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The Fruit of the Spirit 05
Introduction:
1. "The fruit of the Spirit" consists of nine special characteristics listed in Galatians 5:22-23. 2. "Longsuffering" is the fourth of these characteristics. a. "Longsuffering" sometimes refers to patience, endurance, steadfastness, or perseverance that Christians are to demonstrate while facing affliction (James 5:7-11). b. "Longsuffering" also refers to patience or forbearance that Christians are to demonstrate toward those who wrong them (Galatians 5:22). Discussion: I. THE BIBLE TEACHES CHRISTIANS TO BE LONGSUFFERING A. Positive instructions are given in: 1. 1 Corinthians 13:4 2. Ephesians 4:1-3 3. Colossians 3:12-14 4. 1 Thessalonians 5:14. B. The opposite of longsuffering [vengeance] is condemned in: 1. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 2. Romans 12:17-21. C. Although Christians are to be longsuffering, this does not mean that we cannot: 1. stand against evil (Ephesians 6:11-13; Matthew 21:12-13) 2. rebuke others when their actions are wrong (Luke 17:3-4; Galatians 2:11-12). II. THE BIBLE TEACHES CHRISTIANS HOW TO BE LONGSUFFERING A. Putting off hindrances is necessary (Colossians 3:8). B. The instructions given in James 1:19-20 must be followed. C. Enemies are to be treated properly (Matthew 5:43-48). D. The example of Christ must be followed (1 Peter 2:21-23; Matthew 26:59-68; Luke 23:34). | ||