God is Patient - Seniors

God is Patient

October 26, 2008

1 Timothy 1:12-16

In 1 Timothy 1:12-16 the Bible says: “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

If God were impatient; we would all experi­ence immediate wrath for sin. Imagine living in constant fear of doing something wrong! Fortunately for mankind, His patience is great.

One reason that the Lord shows mercy is because He knows we have a fallen nature. Just as a toddler has to learn obedience, God's children also must learn to walk in His ways. He takes pleasure in watching us do what is right; therefore, He allows us time and room for mistakes.

Paul appreciated God's patience. His life demonstrated that because the Father is slow to anger, unbelievers have a much greater opportunity for salvation (1 Tim. 1:16).

- In Romans 2:4, the apostle affirms that our heavenly Father's kindness and mercy lead to repentance. But in the following verse, he warns those with stubborn hearts that they will experience judgment. In other words, the warning is that God's patience will at some point run out if someone con­tinuously sins against Him.

In the Old Testament, Israel repeatedly experienced this painful truth. The people turned away from the Lord and did evil in His sight by worshiping idols. God patiently tolerated their waywardness, giving them opportunity to choose obedience. But even­tually, He'd withdraw His protection until they would cry out and return to Him.

Is there unconfessed sin in your life? Be thankful that the Lord has been slow to anger. And be wise: do not test the limits of His patience.