Keeping Ourselves Unspotted from the World (Lesson 15)
Introduction:
1. We learn from James 1:27 that "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world" is an important part of "pure and undefiled religion before God." 2. The Bible addresses many issues that relate to keeping ourselves unspotted from the world. 3. In this lesson we are concentrating on a subject that is common in the world: "impatience." 4. Most of the verses we are examining actually relate to "patience." 5. Perhaps the most effective way to overcome "impatience" is to follow the Bible's instructions that deal with "patience." Discussion: I. LET US FIRST DEFINE "PATIENCE"
A. The Bible contains several words that are translated "patience." B. One word can also be translated "longsuffering." 1. This is the spirit we are to have while we go through periods of difficulty. 2. This kind of "patience" is illustrated by the farmer (James 5:7). C. Another word can also be translated "endurance," "steadfastness," or "perseverance." 1. We develop this type of "patience" as a result of going through periods of difficulty. 2. This is the type of "patience" mentioned in James 1:3. D. Christians are to develop and demonstrate both types of "patience." E. Now that we have defined "patience," let us consider . . . II. WHY WE MUST OVERCOME "IMPATIENCE"
A. We must overcome "impatience" because of what it will do to us. 1. "Impatience" will cause a person to quit or give up. 2. Jesus illustrated this point in His parable of the sower (Matthew 13:20-21). 3. A person who quits following the Lord will lose his soul. B. We must overcome "impatience" because the Bible teaches us to be "patient." 1. (Luke 21:19) Jesus said, "In your patience possess ye your souls." 2. (Romans 12:12) Christians are to be "patient in tribulation." 3. (1 Thessalonians 5:14) "Be patient toward all men." 4. (Hebrews 12:1) We are to "run with patience the race that is set before us." 5. (James 5:8) "Be ye also patient." C. The Bible shows how "patience" will help us. 1. "Patience" will help us in bearing fruit (Luke 8:15; John 15:8). 2. "Patience" will help us as we wait to receive God's promise. a. This point is made in Hebrews 10:36. b. This point is illustrated by Abraham (Hebrews 6:15). 3. "Patience" will help us to avoid falling away (2 Peter 1:6, 8-10). 4. "Patience" will help us when we pray (Psalm 40:1). D. Now that we understand why we must overcome "impatience," let us consider several passages that teach us . . . III. HOW TO OVERCOME "IMPATIENCE" [HOW TO DEVELOP "PATIENCE"]
A. When we face trials, we must ask for wisdom (James 1:5-6). B. We must develop the right kind of love because "charity suffereth long" (1 Corinthians 13:4). C. We must look to the proper role models such as "Christ" (Hebrews 12:2-3), "the prophets" (James 5:10), and Job (James 5:11). D. We must learn to "wait upon the Lord" (Isaiah 40:28-31).
