1. This morning we studied passages that show how God's people are to be "longsuffering." 2. This evening we are studying passages that show how "God is longsuffering." 3. Our study should help us to: a. have a better understanding of "longsuffering" b. grow in our understanding and appreciation of God's nature. 4. Let us first consider . . .
Discussion:
I. 2 PASSAGES IN WHICH GOD'S LONGSUFERING IS DESCRIBED
A. In Exodus 34:4-8 God described Himself as being "longsuffering." 1. Moses broke the first tables of stone upon which God had written the 10 Commandments. 2. God instructed Moses to prepare 2 more tables of stone, and He would write the same words on them. 3. As God spoke to Moses, He described Himself as being "longsuffering" (vs.6). 4. Later, Moses reminded God of these words. B. In Psalm 86:14-16 David described God as being "longsuffering." 1. We learn from vs.1 that David was asking God for help. 2. According to vs.14, David needed help because his enemies had risen against him. 3. David was confident that God would help him because of the great characteristics He possesses, including "longsuffering." C. Let us turn our attention to . . .
II. 2 PASSAGES IN WHICH GOD'S LONGSUFFERING IS DEMONSTRATED
A. Numbers 14 1. Because of the evil report from the 10 spies, the Israelites wanted to return to Egypt (vs.3-4). 2. God decided to destroy the Israelites and make another nation from Moses (vs.11-12). 3. Moses appealed to God's longsuffering (vs.13-19). 4. God responded to Moses (vs.20-21). B. 1 Peter 3:20-21 1. God showed He is longsuffering during Noah's life (Genesis 6). 2. In vs.3 God decided that man's days would be 120 years. 3. We learn from vs.5-7 why God made His decision. 4. Thankfully, there was one righteous family (vs.8-10). 5. God revealed His plan to Noah and instructed him to build the ark so he and his family could be saved. C. Finally, let us consider . . .
III. 2 PASSAGES THAT REVEAL THE EFFECTS OF GOD'S LONGSUFFERING
A. Romans 2:1-4 1. In Romans 1:18-32 Paul showed why God gave up on the Gentiles. 2. In Romans 2:1-4 Paul dealt with God's punishment of the Jews. 3. If the Jews truly appreciated God's longsuffering, they would have repented. B. 2 Peter 3:9 1. God is longsuffering to us -- He does not anyone to be lost. 2. His desire is for everyone to repent. 3. One day His longsuffering will come to an end (vs.10). 4. This should affect our conduct (vs.11-14).
Conclusion:
1. We have seen from the Bible that God is longsuffering. 2. How does this affect you?
