easy. It is a true reason to rejoice when faithfulness is seen despite the devil’s attempt to destroy it. The zeal of the Thessalonians was truly praiseworthy.
So, a natural question to ask… Is our congregation one that Paul would “thank God always for”? Are we growing in faith? Abounding in Love? Remaining steadfast despite trials? It is important to be counted “worthy of this calling” (11).
Click below to…
Sermon: The Need for Patience
Our time is no different from any other age. In every generation, the Christian is in need of patience as he seeks to do the will of his Master.
Sermon: Tools for Encouragement
It is important for us to be active in encouraging our brethren and others. God supplies us tools to enable us, such as His powerful word, the imperative of love, and patience.
Longsuffering
Longsuffering is an attribute that should be present in every Christian. Paul prayed that the Colossians, as a part of their worthy walk, would be strengthened that they might be longsuffering, and maintain their joy. It is needed for the Christian because of the inevitability of provocation as a result of the faith. Because the child of God is different and non-conforming, he will be mistreated. Longsuffering is self-restraint in the face of that provocation. It is typical to seek revenge or act with wrath and anger when mistreated. However, the longsuffering Christian does not hastily retaliate against those who are in conflict with him. “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).
Longsuffering is characterized by Paul in Galatians 5:22 as fruit of the Spirit of God. The Greek term used there (makrothumia) is defined by Thayer using words such as: “patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance, forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs.” These terms clearly indicate a characteristic attitude that should be present in every Christian. In our interactions with our fellow man, we truly should be slow to respond to provocation and sin committed against us.
COVID-19 (25) The Power of Patience
It was inevitable. Six weeks ago when the government started encouraging people to stay home, just about everyone was on board. The virus is extremely contagious, and we all were concerned about our health, and the health of our loved ones. But, as time has passed, people have started getting antsy. Many have lost their jobs, the economy has almost completely shut down, and the protests have begun. Whether you believe that there is legitimacy to the claims of government overreach, or you believe that protesters are acting selfishly and dangerously, it is clear that the patience of the American populace is wearing thin.
Protests have taken place in Ohio, North Carolina, New York, Kentucky, Wyoming, Utah, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas, Oregon, Idaho and Washington. In Lansing, Michigan, almost 5,000 people showed up at the state Capitol on April 16th to protest the governor’s strong stay at home order. There has long been a debate over governmental regulation vs. personal liberty. The pandemic is putting these discordant views into sharp relief.
COVID-19 (5) Wait on the Lord
Psalm 27 has the caption (in my Bible) “An Exuberant Declaration of Faith.” The description is accurate, as the psalmist declares his complete faith and trust in the Almighty.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?” (1)
Sermon: Tim Stevens Meeting, Spring 2019
1 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to the Future of the Church?
2 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Forgiveness?
3 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Anger?
4 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Time?
5 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Attitude Toward God’s Word?
6 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to My Influence?
7 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Humility & Servitude?
8 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Repentance?
9 – Is My Heart Right with Regard to Persecution & Endurance?
Sermon: What Can the Righteous Do?
David affirmed in Psalm 11 that in the midst of trial or persecution, the righteous can depend upon God as they place their trust in Him.
Invitation: Be Patient, Brethren
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
James describes rich individuals in James 5 who were guilty of oppressing the poor, and perpetrating fraud. He assures their righteous victims that the Lord will settle accounts in eternity. We, as they, must simply be patient.
Wait On Your God
“So you, by the help of your God, return; observe mercy and justice, and wait on your God continually” (Hosea 12:6).
It is hard to be patient. This is especially so when you perceive injustice. While you are striving to be good and righteous, the ungodly prosper. The Psalmist knew this, and counseled:
Sermon: Inheriting the Promises
The promises of God are wonderful and bountiful, but they are also conditional. the ultimate promise is that of heaven. May we have the patience and faith to receive it.
