The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Course: The Fruit of
the Spirit
Lesson Five (Outline)
Title: Longsuffering
Text: Colossians 1:11, 'Strengthened with all
might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering
with joyfulness;’
Theme: Longsuffering restrains from anger and is associated with patience that endures under trials.
Introduction: Longsuffering (Greek: makrothumia) from the words makros ‘long’, thumos ‘temper’. A
longsuffering person is easy to approach.
· Longsuffering is the fruit of the Spirit in contrast to anger.
· Longsuffering does not retaliate under provocation.
· Longsuffering is merciful and does not seek to punish hastily.
Introductory Story: Watching sport reveals human nature.
A player who loses his temper and hits an opponent in anger can cost his team the match.
Question: Why was the player unable to restrain himself?
The best players in the world may be very skilful yet unable to restrain anger.
Exposition:
1.
Longsuffering is seen in the
character of the Lord,
Exodus 34:6-7.
2.
Longsuffering is the restraint
of anger. Ephesians 4:26.
3.
Longsuffering goes hand in hand
with patience, Colossians
1:11.
4. Longsuffering looks to the Lord to repay, Romans 12:19-21.
Conclusion:
Longsuffering
will…
1.
…reveal
the nature and character of God in the life of the believer.
2.
…place
a barrier of restraint. It will not
allow anger to control the actions.
3.
…go
hand in hand with patience.
4.
…not
seek vengeance but leaves us free to bless those who do us wrong.
What should the student do?
Ensure that I
am
1)
…easy
to approach. People are not afraid to
speak with me.
2)
…not
easily irritated.
3)
…not
controlled by anger
4)
…able
to stand under trials
5)
…never
seeking vengeance.