Bible Studies To-Go | The Enduring Patience of God

"Teach us, O Lord, the disciplines of patience, for to wait is often harder than to work."  - Peter Marshall, Scottish-born American preacher (1902-1949)

The ©Bible Studies To-Go series presents abridged Scripture studies that are tailored for the contemporary believer who desires to enhance their Bible learning, but is limited by a demanding daily routine. 

Our concise studies focus on themes, topics, and in some cases are even developed by questions we gather from our work with others. In-depth Bible studies can easily be obtained from other sources, if one prefers that.

Opening Prayer: "God, we are grateful to be here together. Please speak to us through your Word and help us to listen with open hearts. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Background Information: The patience of God is commonly referred to as "long-suffering" or being "slow to anger" in the Bible. This is a divine attribute where God, in spite of our human sinfulness and defiance, suppresses His instant verdict to provide us time and opportunity to repent and seek salvation.

I'd like to initiate our current discussion with this quote: "God's patience isn't passive tolerance. It's active love that refuses to give up on us." While commonly used, it isn't a direct quote from any historical or biblical figure.

Topic for Study: The profound and enduring patience of God.

Thought-Provoking Question: "In what ways has God shown remarkable patience in your own life?"

Section One: An obvious starting point is to define "patience." We can say that it is the quality of self-restraint and steadfastness in the face of provocation, delay, or suffering. It's not passive waiting, or doing nothing, but active endurance influenced by a greater purpose.

Read the following key scriptures then answer the following questions. As you read about God's patience, keep the above definition in mind. 

• Psalm 103:8
• Romans 2:4 

Points of Discussion:

• How does the concept of God being "slow to anger" change your perception of Him?
• Can you think of a time in your life when you experienced God's "forbearance" or His deliberate act of withholding wrath?

Thought-Provoking Question: "Patience often involves enduring suffering or affliction with hope (Romans 12:12). How have you found that difficult times can produce perseverance, character, and hope in your life (Romans 5:3-4)?"

Section Two: God's patience is consistently demonstrated in Scripture. We see this in His involvement with humanity, even though they repeatedly disappoint him. For instance:

• Noah's Flood - God gave the world a 120-year period to repent before the great flood (Genesis 6:3; 1 Peter 3:20).
• The Land of Israel - In spite of their persistent idol-worshipping, grumbling, and rebellion, God regularly sent prophets and judges to summon them back to Himself, holding up their ultimate exile (Nehemiah 9:30-31; 2 Chronicles 36:15).
• The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree - Jesus demonstrated God's patience with Israel, providing them with one more season to produce fruit before being cut down (Luke 13:6-9).

Thought-Provoking Question: "What biblical example of God's patience connects with you, and why?"

Section Three: The function of God's patience represents a divine purpose beyond just enduring sin. It is indispensable for salvation and sanctification. It serves: 

• To Motivate a Change of Heart - God's kindness and patience are designed to bring us to a place of genuine change, or repentance (Romans 2:4).
• To Provide a Path to Salvation -  God is "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." His waiting creates an opportunity for more people to come to faith (2 Peter 3:9).
• To Glorify Him - God's readiness to face "vessels of wrath" manifests the depths of His "riches of his glory for vessels of mercy" (Romans 9:22-23).

Thought-Provoking Question: "How does understanding the "purpose of God's patience" affect your view of what's happening in the world today, or your personal trials?"

Section Four: As receivers of God's enduring patience, we are appointed to demonstrate this attribute in our relationships with others. This is a product of the Holy Spirit. 

Key Verses:

• Galatians 5:22
• Ephesians 4:2
• James 5:7-8 

Thought-Provoking Question: "Are there relationships in your life in which God is calling you to be more patient?"

As was shown, the patience of God is a key element of our faith. Because of that we have hope and a template for our lives. In conclusion, let us dedicate ourselves to cultivating this divine attribute, believing that as God is patient with us, the Spirit can similarly enable us to be patient with others.

Check For Understanding: 

• Read the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18: 21-35. How does the king's patience with his servant, in comparison with the server's impatience with a peer, illustrate God's patience toward us?
• Patience doesn't always mean refusing to act; many times, it means choosing when to act. Have you experienced a situation where God's timing was undeniably superior to your own desired timing?
• How does a cultural emphasis on immediate gratification test our understanding and practice of patience, both human and divine?

Closing Prayer: "Dear Lord, thank you for Your Word and the wisdom shared today. Help us stand for Your truth; fulfilling it in our daily lives. As we continue, bless and guide us, and guide our hearts with your peace. In Jesus' name, Amen." 

I hope that this condensed study format serves to motivate and inspire you to incorporate additional activities, methods, and reflections in deepening your understanding and enjoyment of God's Word, the Bible.

I'm excited for our next Bible study, and eagerly look forward to our next meeting!

The Lord Jesus bless you,

Danielle