The Sign of the Cross

The Sign of the Cross

Customs can be powerful things!  And helpful!  Shaking hands as we meet someone or hugging as we greet a friend are "secular" examples.  Christians folding their hands or bowing their heads or closing their eyes when they pray are religious examples.  Sometimes our actions help us focus and express things.  This is one of the oldest and most universal of all Christian worship practices.

History of the "Sign of the Cross"

This practice has its roots in the first or second century with Baptism.  This gesture was made to express the Trinity as the person was baptized "In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."  It was made twice--on the forehead and once on the heart. By the third century, it was universal and widely used in worship.  Around the year 200 in Carthage (modern Tunisia, Africa), Tertullian says: "We Christians wear out our foreheads with the Sign of the Cross".

WHY the "Sign?"  What are the Reasons?

The Sign of the Cross signifies, recalls and celebrates the following:

  

     -  Our Baptism, and that we are His children - His own, we belong to Him!

     -  God's mercy and grace!

     -  The Trinity

     -  Our thankful hearts!  It's a sign or act of thanksgiving.

     -  It sometimes has a prayer aspect; the Sign is expressing our trust in God or our prayer for 

        God's intervention (Ever see baseball players Cross themselves as they come to bat?).

HOW is the Sign done?  And WHEN?

Traditionally, it's done in this order:  head, heart, RIGHT shoulder, LEFT shoulder (often back 

to heart).  Catholics reversed the order after the time of Luther now going to left shoulder first. Anglicans/Episcopalians followed the Catholic change but Lutherans typically stick to the older, traditional way -- going to the right shoulder first.  But Lutherans (not being picky about customs) welcome either way and you'll find Lutherans doing it either way (it's perfectly okay).  Typically it's done with the thumb and two fingers touching, also indicating the Trinity.

Like nearly all Lutheran pastors, Our Pastor leads it, as leader of our congregation. Pastor leads it with what's called "the open Sign".  Examples are at the Invocation, the Benediction, and after receiving Christ in the Sacrament;  as the worship leader, I'm LEADING you in doing the Sign. It's ENTIRELY optional if you respond with it.  A century ago, ALL Lutherans did - now (especially in the USA)...not so much.  It's totally up to you. But doesn't this...well...make you...um...well....Catholic?

No more than if you sing hymns or fold your hands when you pray or proclaim the Nicene Creed or celebrate Communion or have Scripture readings - Catholics do those too!

Typically, it's done whenever the Trinity is proclaimed (such as the Invocation and Benediction) and after receiving Christ in Communion.  Again, the pastor LEADS, suggesting when it's appropriate.

“Comfort for Christians”

         

Session One: Guilt

Read Isaiah 40:1-2

For the next few weeks, we’ll be looking at practical ways that the Gospel comforts the believer.  We do that in a general sense WHENEVER we open the pages of Scripture, but we’re going to do it very purposefully and in practical ways. 

Of course, many Scriptures and promises will be repeated often – since they apply constantly.  Some are quite specific to a certain situation.  They are good Scriptures to keep in mind – for us and for others.  But you are ENCOURAGED to offer your own verses, to ADD to the Scriptures offered each week! 

And of course, while we’re going to focus only on the Gospel, we all know there is a “flip side” – the Law.  We’ll touch on that from time to time, not nothing more.  Gospel CAN be abused and actually become harmful (drinking too much water can kill you!).  But we’ll try to keep a RIGHT use in view.

“I Have Sinned!”

“Sin” is no longer a common word in the English language.  Not even in a lot of churches.  It’s hardly ever used in books or songs or films; it hardly appears in common English uses at all.  Even 20^th and 21^st Century sermons and hymns rarely mention it.  

In the Judeo-Christian world, the concepts of original sin and total depravity were once SO deeply ingrained, so completely assumed, that it was constantly stated, strongly and universally felt.  “That saved a WRETCH like me” John Newton wrote 200+ years ago in the now ancient hymn, “Amazing Grace.”  This kind of talk was common!   In this milieu, guilt is understandable!  Maybe unavoidable.

Times have changed.  The worldview is now post-Christian.  The common view of man is “I’m okay, you’re okay.”  We are fundamentally good – not perfect, but good. Yes, we struggle and slip up at times, we communicate poorly at times, we are misunderstood and our needs are often misunderstood.  This can lead to good people making bad choices.  In THIS mindset, there may be regret of sorts – but even that is just relative (heck, everyone else makes still worse choices!) and the “fault” for such really isn’t personal but communal.  “The prideful have no sins – except for pride.”  Think of the films, books and songs of the past 50 years; with the exception of some Country songs perhaps (!), is there much guilt?  Some people sense no NEED for comfort in this area because they sense no sin on their part.  We’ll leave it at that since THAT is a Law issue - they need the Law to tell them what they are, what they do and how serious that is…

For many of US, guilt remains REAL because sin remains REAL.  We didn’t stop sinning in the middle of the 20^th century.  We still do.  As much as ever.  And it’s PERSONAL, and it’s PAINFUL, and it’s HURTFUL, and it STINKS. 

It manifests itself in a plethora of ways.  Anger.  Depression.  Isolation.  Violence.  Accusative spirit.  Negativity.  Self-destructive behaviors.  A lot of different ways….

Alice had suffered from depression for some 50 years, since her mid-twenties.  All this began shortly after she married Jim, but it grew steadily worse.  Jim stood by her (even though the “worse” part of the vows was outweighing the “better” part of that).  They had two sons, and they too stood by her (although she was increasingly difficult to live with, and functionally stopped being much of a mother when they were still pretty young).  At first, just being cheerful and keeping her busy at least kept her functioning.  Then some medication was added, and that helped.  Then regular, weekly appointments with a counselor were added.  But in her late 50’s, it became all consuming.  She rarely left the house.  She became critical and negative. One-by-one, friendships were strained past the breaking point.  She ate – and put on over 200 pounds.  Fortunately, she didn’t drink.  Finally, at the age of 75, she agreed to be placed in an institution, a “loony farm” as Alice called it.  In one of the groups, a young lady spoke of an abortion, and cried.  Alice broke down in loud tears, and not for the young lady.   Shortly after Alice and Jim were married, she became pregnant.  They planned on not having children for a while, until Jim got out of the Army – and she felt she let Jim down by becoming pregnant.  Her hairdresser gave her the name and phone number of someone who’d take care of that.  She had “lived” with that for 50 years (“lived?).  Nonetheless, ultimately, Alice was one of the fortunate ones.  She was forgiven.  Including by her.

How did guilt manifest itself in Alice?

What finally helped Alice?

How have you witnessed guilt in people’s lives?  Have you had experience trying to help them?

Alice was forgiven, and she forgave herself.  Do these stories always have a happy ending?

Read Psalm 51 (so do including the heading in the ESV)

Recall the story of David and Bathsheba….

David repented only after Nathan almost tricked him into seeing his fault – but he did see it!  How does this Psalm reveal his sorrow and his faith?

Do you think David found healing in forgiveness?

 

 

Read John 8:1-11

While the text doesn’t expressly say it, Jesus’ handling of this suggests the woman was sorry.  What seems to be Jesus’ point to the accusers? 

What two important things do you think Jesus is saying in His counsel to the woman?

Read Luke 7:36-50

How do we know this woman is sorry?

What is the view of the “holy” people toward her?

What is the point of Jesus’ parable?

How is Jesus’ advice to this woman similar to the other?

Of course, this account also shows the need to respond to guilt with forgiveness!   Read Matthew 18:21-35, Matthew 11:25-26, Luke 6:37-42, Luke 11:4

If you can, tell of a time when you felt forgiven…

Read the following verses.   Write down what comfort this gives….

Isaiah1:18 _________________________________________________________________

Micah7:19 _________________________________________________________________

John3:16-17 ___________________________________________________________________

Psalm103:10-12 __________________________________________________________________

Psalm130:3-4 ___________________________________________________________________

John8:36 ___________________________________________________________________

Romans3:23-24 ___________________________________________________________________

2Corinthians5:21 ___________________________________________________________________

Ephesians4:32 ___________________________________________________________________

Colossians1:13-14 ___________________________________________________________________

1John1:8-9 _________________________________________________________

1John2:2 ___________________________________________________________________

Psalm32:5 ___________________________________________________________________

Psalm34:18 ___________________________________________________________________

Matthew11:28-30 ___________________________________________________________________

Luke15:10 __________________________________________________________________

Acts10:43 __________________________________________________________________

Colossians3:13 __________________________________________________________________

1 Timothy 1:15 __________________________________________________________________

Book of Ruth

Chapter 2

After a ten-year absence, Naomi and one of her two Moabite, widowed daughter-in-laws, return to Bethlehem.  She had left with her Hebrew husband and two teen sons but now returned in a much different situation.   The villagers were “stirred” by this – not only because of the tragedy of Naomi’s experience while away in Moab but likely also because (to be blunt) here are two penniless additional mouths to feed – and one of them isn’t even a Hebrew, a young woman who probably can’t be married off – young but a Moabite, one of the enemies of the Hebrews.  This is where Chapter One (Act 1 in this Readers’ Play) leaves off….  Perhaps there was a short intermission, and now….. Act 2

2:1-7

1.    “Gleaning”  was a unique aspect of Old Testament Law (often continued in Christian lands).  See Leviticus 19:9-10, Deuteronomy 24:19-22, Exodus 23:10-11.    Note that this “remaining” was not ONLY for the poor but also for the foreigner. 

2.     A new character enters the play…. a worthy man named Boaz.  The point that he is a relative of Naomi’s usually would not be special (people in these little villages were pretty much ALL related to each other!), but remember:  Naomi is not from the tribe of Judah, she was an Ephrathites.  Evidently, there were others from that northern tribe also in Bethlehem.  It so happens, one of these (likely few) was Boaz.  He would naturally take special interest in Naomi, a relative, but would not normally be expected to take unusual notice of Ruth.

3.    It seems Naomi was unable to participate in any gleaning, but Ruth goes for the two of them.  Remember: the Jewish Law was ALSO for foreigners – so Ruth is permitted to do this.   And it seems she does it LONG and HARD and WELL (see verse 7), collecting all she can for herself and for Naomi. 

4.    While Ruth begins gleaning without reference to whose land this was, she takes special note when she enters the land of Boaz. 

5.    Boaz himself comes to greet the reapers, greeting them with a typical Jewish blessing:  “The Lord be with you!”  And they respond, “The Lord also bless you!”   This BLESSING at meeting and leaving people was common among the Jews and early Christians – but is sadly a custom lost. 

2:7-9

1.    Boaz asks about a new person in the field….. it is reported to him that she is Ruth, a Moabite who had returned with Naomi.   Obviously, he is well aware of the situation but simply had not met Ruth.

2.    Boas addresses Ruth directly.  “My daughter” not only implies that Ruth is younger than he, but it is a familiar term of endearment, he is embracing her as a family member, as someone he cares about.  DO NOT MISS:  She is not Hebrew, she is not of his clan.   Here is a strong, strong theme of universal grace, of equal mercy to ALL people – regardless of race, color, gender, etc.  And note that he is going far beyond what the Law required of him.

3.    He instructs him to not glean elsewhere, but only in his own farm.  We can’t be sure the reasons for this, but it’s likely two:  First, he will permit her to glean MORE than what is left over, he is essentially saying she is welcome to all she and Naomi need from his land – don’t perhaps press her luck with others and perhaps limit herself to the glean.  Second, he may fear ill treatment of her – either because she is a Moabite (enemies of the Hebrews) or perhaps because she is young, single and (evidently) very attractive (verse 9?).  In any case, he seems to be proceeding from a strong sense that she NEEDS his protection and help.  And he freely gives it – as “my daughter.”    “Keep close to my young women” simply means to the female farm workers he has working there; they too will protect her and help her (no doubt by his order). 

2:10-13

1.    Verse 10.  Ruth’s question is well founded, but it’s not a question – it’s heart felt appreciation!  

2.     Boaz notes not ONLY her faithfulness to Naomi (a relative of his) but also of her now Jewish faith – she IS a sister in the faith.  Note:  One CAN be a fellow believer ( a brother and sister in that sense) but be of an entirely different race, culture, etc.   These are not common themes in the Old Testament but it’s very central to this book!

2:14-16

1.    Verse 14.  As one of the gleaners, she sits to eat – doing do with the young, female reapers with whom Boaz instructed her to associate.  But as she does, Boaz (who perhaps was also eating among them) offers her some of his food.  While this isn’t the same as inviting her to a State Dinner in her Honor, it IS a strong gesture of grace.  “Leftovers” simply means there was more food available than Ruth and the reapers could eat; she was well fed. 

2.    Verse 15.   The farm hands are told that Ruth will MORE THAN glean….. she may take what we wants from BEFORE it’s harvested and bundled, not after.  And from what IS harvested – pull some out for HER – and when she picks it up, consider it “gleaning.”   Ruth and Naomi are being provided for; this is no longer just the mandated “gleaning.” 

2:17-23

1.    Verse 17.  And Ruth gathers at LOT!   An “ephah” of barley” would be 29 POUNDS of barley – what they “gleaned” that day would be enough for the two of them for many days….  Point:  there is a superabundance of grace here – to Ruth, a Moabite, who simply is in need of grace.

2.     Verse 18-19.  Evidently, Naomi was unaware of the special grace Boaz was bestowing on Ruth (and her)…. 

3.    Verse 20.  She immediately praises God for Boaz, and blesses him….  She too responds with gratitude. 

4.    “He is one of our redeemers”.   While Christians see a LOT of similarity between Boaz and Jesus, and while this term CAN refer to a very specific law involving indentured servitude, here is likely means that Boaz is a relative – and thus one who is to be embraced as a helper, provider, even “savior” of a sort.  It is a term of praise for Boaz. 

5.    Verse 21.  That exact instruction isn’t recorded earlier in the chapter…  But the point is well taken.

End of Act 2…..

What questions fill you at this point?  What “loose ends” are left?    Pretending you didn’t read ahead, what might you be expecting in Act 3?  

Book of Ruth

Introduction 

1.     Remember, Ruth was likely intended to be presented as a “reader’s play.”   Indeed, it may have been such for centuries before it was written down.   Each actor likely presented by a different character (simply memorizing his/her part), each with distinctive language, grammar and accent (unfortunately, this is “lost” in the translation).  There are also several short sections of Hebraic poetry, also “lost” in the translation.  The 4 chapters of the book are the 4 “acts” of the play.   This first act introduces the characters and sets up the problem – which forms the plot.

2.     This story is set around 1200 BC, a chaotic time when the Hebrews were few in number, disorganized and poor – hardly achieving subsistence (and too frequently, not even that – starvation was a common cause of death during this period).   Then, as now, Judah was a harsh, rocky, dry area given to long and severe droughts – all making farming difficult and unreliable.  Farms were not well established, so during droughts, it was not unusual to simply abandon the land and move to “greener pastures” perhaps returning when conditions permitted. 

3.    In very poor, agricultural societies, it is normal for the husband to be much older than the wife – sometimes even a full generation older.  This was necessarily in order for the man to be in an economic situation where he could support a wife and children.  The “down side” to this is that women often became widowed while still quite young – with no one to support them.  In most cases, she looked to her oldest son for support IF he was able.  But not infrequently, sons were barely able to support themselves and their family – not their widowed mother.  It was particularly serious if she was widowed with no sons or if her sons were still just boys.  Every such poor agricultural society (even today) has this critical problem.  The ancient Jews “handled” this in the same exact way as all other Middle Eastern people did of the day (we’ll discuss a few scenarios of that in the commentary).

4.    It’s EASY (almost unavoidable) to simply read this as a heart-warning story of faithfulness and trust.  It IS that, but it is also Holy Scripture with a MUCH bigger point than how one lady survived.  We find powerful themes of God’s faithfulness and mercy, and of God’s providence (See Psalm 107:9, Psalm 146:9).  There is a powerful theme of God’s universal grace (don’t miss the point that Ruth is NOT a Hebrew!!!  Or that part of David’s line – and Jesus’ – is NOT Hebrew!).  And a powerful them of redemption.   There are powerful, big, bold reasons why this book is in our Bible!

Chapter 1

1:1-5

1.     After the Exodus, the 40 years of wanderings, and then the many years of settling in the Holy Lands, the Hebrews then entered a long period of chaos – some three centuries!  The “days of the Judges” was from about 1380-1050 BC.  From the Book of Judges and from evidence found by historians and archeologists, we know that this was a very difficult time.  The previous inhabitants were still in the land – causing constant problems.  It was claimed by foreign rulers during most of this time.  The area was economically very poor.  There was no central leadership, indeed, no government at all.  The people often wandered spiritually and morally, too!   Things would get SO bad that God would rise up some dramatic “Judge” (reformer) – often  a stunning figure – who would call the people back, only for them to quickly fall away again, only for the whole cycle to repeat itself: over and over and over.  Ruth likely lived smack in the middle of this era. 

2.    Bethlehem is a very old town – history confirms it existed during this time.  Ironically, the name means “house of bread” but it was in an area where grain farming while common was difficult. 

3.    Elimelech, his wife Naomi and their two sons (probably in their late teens) flee to Moab –  close by but evidently not effected by the drought.   Moab referred to the land immediately east of the Dead Sea.  Moabites were loosely related to the Hebrews  (see Genesis 19:30-38) but they were not Jewish by faith and there was a strained relationship between the Moabites and Hebrews (Numbers 22-24, etc.).  Archeologists  have found evidence of strong links to Egypt during this period and perhaps some intermarriage – perhaps adding to the division with the Hebrews.  Later, in the Kingdom era, it would become incorporated into the northern Israel but would be infamous for immorality and infidelity to God. Notice in verse 6 the reference to “His people” referring to the Jews – not Moabites!  Normally, this area is even more effected by drought so it’s unique that it seems to have avoided this one. 

4.    The text tells us that Elimelech and Naomi were from the tribe of Ephraim.  That tribe had its own land way in the north but for unknown reasons, they lived in the land of the tribe of Judah.   Thus see 1 Samuel 17:12.   

5.    They remained there for 10 years, obviously doing okay there.  During this time, Elimelech dies and the two sons married.  Since Hebrew Jews did not live in Moab, they of course married Moabite women (probably in their teens).  One or both of the sons would have taken care of their widowed mother – but both of them soon died, as well!   This means 3 women are now in a desperate situation:  Naomi and the widowed wives of her two sons.  The fact that no grandchildren are mentioned strongly suggests both were widowed very early, shortly after marriage.  Being young, they both could have easily remarried – but that was not a likely option for Naomi who probably was in her mid to late 40’s by now.

1:6-18

1.    The three women are obviously living together (perhaps pooling their resources, perhaps being  provided for by families of the two young husbands) when Ruth decides to go back to Bethlehem.   This of course was also for economic reasons:  she likely had no one in Moab to care for her, all her relatives where back in Judah.   But to stop there is to entirely miss the point!  She is a Hebrew, a Jew!  God has been FAITHFUL and the drought has ended!  Her faith and faithfulness call her to return – to her God, her people, her land.

2.    The two daughter-in-laws are determine to go with Naomi – giving strong evidence of the very close relationship between them!   But Naomi – thinking of THEIR best interests rather than her own desires – advises them to remain with their relatives and people – counseling them to re-marry.  The parting is full of love and blessing….

3.    One of them – Orpah – finally takes the strong counsel of Naomi, however reluctantly.  But Ruth “clings to her.”   Naomi pleads but to no avail.   Then comes the verse for which this Book is known, verse 16.    Verse 18 suggests that Naomi still feels it is wrong for Ruth to join her – but Ruth is simply determined. 

1:19-22

1.    Naomi and Ruth travel to Bethlehem (a trip of several days).  Bethlehem at this point probably consisted of no more than 200 – 300 people.  Although gone for a decade, she is remembered.  The villagers are “stirred.”  This is  likely because of her situation:  she is widowed and penniless.  Naomi seems to confirm that – sharing their sense of grief – saying she should no longer be called “Naomi” (the word means “pleasant” ) but rather “Mara” (“bitter”).  But of course, she comes not only as a widow with a mouth to feed – but with her daughter-in-law, also a widow with the mouth to feed – who is not even Hebrew.  In verse 21, she seems to rebuke God for her tragic situation. 

2.     Therein ends Act One.  Perhaps there is a break – for the actors and audience.  What are you left wondering about?  What feelings to you have at this point?  How does Naomi’s rebuke of God sitting with you?   What seems stunning and fascinating about what had been related so far?

“Fruit of the Spirit” Kindness

The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience,kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Galatians 5:25

Note:  The Greek word for this “fruit” is very broad and hard to translate.  It can mean humility, gentleness, kindness, tender-hearted, caring, serving, generous, supportive, etc.  

How are all these concepts related?

The Dictionary:

Kind  Gentle, tender-hearted, generous, affectionate

Care  Close attention, an inclination to do something, protection, custody, concern

All these qualities, fruits, come from God – we are called to reflectthem.  Read the following:

I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and staff comfort me.  Ps. 23:4

I, the Lord, am He who comforts you.  Isaiah 51:12

Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loves us, gives us His grace,  eternal encouragement and good hope.  2 Thessalonians 2:16

When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  Matthew 9:36

1.

From whom comes all true comfort and care?

2.

Therefore, who will empower us to care?

The Bible is filled with examples of people caring for one another.  Perhaps the best known example is in Luke 10:30-37.  Read that.

3.

Three people encountered the wounded traveler.  The first was a priest, the second a Levite (of the priestly tribe and often assistants to priests).  The third was a “foreigner.”  What strong rebuke is Jesus giving?

4.

What motivated the Samaritan (vs. 34)?

5.

What costs and risks were involved in what he did?

6.

While Jesus certainly means to care even for strangers, the story is told that way to as to make the point clear.  Who else should we care for?

For each of the following verses, note what we are being called to do.  How are they all aspects of this “fruit?”

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by having the same love.  Phil. 2:1-2

Do nothing from selfish ambition or vain conceit but rather in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.  Phil. 2:3

Each of you should look not just to your own interests but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ.  Phil. 2:4

If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last and the servant of all.  Mark 9:35

Serve one another in love.  Indeed, the entire Law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”  Gal. 5:13

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you fulfill the law of Christ.  Gal. 6:2

Brothers, if someone is caught up in a sin, you should restore him, but be gentle for you too are sinners!  Gal. 6:1

Is anyone sick? He should call all on the elders and they should pray over him. James 5:14

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.  1 Cor. 12:26

Encourage one another and build each other up in the Lord.  1 Thess. 5:11

Hold each other up in highest regard. Live in peace with each other.  Warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  Always be kind to each other – and to everyone else.  1 Thess. 5:13-15

Offer hospitality to each other.  1 Peter 4:9

There should be no division in the church, its members should have equal concern for each other.  If one suffers, all suffer with him.  If one is honored, all rejoice with him.  1 Cor. 12:25-26

They devoted themselves to the Apostle’s teaching and to fellowship with each other, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  All the believers were together and had everything in common. Acts 2:44  All the believers were of one heart and there were no needy persons among them; they shared everything they had.  Acts 4:32 & 34

7.

How would you summarize these commands?

8.

For what church members have you prayed today?  This week?  Can you list them?  How can you grow in this “fruit?”

9.

When did you last phone a church member?  Is this common?  Why/why not?  How can you grow in this fruit?

10.

 When did you last send a card or write a note to a church member?  Is this common?

11.

 When did you last offer purposeful words of affirmation or encouragement or strength or comfort to a church member?  Is this common?  Why/why not?  How could you grow in this fruit?

12.

 When did you last have a church member over to your home for a personal visit?  Is this common?  Why/why not?  How can you grow in this fruit?

13.

 When did you last help a church member with some personal need?  Is this common?  Why/why not?  How can you grow in this fruit?

14.

 When did you last thank a church member?  Suffer with them?  Rejoice with them?

15.  What about the above to those perhaps more difficult:  neighbors, fellow workers, strangers?  

The Fruit of the Spirit - Patience”

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 But the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience,kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Galatians 5:24

The Dictionary: Patience  From the Greek “to suffer.”  

1.

Bearing pains or trials calmly and without complaint

2.

Manifesting forbearance under strain

3.

Not hasty or impetuous

4.

Steadfast and committed despite opposition, difficulty or adversity

Bill Hybels tells this personal story:

I love watching football.  Some time back, it was halftime of a Chicago Bears football game, and my beloved Bears had a slim lead.  I thought, as long as I had a few minutes, I would dash down to the 7/11 and get some munchies.  Certain to be back before the second half, I rushed to my car and arrived at the store in no time.  I left the car running in the parking lot (that would save me, oh, 3 seconds) and rushed in to get my chips and took my place in line.  I immediately noticed there were 4 people in front of me and only one girl working at the counter.  I would have skirted around them and left my money but I only had a $20.  

As I stood in line, I wondered if they give “slow” lessons to these people that work at 7/11.  I wondered why these people in line really needed these things and why they weren’t home watching the game.  I began tapping my foot, perhaps believing this would speed up things.  I thought, that girl could work a lot faster if she stood up and got off that stool.  And THEN she began to chat with one of the customers!  “Oh, great!” I thought to myself, “a social butterfly!”  Meanwhile, I was imagining the halftime show and wondered how long it had left.

I started eyeballing each person in line in front of me to see what they had in their hands.  I immediately became suspicious of the guy right in front of me because he was holding nothing, that meant he needed the girl to get something for him.  And my worse fear came true.  When he got to the front of the line, he asked the girl for a ham and cheese sandwich.  A ham and cheese sandwich!!! There should be a law against such things!

With only one girl working in the store, this meant that everybody in line (including me – I was next!)  had to wait until this lazy bum got his ham and cheese sandwich.  I might as well have crawled into a corner and taken a little nap.  “What kind of bread would you like with that?  White?  Wheat? Rye? Sourdough?  What kind of ham would you like? Baked?  Smoked? Country?  Would you like that ham thin sliced or thick sliced?”  What kind of cheese would you like?”  FOR ______ SAKE, I thought to myself, JUST GIVE HIM HIS ______ HAM AND CHEESE SANDWICH!  By now, I was certain the second half of the game was underway.  

When the guy FINALLY got his sandwich, I paid for my bag of chips and gave the girl the most glaring look I possibly could fashion.  I rush out to my car, sat down, slammed the door, and raced back to the house – breaking untold number of traffic laws in the process.  

By the time I got back to the TV, my nerves were a wreck, my stomach was in knots – and I missed a touch down.  That ham and cheese sandwich ruined by whole day.  

1.

What pushes your “patience button?”  

2.

What definition of “patience” does this story illustrate?

Read the following verses.  What do they say about God?

The love of God endures forever!  Psalm 136:1

Christ Jesus has displayed His unlimited patience… 1 Tim. 1:16

Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means our salvation.  2 Peter 3:15

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the Cross, scorning its shame.  Hebrews 12:2

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love.  He will not always accuse nor will He harbor His anger for long.  He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who trust Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.  Psalm 103:8-12

3.

What characteristic is described as belonging to God?  Why is this good news?  Ultimately, where does godly patience come from?

But the primary definition of patience has to do with enduring, hanging in there through thick and thin, it includes the concept of “suffering.”  Read the following:

As servants of God, we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance, in troubles, in hardships and distresses, in beatings, imprisonments, riots, hard work, sleepless nights, and hunger.  We commend ourselves to purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love…. Through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report, known yet unknown, dying and yet we live on – beaten but not killed.  We are sorrowful but rejoicing, poor yet making many rich, having nothing yet possessing everything.  2 Cor. 6:4-10

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His sons.  For what son is not disciplined by his father?  If you are not disciplined, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.  Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it.  How much more should we submit to the Father and live!  God disciplines us for our good.  No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace, for those who have been trained by it.  Therefore, strengthen those feeble arms and weak knees!  Hebrews 12:7-12

Among God’s churches, we boast about your perseverance and faith in the face of all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.  2 Thess. 1:4

We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces patience, and patience produces character, and character produces hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts.  Rom. 5:3-5

I, John, your partner in suffering and in patient endurance.  Rev. 1:9

I (God) know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance.  You have persevered and have patiently endured hardships for My name and have not grown weary.Rev. 2:3

Be faithful unto death, and I (God) will give you the crown of life.  Rev. 2:10

4.

What is the definition of patience here?

5.

The Christian life will be marked by what?  Therefore, what will be needed?

6.

The Bible says we should REJOICE at our hardships and sufferings!  Do we?

7.

Patience produces what?

8.

Historically, Christians have often faced great persecution and hardships!  In many parts of the world, they still do!  But often, it’s pretty easy for us.  What’s the danger in that?

9.

Christians sometimes stop going to church because the parking lot is too full or someone sits where they like to sit.  Maybe the church changed the format of the worship folder, chopped down their favorite tree or changed the tune to a favorite hymn.  Maybe the pastor forgot their birthday or an usher neglected to return their “hello.”  And these are some of the more legitimate reasons! What would Jesus have to say about that?  

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction.  Romans 12:12

We constantly remember your…labor prompted by love and your endurance inspired by hope.  1 Thess. 1:3

Be patient, brothers, until the Day of the Lord’s coming.  See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.  You, too, must be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.  Don’t grumble against each other, but be examples of patience in the face of all suffering.  Take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.  We consider them blessed as they persevered.  James 5:7-10

Love is patient… 1 Cor. 13:4

10.

How is patience related to hope?  

11.

Commitment?  

12.

Dedication?

13.

Faithfulness?

14.

Love?

15.

On a scale of 1-10, how patient are you?  What can YOU do to improve that?

Tonight, I learned or was reminded about….