Embracing Patience: Walking in the Spirit's Pace
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Common Place Church. Today, we continue our series on the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23, focusing on patience. Patience is a struggle for many, including myself. I found myself trying to write this message quickly, which is ironic given the topic. This led me to reflect on how we often talk about "spending time," as if time were a commodity. This concept of time as something we spend is relatively recent, emerging with industrialization. Historically, time wasn't viewed through a lens of production value. Jesus and Paul didn't operate under the constraints of a clock, and this has significant implications for how we understand patience today.
In our fast-paced culture, we often lack patience because we view time as a commodity. This affects our ability to be patient with others, especially when we measure our worth by how much we can produce in a given time. Paul, in Galatians, wasn't writing with our modern context in mind, but his message is still relevant. He was addressing a community that lacked patience for one another due to social and ethnic divisions. His solution was to walk by the Spirit, which would produce the fruit of patience among other virtues.
Practicing patience is not just about waiting; it's about being in the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is not a one-time event but a lifelong practice, much like how doctors practice medicine or lawyers practice law. The good news is that we don't have to rely on our own capabilities; we have the Spirit of God to help us.
One way to practice patience is to seek the Spirit to pace us. Peter tells us that with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. God is not slow but patient, giving everyone the opportunity to repent. This divine pace is often at odds with our culture, which values speed and efficiency. We need to evaluate whether we are operating at "Speedy G" pace or at God's speed.
Another way to practice patience is to prioritize personhood over performance. Our culture often values people based on what they can produce, but God's kingdom is different. God loves us for who we are, not for what we can do. This means we should extend patience to others, not based on their performance but on their inherent worth as God's creation.
The story of Jonah illustrates God's incredible patience. Jonah was angry that God showed mercy to the Ninevites, yet God continued to be patient with Jonah, even providing a plant to shade him from the heat. This is the kind of patience we are called to offer to others, relying on the Spirit to help us.
Finally, practicing patience reveals the graciousness of the Spirit of God. Jesus said that the Spirit would convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. This conviction is not condemnation but a loving call to repentance. When we are patient with others, we reflect God's grace and patience towards us.
In conclusion, practicing patience is a lifelong journey that requires the help of the Holy Spirit. We need to evaluate our pace, prioritize personhood over performance, and rely on the Spirit to reveal God's grace through our patience.
### Key Takeaways
1. Patience as a Commodity: Our modern view of time as a commodity affects our ability to be patient. Historically, time wasn't measured in the same way, and this has significant implications for how we understand patience today. We need to shift our perspective from viewing time as something to be spent to seeing it as an opportunity to be present with God and others. [00:49]
2. Walking by the Spirit: Paul’s message in Galatians is to walk by the Spirit, which produces the fruit of patience. This is not just about waiting but about being in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Practicing patience is a lifelong journey, much like how doctors practice medicine or lawyers practice law. We have the Spirit of God to help us in this practice. [11:51]
3. God’s Pace vs. Our Pace: Peter tells us that with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. God is not slow but patient, giving everyone the opportunity to repent. We need to evaluate whether we are operating at "Speedy G" pace or at God's speed, allowing the Spirit to set our pace. [16:29]
4. Personhood Over Performance: Our culture often values people based on what they can produce, but God's kingdom is different. God loves us for who we are, not for what we can do. We should extend patience to others, not based on their performance but on their inherent worth as God's creation. [24:20]
5. God’s Incredible Patience: The story of Jonah illustrates God's incredible patience. Even when Jonah was angry that God showed mercy to the Ninevites, God continued to be patient with him. This is the kind of patience we are called to offer to others, relying on the Spirit to help us. [33:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:49] - Introduction to Patience
[01:39] - Spending Time as a Commodity
[04:29] - Historical Perspective on Time
[11:51] - Walking by the Spirit
[16:29] - God's Pace vs. Our Pace
[18:01] - Speedy G Culture
[24:20] - Personhood Over Performance
[30:24] - Conviction vs. Condemnation
[32:23] - The Story of Jonah
[33:16] - God's Incredible Patience
[34:31] - Practical Steps to Patience
[35:12] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
2. 2 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV): "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
3. Numbers 14:18 (ESV): "The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what are the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit? How is patience described among these aspects?
2. In 2 Peter 3:8-9, how does Peter describe God's perception of time compared to ours? What is the reason given for God's patience? [16:29]
3. How does the story of Jonah illustrate God's patience, and what was Jonah's reaction to God's mercy towards the Ninevites? [33:16]
4. What does Numbers 14:18 reveal about God's character, especially in terms of patience and forgiveness?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does viewing time as a commodity affect our ability to be patient, according to the sermon? [01:39]
2. What does it mean to "walk by the Spirit" in the context of practicing patience, and how is this different from simply waiting? [11:51]
3. How can prioritizing personhood over performance change our interactions with others, especially those who may not meet our expectations? [24:20]
4. How does the concept of God's speed versus our speed challenge our cultural norms and personal habits? [16:29]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current pace of life. Are you operating at a "Speedy G" pace or at God's speed? What changes can you make to align more with God's pace? [19:34]
2. Think of a person in your life who tests your patience. How can you practice patience with them this week, prioritizing their personhood over their performance? [24:20]
3. How can you incorporate the practice of being in the presence of the Holy Spirit into your daily routine to cultivate patience? [13:24]
4. Have you ever felt like Jonah, angry at God's patience and mercy towards someone you thought didn't deserve it? How can you shift your perspective to align more with God's graciousness? [33:16]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with impatience. What practical steps can you take to seek the Spirit's help in this area? [14:52]
6. How can you remind yourself of God's patience towards you when you are tempted to be impatient with others? [30:24]
7. Is there a specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on God's presence and practicing patience? How can you minimize that distraction this week? [23:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Time as an Opportunity, Not a Commodity
In our modern world, we often view time as a commodity, something to be spent or saved. This perspective can hinder our ability to be patient, as we constantly measure our worth by how much we can produce in a given time. Historically, time wasn't always seen this way. Before industrialization, people didn't measure time through the lens of production value. Jesus and Paul, for instance, didn't operate under the constraints of a clock. This historical perspective can help us understand patience differently today. Instead of seeing time as something to be spent, we should see it as an opportunity to be present with God and others. This shift in perspective can help us cultivate patience in our fast-paced culture. [00:49]
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (ESV): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted."
Reflection: How can you shift your perspective from viewing time as a commodity to seeing it as an opportunity to be present with God and others today?
Day 2: Walking by the Spirit
Paul’s message in Galatians is to walk by the Spirit, which produces the fruit of patience among other virtues. This is not just about waiting but about being in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Practicing patience is a lifelong journey, much like how doctors practice medicine or lawyers practice law. The good news is that we don't have to rely on our own capabilities; we have the Spirit of God to help us. Walking by the Spirit means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our actions, thoughts, and attitudes, especially in moments that test our patience. This daily practice can transform our lives and relationships. [11:51]
Galatians 5:16 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in moments that test your patience today?
Day 3: Aligning with God's Pace
Peter tells us that with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. God is not slow but patient, giving everyone the opportunity to repent. This divine pace is often at odds with our culture, which values speed and efficiency. We need to evaluate whether we are operating at "Speedy G" pace or at God's speed. Allowing the Spirit to set our pace can help us align more closely with God's timing and purposes. This means being willing to slow down and trust that God's timing is perfect, even when it doesn't match our own. [16:29]
2 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV): "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are rushing ahead of God's timing? How can you slow down and align with God's pace today?
Day 4: Valuing Personhood Over Performance
Our culture often values people based on what they can produce, but God's kingdom is different. God loves us for who we are, not for what we can do. This means we should extend patience to others, not based on their performance but on their inherent worth as God's creation. By prioritizing personhood over performance, we reflect God's unconditional love and grace. This perspective can transform our relationships, making them more compassionate and understanding. [24:20]
1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV): "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may feel valued only for their performance. How can you show them that you value them for who they are today?
Day 5: Emulating God's Incredible Patience
The story of Jonah illustrates God's incredible patience. Even when Jonah was angry that God showed mercy to the Ninevites, God continued to be patient with him. This is the kind of patience we are called to offer to others, relying on the Spirit to help us. Practicing patience reveals the graciousness of the Spirit of God. When we are patient with others, we reflect God's grace and patience towards us. This kind of patience is not easy, but it is a powerful testimony of God's love and mercy. [33:16]
Jonah 4:10-11 (ESV): "And the Lord said, 'You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?'"
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who is difficult to be patient with? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you extend God's patience to them today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Patience is a practice found in the presence of the Holy Spirit. That's what this aspect is all about, right? If you desire more patience in your life, which I think we probably do, here's how it comes: it's practicing patience in the presence of the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God is the key." [13:24]
2. "Practicing patience seeks the Spirit to pace us. If you have a Bible, just quickly, 2 Peter 3:8-9, that overlook this one fact, beloved, with the Lord one day is a thousand years and a thousand years is one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness but is patient towards you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance." [16:29]
3. "Operating at that pace, oh my goodness, this is exhausting. And for the Christian, it doesn't do a great job of reflecting the God who we claim to follow. I think one of the biggest challenges we face as Christians in this area, I don't think it's persecution or being shunned for our beliefs. I actually think it's conforming to the pace of this culture." [19:34]
4. "Practicing patience propels personhood over performance. Oh, man. The alliteration is killer there. Okay. But here's a statement that I guarantee you will never hear from God. You might hear from other humans, but it's this phrase: I'm not a people person." [24:20]
5. "God's priority is people. It's restoring relationships. And so he's patient. And as he pursues, he calls us to also practice patience. As we're walking alongside others, walking alongside those that he pursues. And yes, I get it. It's not going to be easy. A hundred percent true yet. That's why we have the Spirit. It's through the Spirit we can find that path." [28:49]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul isn't writing with our cultural context in mind, a context that views time as a commodity. What he's writing, he's writing to a group that lacks patience for one another from a different determination of worth and value of another. His challenge is that it's a culture that takes on an ethnic or social elevation and finding worth and identity is impatient for the other." [11:51]
2. "Practicing patience reveals the graciousness of the Spirit of God. Jesus shares in John 16:8, the work, one of the works of the, of this helper, the Spirit of God is this, it says, when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. I will tell you as a follower of Jesus for many years now, the helper, the Spirit has stayed with me. He has not lacked in that." [30:01]
3. "Jonah is his prophet. He runs from God's call on his life. This call that he was going to share and offer redemption to Jonah's enemies. Like God was going to, uh, the wicked Ninevites. And they were, they were bad dudes, right? And Jonah, he doesn't want to do that. I don't want to give them grace, mercy, whatever. And then Jonah tries to flee from God. And he jumps ship, literally jumps ship. And yet God rescues him through a big fish." [32:23]
4. "The Spirit shifts the speed at which our pace is so that we might practice this patience. All right. Here's the next practice. Practicing patience, it propels personhood over performance. Oh, man. The alliteration is killer there. Okay. But here's a statement that I guarantee you will never hear from God. You might hear from other humans, but it's this phrase: I'm not a people person." [24:20]
5. "Practicing patience is a practice, but it's not just practice like it's a practice from presence. Here's what I want you to just take away: patience is a practice found in the presence of the Holy Spirit. That's what this aspect is all about, right? If you desire more patience in your life, which I think we probably do, here's how it comes: it's practicing patience in the presence of the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God is the key." [13:24]
6. "Practicing patience seeks the Spirit to pace us. If you have a Bible, just quickly, 2 Peter 3:8-9, that overlook this one fact, beloved, with the Lord one day is a thousand years and a thousand years is one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness but is patient towards you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance." [16:29]
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