Unshakeable Kingdom Unwavering Warrior

56 • U NSHAKEABLE K INGDOM , U NWAVERING W ARRIOR : SIAFU M EN ’ S C ONFERENCE 2015

To Gain the Reward, God’s Warrior Must Persevere in the Midst of Trial

Patience is an active endurance of opposition, not a passive resignation. Patience and patient are used to translate several Hebrew and Greek words. Patience is endurance, steadfastness, long suffering, and forbearance. God is patient (Rom. 15:5). He is slow to anger in relation to the Hebrews (Exod. 34:6; Num. 14:18; Neh. 9:17; Ps. 86:15; Isa. 48:9; Hos. 11:8-9). The Hebrews were frequently rebellious, but God patiently dealt with them. Jesus’ parable of the tenants depicted God’s patience with his people (Mark 12:1-11). God’s patience with sinners allows time for them to repent (Rom. 2:4), especially in the apparent delay of the return of Christ (2 Pet. 3:9-10). God’s people are to be patient. The psalmist learned to be patient when confronted with the prosperity of the wicked (Ps. 37:1-3, 9-13, 34-38). Christians should face adversity patiently (Rom. 5:3-5). Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). Christian love is patient (1 Cor. 13:4,7). Ministers are to be patient (2 Cor. 6:6). Christians need patient endurance in the face of persecution. Hebrews stressed endurance as the alternative to shrinking back during adversity (Heb. 6:9-15; 10:32-39). Jesus is the great example of endurance (Heb. 12:1-3). Perseverance is part of maturity (James 1:2-4). Job’s perseverance is another example for suffering Christians (James 5:11). John frequently highlighted the patient endurance of Christians (Rev. 2:2,19; 3:10; 13:10; 14:12). Christian patience is ultimately a gift from God (Rom. 15:5-6; 2 Thess. 3:5).

~ Warren Williams. “Patience” in Holman Bible Dictionary, elec. ed. 2012.

a. It produces proven character, Rom. 5.3-4 – Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. b. It produces steadfastness, James 1.3-4 – for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. [4] And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.