Sermon Recap
In this week’s sermon about setting our lives to the rhythm of the Spirit, we focused on patience. Highlighting that while many struggle with patience, the solution isn't simply praying for more patience, but rather seeking more of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When the Holy Spirit sources our lives, His fruit, including patience, is produced in us. Patience is defined as the characteristic of God manifested in us for all people in all situations.
The sermon draws from Galatians 5:19-26, emphasizing that what we tolerate is what will dominate in our lives. If we tolerate the deeds of the flesh, that's what our lives will produce. However, when sourced by the Holy Spirit, we produce the fruit of the Spirit.
References are made to 1 Corinthians 13:4, Ephesians 4:1-2, and Colossians 3:12-13, highlighting the importance of patience in love, living worthy of our calling, and forgiving others without offense.
In Greek, patience is described as "makrothymia," meaning long passion. It's about being so passionate about God that He is the source and motivation in every aspect of our lives. However, when passion becomes impatient or expressed inappropriately, it can be harmful. Ephesians 5:20 addresses this when talking about outbursts of anger, contrasting Jesus' limitless patience with our own shortcomings. If sourced by the Spirit, there should be no limits to our patience with others.
This week Pastor Rob said that patience can be described as passion being expressed over time and it shines brightest in moments of turmoil and adversity. Romans 6:13 portrays patience as an instrument of righteousness, suggesting that depending on what sources us, we can either be instruments of righteousness or destruction.
Becoming more like Christ involves allowing the Holy Spirit to source our lives, eliminating the hurry of culture, and cultivating spiritual patience. Psalm 40:1-3 illustrates that patience begins with waiting upon the Lord, allowing Him to rebuild our lives according to His rhythms.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
How does the concept of patience as a fruit of the Spirit challenge your understanding of patience as simply waiting for something to happen?
In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to exhibit patience, and how might inviting the Holy Spirit to source your patience transform those situations?
Reflect on a recent instance where impatience led to negative outcomes. What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual patience in similar situations in the future?
How can you intentionally create space in your daily life to wait upon the Lord and allow Him to shape your rhythms of patience?
Prayer
This week seek the Holy Spirit to source you in greater ways. When you find yourself growing impatient, immediately submit to His authority through prayer.
Life Application
Identify specific practices or disciplines you can adopt to prioritize sourcing your life from the Holy Spirit rather than cultural pressures or personal impulses?
Consider reaching out to someone who has demonstrated remarkable patience in their life and ask them to share insights or strategies that have helped them cultivate patience in challenging circumstances.
Don’t Forget!
Rhythms of the Spirit, Online Class
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