The attribute of God’s patience is displayed throughout the scriptures, and made most clear through the person of Jesus Christ. Without God’s long-suffering, forbearance, and patience we would perish. The expression of God’s patience is designed that sinners, like you and me, would repent.
Definitions: The Patience of God is:
- Long-suffering (slow to anger)
- Communicable (an attribute of God shared by us)
- Perchicommunicable (an attribute of God expressed in us through Jesus)
Observations:
- God keeps His promises
- God exists outside of time
- God desires that we all come to repentance
- God is patient with us
Conclusions:
- God’s patience is on display in the entirety of scripture
- God’s patience is on display in the person of Jesus Christ
- God’s patience is on display in how He works in your life
Application:
- Because God is patient, hasten your repentance to Jesus Christ
- Because God is patient, be assured of His promise
- Because God is patient, be patient
2 Peter 3:9
“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.”
Genesis 3:15
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
James 1:2-3
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Psalm 90:2
“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”
John 8:58
“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”
Romans 7:15
“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”