Patience is a Virtue

What role does waiting have in the life of a Christian? This hour-long Bible study written by Seminary student, Benjamin Riley, can be used as part of a small group or as a personal meditation. What are you waiting for?

Download a PDF of the Bible Study: Patience is a Virtue

What are some things you’ve had to wait for in life?

How did you feel during those times of waiting?

Can waiting for something cause you to sin? Explain.

Abraham and Sarah

Genesis 12:1-4
Genesis 17: 1-2, 17-21
Genesis 21:1-7

What are Abraham and Sarah waiting for?

How long do they have to wait?

How does God show His love to Abraham and Sarah?

God’s People in Egypt

Exodus 1:8-11
Exodus 2:23
Exodus 3:7-10
Exodus 12:31
Exodus 13:14-16

What were the Israelites waiting for?

How long did they have to wait? (hint: Moses was born during this time. And Exodus 7:7)

How did God show His love to the Israelites?

Simeon

Luke 2:25-35

What was Simeon waiting for?

How long did Simeon have to wait?

How did God show His love to Simeon?

You

What are you waiting for?

How long have you had to wait?

How has God shown His love to you?

God’s people are used to waiting…but He is always faithful in keeping His promises.

“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 Peter 3:9.

What does this show us about God’s patience?

How can this help us learn to be patient?

We aren’t always patient and that causes us to sin. We should be punished for this sin, but Romans 9 tells us what God does.

Romans 9

The anger of God that was meant for you was put on Jesus. Jesus took your punishment for sin.

God did not send someone else to save us, Jesus came and took the punishment himself. Why do you think He did that?

In His great love for you, the Lord has been patient with you. He has forgiven you, and continues to forgive you over and over and over again. You can live in that forgiveness now, and live because of that forgiveness forever in heaven.

How does that effect your life today?

What does that mean for you this week?

Published May 2, 2013

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About the author

Benjamin Riley