Fruit of the Spirit—Longsuffering
Series: Fruit of the Spirit Teaching Series
Chuck Sligh
June 15, 22, 29, 2014
TEXT: Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
INTRODUCTION
Illus. – I read a joke this week that reminded me of the importance of longsuffering:
A man and his wife are awakened at three o’clock in the morning by a loud pounding on the door. The man gets up and goes to the door where a drunken stranger is standing in a pouring rain, asking for a push.
“Are you crazy?” says the husband. “It’s three o’clock in the morning!”—and he slams the door and returns to bed.
“Who was it?” asks his wife.
“Just a drunken stranger asking for a push” he answers.
“Did you help him?” she asks.
“No, I didn’t help him. It’s three in the morning and raining outside.”
“Well, you sure have a short memory” says his wife. “Can’t you remember about three months ago when we broke down on holiday and those two guys helped us? I think you should help him.”
So reluctantly the man gets dressed and goes out into the pouring rain and calls out into the dark, “Hello—Are you still there?”
“Yes,” comes the answer.
“Do you still want a push?” calls out the husband.
“Yes, please!” comes the reply from the dark.
“Where are you?” asks the husband.
“Over here on the swing” the drunk replies.
If there’s anything that man needs in a situation like that—it’s LONGSUFFERING.
We’ve been looking at the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23. You’ll recall from the first week of our study of the fruit of the Spirit that we noted that the qualities found in these verses form three triads (groups of three):
• The first triad are love, joy, and peace, found in verse 22, which we said are “habits of mind that find their source in GOD.”
• The second triad are qualities that reveal themselves in our relationships with OTHERS—longsuffering, gentleness, and goodness.
• The third triad are graces that guide the general conduct of the believer led by the Holy Spirit—faith, meekness, and temperance.
So today we will look closely at the first characteristic in the second triad of characteristics—LONGSUFFERING. We want to examine this quality of the Spirit-filled life, and to help us remember it, each point begins with the letter “D.”
I. CONSIDER FIRST OF ALL, THE DIFFICULTY OF LONGSUFFERING.
Longsuffering is difficult to develop and maintain in our lives, isn’t it?
Q. Why do you think this is so? (GET RESPONSES.)
I think there are several reasons for this:
• First of all, developing patience is difficult because it goes against our basic human nature.
Illus. – When a baby wakes up in the middle of the night and is hungry, or its diaper is wet, it doesn’t lie there and think, I know Mommy and Daddy are tired, so I’ll just wait until a more convenient time to let them know that I need something to eat or my diaper changed. – No, the baby cries impatiently and continues to cry until it receives the attention it demands.
It’s just natural to be impatient.
Older kids aren’t very patient either. Have you ever traveled with a child?
Illus. – Once a little four-year-old was traveling with his mother and constantly asked the same question over and over again. He would ask, “When are we going to get there? When are we going to get there?”
Finally, the mother got so annoyed she said, “Look—We still have 90 more miles to go, so don’t ask me again when we’re going to get there! Okay?”
Well, the boy sat silent for a while, but the longer time went by, the more impatient he became.
Finally, he timidly asked, “Mom, will I still be four when we get there?”
Well, you don’t have to be a baby or a child to be impatient. Moms and dads and other grownups can be pretty impatient too. The reason is that patience and longsuffering go against our basic human nature.
• Now there’s a second reason why developing patience is difficult—because there are weeds of pride, selfishness, and anger that can choke out the fruit of longsuffering.
A couple of years ago a survey revealed that we have become an impatient and oftentimes angry nation. You see it at work. You see it in school. You see it on the highways.
Illus. – Once a man’s car stalled in heavy traffic just as the light turned green. All his frantic efforts to get the car started failed, and a chorus of honking horns behind him made matters worse. He finally got out of his car and walked back to the first driver behind him and said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t seem to get my car started. If you’ll go up there and give it a try, I’ll stay here and honk your horn for you.”
Selfishness, pride, and anger conspire against us having patience and longsuffering.
• Thirdly, patience is difficult to develop because it’s contrary to our culture.
We don’t live in a relaxed culture. Go to most Third World countries today and you’ll find a much different lifestyle. They’re more laid back. They think, “Hey, no sweat. Whatever happens, happens. It’ll be all right.” And they wonder why we’re so uptight.
It’s because we’re on a fast track, and in a rat race. We’re in a world of fast food and quick print and expressways and 10-minute oil changes and instant cameras and microwaves.
• I think another reason that patience is difficult to develop is because we have convinced ourselves that impatience is a virtue.
You hear people say, “Well, I may be impatient, but I get things done.” We admire “Type A” personalities—hard-charging people who get the job done, no matter what. In these people, somehow impatience is seen as a virtue.
But that’s not the teaching of the Bible. The Bible says that a person who is genuinely walking in the Spirit will be longsuffering—even if he is a “Type A” personality. Regardless of our basic personality type, the Holy Spirit is out to turn every believer into a “Type S-F” personality—a SPIRIT-FILLED personality.
II. NEXT, LET’S THINK ABOUT THE DEFINITION OF LONGSUFFERING
What exactly is longsuffering?
Q. Can you give me a definition of longsuffering? [GET RESPONSES]
These are all good thoughts.
Let me share with you some of my own observations: I would say that longsuffering has to do with steadfastness of the soul under provocation. To be longsuffering is to do what the word implies—to “suffer long.” Perhaps the term “long-tempered,” in contrast to “short-tempered,” helps to bring out the meaning.
For example…
If you’re quick-tempered or easily upset when something goes wrong, you’re not longsuffering.
If you flare up in anger when someone treats you in the wrong way, you’re not longsuffering.
If you have thoughts of revenge when someone does you wrong, you’re not demonstrating the quality of longsuffering.
On the other hand, if you have self-restraint and do not retaliate against a wrong, you’re exhibiting longsuffering.
If you’re able to accept delay or disappointment graciously, you’re demonstrating the quality of longsuffering.
If you can remain steadfast under strain and keep pressing on, you’re showing longsuffering.
There are two Greek words for the idea of longsuffering in the Bible.
• uJpomonhv (hupomoné) literally means “endurance, perseverance, continuance” with the idea of enduring and continuing in spite of obstacles or problems.
• makrothumiva (makrothumia) means “forbearing, suffering long.”
Both of these are different words in the Greek, but really they carry the exact same meaning and could be used interchangeably.
Though this is true, there are some differences in how they are usually used:
• uJpomonhv seems to be used most frequently in reference to patience with CIRCUMSTANCES. It is found 32 times in the New Testament. It is translated as “patience” 29 times, and once each in the New Testament as “enduring,” “patient continuance,” and “patient waiting”.
• makrothumia is most often used to mean patience with PEOPLE. It is found 14 times in the New Testament. Of those 14, times it is translated “longsuffering” 12 times (as in our text) and twice as “patience.”
Really, when walking in the Spirit, we will be manifesting BOTH patience in adverse circumstances and longsuffering with difficult people.
III. NOW LET’S THINK ABOUT THE DEMONSTRATION OF LONGSUFFERING
We can see longsuffering demonstrated throughout the Bible. Let’s look at some the illustrations of longsuffering in God’s Word:
• Longsuffering is one of God the Father’s key attributes in His relationship with mankind [HAVE CLASS MEMBERS READ THESE SCRIPTURES]:
> Numbers 14:18 – “The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression….”
> Psalms 86:15 – “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”
2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
• Longsuffering was not only demonstrated many times in the Bible by God the Father, but Jesus Christ—God the Son—manifested longsuffering als [HAVE CLASS MEMBERS READ THESE SCRIPTURES]o:
> 1 Peter 2:23 – “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”
> 1 Timothy 1:16 – “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”
• The Apostle Paul was a great example of longsuffering [HAVE CLASS MEMBERS READ THESE SCRIPTURES]:
> 2 Timothy 3:10 – “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering [makrothumia], charity, patience [hupomoné].”
> 2 Corinthians 6:4 – “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses.”
> 2 Corinthians 12:12 – “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”
• The prophets in the Old Testament were excellent illustrations of longsuffering [HAVE CLASS MEMBERS READ THESE SCRIPTURES] – Note James 5:10 – “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.”
• Job also exemplified the quality of longsuffering [HAVE CLASS MEMBERS READ THESE SCRIPTURES]– James 5:11 – “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”
IV. NEXT, LET’S CONSIDER THE DERIVATION OF LONGSUFFERING
Derivation means “origin” or “source.” Where does longsuffering come from?
As with all the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit, true godly longsuffering and patience cannot be produced by the flesh. They must be developed in us by the Lord.
Turn with me to Colossians and Philippians for a couple of Scriptures:
• Colossians 1:11 – “Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.”
• Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
HOW exactly does the Holy Spirit develop longsuffering in our lives? You’re not going to like this—He does it through trials!
Look at a couple of verses with me:
• Romans 5:3 – “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.”
• James 1:3-4 – “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect [mature] and entire, wanting nothing.”
Illus. – I remember the story of the young father who came to a pastor and said, “Pastor, I need God’s help to be patient with my wife, with my kids, and with the people at work. Could you pray for me?”
The pastor said, “Sure, Brother. Let’s pray now.”
They knelt down on their knees and the preacher started praying, “Dear Lord, please bring many difficult situations, trials, sufferings and tribulations into this man’s life.…”
The young man interrupted him and said, “Stop! I want PATIENCE, not stress!”
And then the pastor took him over to these verses I just showed you.
I’ve heard people say, “Don’t pray for patience because if you do, the Lord will answer it by bringing trials into your life.” Well, I’ve got news for you—God is going to allow trials in your life to develop in you patience in adverse circumstances and longsuffering with adverse people whether you pray for it or not! They’re part of God’s plan. He wants you to have longsuffering and patience, but He develops it in you through trials, so you’re going to have to go through some trials.
V. LET’S LOOK NOW AT OUR FIFTH “D” WORD: THE DEVELOPMENT OF LONGSUFFERING.
God wants us to develop in our lives, through His working in our lives, the quality of longsuffering. Let’s look at some ways to cultivate longsuffering and patience in our lives:
• The first suggestion is the same with every one of these virtues.…
How do we cultivate LOVE?…How do we foster JOY?…How do we develop PEACE?…How do we promote PATIENCE?
The answer is always the same, “Abide in Christ.”
Jesus says in John 15:5 – “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
So it is important to receive the nourishment that only Jesus Christ can give. We cannot have patience when the trials come—and they will surely come—or when counfounding people come into our lives—and they will come into our lives—unless we’re abiding in Christ, unless we’re walking in His steps, unless we’re reading His Word, unless we’re growing in our prayer life, unless we’re spending quality time worshiping the Lord and fellowshipng with brothers and sisters in Christ.
• Another thing we can do is slow down.
Illus. – Has it struck you as strange that McDonald’s, the company that advertises, “You deserve a break today”, is a FAST FOOD RESTAURANT?! – “Come on in! Let’s see how fast you can take a break today, and then get out on the road again.”
The Lord came up with the idea of a Sabbath day—a day to worship and rest. Though we’re not obligated to observe the Sabbath in the same way they Old Testament saints were, I believe with all my heart that God has built into our system the need for a Sabbath day rest one day a week. Our bodies need it; our minds need it; our spirits need it. God has built us that way.
In addition to a day set aside for worship and rest, we need time just to sit and reflect on God and what He’s doing, and absorb His teachings. – So take a walk …spend some time in the park…watch children play…listen to birds sing…read a book…smell a rose.
• Third, we need to overlook the little frustrations of life. –
Illus. – Warren Wiersbie tells about the time he picked up a hitchhiker who was a hippie. As they were riding along they came to a detour that took them off the main road onto a twisting, hilly farm-to-market road. Wiersbie said, “I was soon fretting aloud, anxious because we were wasting so much time, and complaining about the chuck holes in the road that we were being forced to use. Finally, the hitchhiker leaned over and said, ‘Hey, man. Don’t sweat the small stuff.’” That’s a good lesson for all of us to learn.
But what about the big stuff that we’re just not capable of dealing with?
What do you do when the big things comes along?
What do you do when you go to the doctor and he tells you that you have a serious illness?
What do you do when you lose your job?
What do you do when your children disappoint you?
Or your spouse leaves, and life is empty?
What do you do?
The Bible says that there are some things that we just can’t handle on our own, and that we’ll never be able to handle them without the Lord’s help.
Illus. – There’s a beautiful illustration of this in the 14th chapter of Exodus. Moses had led the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage and they were standing on the bank of the Red Sea. BEFORE them is this great body of water. BEHIND them they hear the hoof-beats and the chariot wheels of Pharaoh’s army. They’re caught between a sea and an army.
What do you do in a situation like that? They turned and cried out to Moses, “Moses, weren’t there enough graves in Egypt? You led us all the way out here to die in this God-forsaken place.”
Then Moses speaks in verse 13 And says, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.”
Now listen to verse 14. It is such an important verse. Moses said, “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
That phrase “hold your peace” literally means “be still.” Moses was saying, “The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still.”
That’s what you do in the big things. When you’re up between the sea and the Egyptian army, it’s critical to be still and wait on the Lord because our God can handle it. He’s an expert on the big stuff.
The Psalmist declares, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” (Psalm 46:10-11)
Isaiah 40:31 says “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
In the midst of the big things, put your faith wholly in the Lord, the God of the impossible, the Lord of hosts, the God of Jacob, our refuge in time of trouble.
CONCLUSION
So that’s what the Bible has to say about longsuffering and patience. May we “abide in the vine” and allow the Holy Spirit to develop in us the quality of longsuffering while He’s also developing in us love, joy, and peace and all the other qualities of the fruit of the Spirit.
