Introduction

Good morning, family. Today, we're diving into some hearty truth nuggets from Paul’s letters to the Galatians and Colossians. When reading these letters, three things stand out vividly - the power of longsuffering, the necessity of yielding to the Spirit, and the strength it takes to endure in the face of opposition.

Our brother in Christ, Charles Spurgeon, once said, "By perseverance the snail reached the ark." In other words, no matter the pace, the resistance or hardship, we're called to press on, guided by the Spirit, even when the going gets tough.

Here are the scriptures we’ll be reflecting on today:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." - Colossians 3:12-13 (NKJV)

Let's pray.

Father, as we delve into your word today, we ask for a heart of understanding and a spirit of wisdom. May we learn to walk in the power of longsuffering, yield to your Spirit, and remain steadfast in the face of opposition. Guide us, Lord, as we strive to live out these truths in our daily lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Alright, folks, let's get to it!

The Power of Long-Suffering

Long-suffering, or patience, is not merely the ability to wait, but how we behave while waiting. It is a fruit of the Spirit, a divine attribute that God desires to cultivate within us. It is a testament to our faith, a demonstration of our trust in God's timing, and a reflection of our submission to His will.

Enables us to endure in the face of adversity: It gives us the strength to withstand trials, tribulations, and persecutions without losing our faith or our joy. It is a power that allows us to maintain our peace and composure even when circumstances seem to be against us. It is a power that helps us to remain steadfast in our faith, unwavering in our hope, and unyielding in our love for God and for others.

Its transformative effect on our character: As we learn to endure with patience, we are molded into the image of Christ, who is the perfect embodiment of long-suffering. Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame, for the joy that was set before Him. He patiently bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. His long-suffering led to our salvation, and as we follow in His footsteps, our long-suffering can lead to the salvation of others.

Impacts our relationships with others: As Paul exhorts in Colossians, we are to bear with one another, and forgive one another, just as Christ forgave us. This requires long-suffering. It requires us to be patient with others' shortcomings, to endure wrongs without seeking revenge, and to forgive even when it hurts. It is a power that enables us to love unconditionally, just as God loves us.

Our witness to the world: When we respond to adversity with patience, when we endure trials with joy, when we forgive those who wrong us, we are displaying the power of the Spirit at work within us. We are showing the world a different way to live, a way that is marked by love, joy, peace, and long-suffering. We are bearing witness to the transformative power of the gospel.

A culture that values instant gratification: The power of long-suffering stands as a countercultural testament to the value of patience, endurance, and perseverance. It is a power that is not of this world, but of the Spirit. It is a power that comes from abiding in Christ, yielding to the Spirit, and walking in obedience to God's Word.

The Necessity of Yielding to the Spirit

The necessity of yielding to the Spirit is rooted in the understanding that the Holy Spirit is our guide, our helper, and our comforter ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO