Examples of the Patience of God

Each and every believer is an example to the unsaved world of the mercy and patience of God! The apostle Paul, claiming to be the worst of sinners, demonstrates this argument for us in 1 Timothy.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. (1 Tim 1:16 NIV)

Seeing the various types of people who accept Christ as their Savior, and hearing their testimonies of forgiveness and salvation, encourages many unsaved observers that there is truly hope for them, too. It may be the very thing that opens the door to the grace that they need to receive the precious gift of salvation.

This is why I tell you that her many sins have been forgiven; so [consequently] she has shown great love. The one who is forgiven little loves little. (Lk 7:47 CEB – descriptive word in brackets added)

In Luke 7 above, we are shown that those who are forgiven MUCH are the very born-again believers who will respond with a great swell of love for others, especially the unsaved.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Pet 3:9 ESV)

In 2^nd Peter, we clearly understand that the Lord is not disposed to see anyone lost and be ultimately destined for hell. God’s desire is that ALL should turn away from their old life of sin and sorrow and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Redeemer and Lord.

These are just some of the scenarios that we can use to encourage ourselves to become faithful witnesses of God’s goodness, and for us to share with others to encourage them receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Glory to God most High!

God Supports & Sustains Each Believer

God blesses each and every follower and disciple of Jesus Christ daily. He supports us by giving us enabling and empowering grace to encourage us to endure trials and tests. He maintains [sustains] our very life, health, strength, and faith, as well. We may safely hope in Him.

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. (Ps 94:18 NIV) He supports us by His unfailing love and mercy. Thank You, Jesus!

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. (Ps 121:3 KJV) God, our Sustainer, never slumbers nor changes His will. He keeps us from stumbling.

A man’s steps are established by the Lord, and the Lord delights in his way. ²⁴Though he stumbles, he will not fall down flat, for the Lord will hold up his hand. (Ps 37:23-24 ISV) The delights in our lives, and establishes our steps. He holds us up with His hand so that we won’t fall down.

. . . but I have prayed for you, that your faith will not fail; and you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Lk 22:32 NASB) Jesus prayed for us, that our faith would not fail. And we are encouraged to strengthen and support our fellow believers.

. . . who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Pet 1:5 NKJV) We are KEPT by the mighty power of God which means that we are preserved, sheltered, and kept separate unto God. He will not let us go, so long as we do not reject our Savior and Redeemer. He has given us such hope and assurance.

This is how valuable we are, individually, to God. Think about having such a Friend and supporter as the Living God. Hallelujah!

What We KNOW as Believers

We, as Christians, don’t have to wonder or hope or try to get faith. We need to stop and consider what we know. Our key verse for this study is in 2 Timothy:

. . . for I KNOW whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day. (2 Tim 1:12b KJV)

For we KNOW JESUS, our Savior and Lord, with whom we have a living, vital relationship—Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God! (Mt 16:16; 26:63; Joh 6:69) To KNOW someone means to have a relationship with, to comprehend, and to have experienced who they truly are as a person.

As a matter of fact, because we have received Jesus Christ as our Savior, Redeemer and Lord, we are now known as SONS OF THE LIVING GOD! (Rom 9:26) Hallelujah!

These are some of the vital things that we KNOW as believers:

That the Lord has set us apart for Himself; the Lord will hear us when we call upon Him! (Ps 4:3)
That because we are set apart for God (His anointed), He will answer us with the saving strength of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ps 20:6)
That the Lord is great, and He is above all gods. (Ps 135:5)
That God’s works are marvelous. (Ps 139:14)
That Jesus is the Holy One of God. (Mk 1:24c; Lk 4:34c)
We know the mysteries of the kingdom of God. (Lk 8:10)
We know Jesus, our Good Shepherd. (Joh 10:14)
We know the Lord, because He dwells with us, and He lives in us. (Joh 14:17)
We know that Jesus dwells in the Father; we dwell in Jesus; and Jesus dwells in us. (Joh 14:20)
That wherever we go, we carry the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. (Rom 15:29)
That we have received the Spirit who is from God through whom we know the things that have been freely given to us by God. (1 Cor 2:12; 1 Joh 4:12-14)
We are the temple of God and the Holy Spirit dwells within each believer. (1 Cor 3:16; 6:19)
That we are in Christ because we keep His Word, and the love of God is perfected in us. (1 Joh 2:5)
That Jesus was manifested to take away our sins and in Him there is no sin. (1 Joh 3:5)
That we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren. (1 Joh 3:14)
We know the Spirit of God because we confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, and He is from God. (1 Joh 4:2)
That we are born of God and know God because we love one another, and love is of God. (1 Joh 4:7)
We know that we have eternal life because we believe in the name of the Son of God and will continue to do so. (1 Joh 5:13)

Have No Fear of Death

We should not fear death as unbelievers do, for we have a Savior and Redeemer who keeps His word. We know that we will only temporarily be separated from our loved ones, as we wait for them in eternity.

We have hope beyond the grave because we know that Jesus conquered death. (See Act 2:24; Heb 2:14; 2 Tim 1:10; Rev 1:18)

For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. (1 Thes 4:14 NIV) The word “asleep” here refers to the death of the body.

Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead. (Isa 26:19 NIV)

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (Phil 3:20-21 NIV)

Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thes 4:17 NIV)

Death to the believer is an exit from the limitations, the perils and the bondage of this life. For the Christian, death is a transition from a frail, impermanent dwelling which is exposed to disease pain and peril to a permanent palace, eternal in the heavens. (2 Cor 5:1)

Death is the Christian’s coronation, the end of conflict and the beginning of glory and triumph in Heaven. (2 Tim 4:8) Hallelujah!

Rooted in Christ

The Scriptures talk about our being rooted in Christ; rooted in love; and as branches grafted onto a tree which depends upon its roots.

. . . having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. (Col 2:7 NASB, underscoring added)

We are firmly rooted in Christ by establishing a strong faith in and reliance upon Jesus Christ so that we won’t fall or be tossed around by the harsh circumstances of life.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor 15:58 NIV)

This passage (above) reminds us to stand firm (unshaken; immovable). We should not allow ourselves to be tossed around by every wind of circumstance which may be bitter, severe, or critical. Rather, we find our strength and hope in our faith in Jesus Christ.

. . . that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love . . . (Eph 3:17 NKJV)

We are rooted and grounded in love because Jesus Christ is the son of God; and God is love. (1 Joh 4:8) Jesus is God’s love shown to us in human flesh.

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, ¹⁸do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. (Rom 11:17-18 NASB)

The root or foundation of the church is Jesus Christ. (Mt 21:42; Mk 12:10; Lk 20:17) He is the root who supports the church and all of its individual members. We rely upon Him for life and for everything that supports life! We are blessed indeed!

Persist in Faith for Christ is our Hope

Because we have a living Hope who is Jesus Christ, the righteous One, we need to persevere in our faith. We should also pray diligently for answers to our needs.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Rom 12:12 NIV)

Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. (Ps 62:8 NKJV)

Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray without ceasing . . . (1 Thes 5:16-17 NKJV)

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Col 1:27 NIV)

Glory to God! God is our refuge—our safe haven and our protector.

The tomb couldn’t hold the living and victorious body of our Savior. Jesus lived a holy and sinless life on earth.

He appeared to many people several days after He had been crucified bearing the wounds of the cross. When He did, Jesus demonstrated power and victory over death. Jesus is ALIVE. Glory to God! Jesus is our hope because He is alive; He is almighty; and He has reconciled us to God the Father.

Trust in God & Be Not Afraid

As followers and disciples of Jesus Christ, we place our trust, faith, and hope in God and in His Word. But there are various challenging circumstances that we may face in life that might bring fear into our hearts.

Fear is not good because fear involves torment (suffering, torture, persecution). Even the Bible confirms this fact:

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. (1 Joh 4:18a NKJV)

These Bible passages (below) encourage us to trust in God and to avoid fear. These verses state why we can be faith-filled.

In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (Ps 56:4 NIV) With God on our side, what can a mere human being do?

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (Ps 118:6 NIV) This echoes the same feeling as the verse above.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³²He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ³³Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. (Rom 8:31-34 NIV) This passage from the Scriptures reminds us of the many blessings that we have received along with our salvation. We have so many reasons to rejoice and to be full of faith.

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Heb 13:6 NIV) Be filled with confidence. Just remember that the Lord is the One who is helping us—constantly!

Let us overflow with thanksgiving and praise.

Be Steadfast

Be steadfast in your spiritual life. Steadfast means unwavering, unfaltering, loyal, devoted, or constant. So how can we be steadfast and in what ways?

. . . rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer . . . (Rom 12:12) Continue in daily prayer interceding for yourself and for other people and for our leaders—both spiritual and national.

For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. (Gal 5:5) As we eagerly wait for the return of Jesus (or to arrive in heaven ourselves), wait with a sense of anticipation, eagerness and joy.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (Joh 16:33) The Lord warns us that we’ll experience tribulation somehow, at some point in our lives, but that we should be cheered up knowing that Jesus has already overcome the world. So be loyal and stalwart in believing the truth of this Scripture. Remember that the Lord is with you and that He fights FOR you. (Deu 3:22; Josh 23:10)

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Cor 15:58) Be devoted to thriving in the work of the Lord, knowing that one day you WILL receive your reward. The “work of the Lord” involves ministering to others (by prayer, service, or helps); sharing the gospel with others; and baptizing new believers or bringing them to church so that they can be baptized in water.

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Ac 2:42) Be unwavering in having fellowship with other believers; in sharing meals with them; in taking communion with other believers, and in prayers with them and for them.

Above all, rejoice in hope!

Worthy to Be Praised

My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits. (Ps 71:15 NKJV)

I will praise you every day; I will praise you forever and ever. (Ps 145:2 NCV)

On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate. People will speak of the power of Your awesome acts, and I will tell of Your greatness. They will burst forth in speaking of Your abundant goodness, and will shout joyfully of Your righteousness. (Ps 145:5-7 NASB)

I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies. (Ps 18:3 NKJV)

These passages from the Bible remind us of one vital truth:

That God is worthy to be praised!

Worthy means commendable, admirable, exemplary, and excellent! God is the model of who is eligible for praise and what sort of being has earned praise. He is the standard against whom all persons will be compared and judged!

When we meditate upon God’s glory, splendor, majesty, and His works, we cannot PREVENT ourselves from breaking into spontaneous praise and adoration. It bursts from us in an unstoppable flow, and causes us to shout joyfully praising God’s righteousness. Hallelujah!

And this is the same God who has provided salvation as a free gift to all of mankind. All He asks in return is that we place all of our faith, hope and trust in His Son, Jesus, who is our Savior and Redeemer. What a deal!

Savior & Deliverer

Our God is our Savior and our Deliverer. His Word is full of His promises to us, and it also contains the testimonies of many believers who have experienced the Lord’s saving power and deliverance.

The Lord will save me when anyone tries to hurt me, and he will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. Glory forever and ever be the Lord’s. Amen. (2 Tim 4:18 NCV)

But the Lord is faithful and will give you strength and will protect you from the Evil One. (2 Thes 3:3 NCV)

God saved us from these great dangers of death, and he will continue to save us. We have put our hope in him, and he will save us again. (2 Cor 1:10 NCV)

These Bible verses remind us of some wonderful truths about the God whom we serve:

God saves us from those who try to harm us;
The Lord will make sure that we arrive safely in heaven;
Our God is faithful;
God’s grace will give us strength and protect us from the enemy of our souls;
God has saved our souls, and will continue to save us day-by-day; and
As long as we put our hope in Him, He will continue to save us time after time.

There is no God like our God! (Ex 8:10; 1 Sam 2:2; 1 Chr 17:20) Let us give Him all of the glory, honor, and praise!

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Tag: hope