Title: What%20is%20your%20God%20like?
1What is your God like?
- Some think of God as they would men.
2What is your God like?
- Some think of God as they would men.
- The story of an atheist in the 1800s who cried
out in his lecture If there is a God, let Him
strike me dead now! After a moment he said See
there is no God!
3What is your God like?
- Some think of God as they would men.
- The story of an atheist in the 1800s who cried
out in his lecture If there is a God, let Him
strike me dead now! After a moment he said See
there is no God! - Someone replied in the newspaper the next day by
telling a story of an ant that climbed upon a
railroad track and proclaimed there is no train!
4What is your God like?
- We can be glad that God does not act like men!
5What is your God like?
- We can be glad that God does not act like men!
- Gods word makes it very clear that our God is
longsuffering!
6What is your God like?
- We can be glad that God does not act like men!
- Gods word makes it very clear that our God is
longsuffering! - God made this clear in the giving of the 10
commandments. (Ex. 344-7)
7What is your God like?
- Exodus 344-7 - So he cut two tablets of stone
like the first ones. Then Moses rose early in the
morning and went up Mount Sinai, as the LORD had
commanded him and he took in his hand the two
tablets of stone. 5 Now the LORD descended in
the cloud and stood with him there, and
proclaimed the name of the LORD.
8What is your God like?
- 6 And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed,
"The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious,
longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and
truth, 7 "keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving
iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means
clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the
fathers upon the children and the children's
children to the third and the fourth generation.
9What is your God like?
- Moses used this certain character of God in his
prayer to Him. (Num 1417-19)
10What is your God like?
- Numbers 1417-19 -"And now, I pray, let the
power of my LORD be great, just as You have
spoken, saying, 18 'The LORD is longsuffering
and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and
transgression but He by no means clears the
guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on
the children to the third and fourth generation.'
11What is your God like?
- 19 "Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray,
according to the greatness of Your mercy, just as
You have forgiven this people, from Egypt even
until now."
12Who Needs the Longsuffering of God?
- What do we mean by longsuffering? (Rom 24)
13Who Needs the Longsuffering of God?
- Romans 24 - Or do you despise the riches of His
goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not
knowing that the goodness of God leads you to
repentance?
14Who Needs the Longsuffering of God?
- In Rom. 24 the Greek word is makrothumia.
15Who Needs the Longsuffering of God?
- Thayers dictionary gives two definitions.
16Who Needs the Longsuffering of God?
- Thayers dictionary gives two definitions.
- a) patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness,
perseverance.
17Who Needs the Longsuffering of God?
- Thayers dictionary gives two definitions.
- a) patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness,
perseverance. - b) patience, forbearance, longsuffering, slowness
in avenging wrongs.
18Who Needs the Longsuffering of God?
- Thayers dictionary gives two definitions.
- a) patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness,
perseverance. - b) patience, forbearance, longsuffering, slowness
in avenging wrongs. - All sinful men need the longsuffering of God!
19Who Needs the Longsuffering of God?
- Men refuse to see the righteousness of God and
thus minimize their own sins. (Rom 323-26)
20Who Needs the Longsuffering of God?
- Romans 323-26 - for all have sinned and fall
short of the glory of God, 24 being justified
freely by His grace through the redemption that
is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a
propitiation by His blood, through faith, to
demonstrate His righteousness, because in His
forbearance God had passed over the sins that
were previously committed,
21Who Needs the Longsuffering of God?
- 26 to demonstrate at the present time His
righteousness, that He might be just and the
justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
22Who Needs the Longsuffering of God?
- Every man on earth needs it, both the righteous
and the unrighteous.
23Who Needs the Longsuffering of God?
- Every man on earth needs it, both the righteous
and the unrighteous. - In the scriptures, when a man appears before God
he immediately becomes aware of his sin and thus
his need of longsuffering and forgiveness. (Isa.
65-7)
24Who Needs the Longsuffering of God?
- Isaiah 65-7 - So I said "Woe is me, for I am
undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I
dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips
For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of
hosts." 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me,
having in his hand a live coal which he had taken
with the tongs from the altar.
25Who Needs the Longsuffering of God?
- 7 And he touched my mouth with it, and said
"Behold, this has touched your lips Your
iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged."
26The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- It produces gratitude and humility. (1 Tim
115-16)
27The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- 1 Timothy 115-16 - 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. 16 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.
28The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- Paul clearly understood the longsuffering of God.
Are we any different?
29The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- Paul clearly understood the longsuffering of God.
Are we any different? - God wants our hearts. The revealing of His
goodness changes ours!
30The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- Paul clearly understood the longsuffering of God.
Are we any different? - God wants our hearts. The revealing of His
goodness changes ours! - What if God gave us what we deserved immediately?
(ex. Preacher who asked this question.)
31The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- What if the Lord had returned in December of
2004? What if He came today? (2 Pt 39)
32The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- 2 Peter 39 - The Lord is not slack concerning
His promise, as some count slackness, but is
longsuffering toward us, not willing that any
should perish but that all should come to
repentance.
33The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- Am I only deferring His anger of having it
quenched?
34The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- Am I only deferring His anger of having it
quenched? - It produces hardness and arrogance. (Rom 23-4)
35The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- Romans 23-4 - And do you think this, O man, you
who judge those practicing such things, and doing
the same, that you will escape the judgment of
God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His
goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not
knowing that the goodness of God leads you to
repentance?
36The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- Again some view God as they would a man.delay
means weakness.
37The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- Again some view God as they would a man.delay
means weakness. - The sinner gains nothing by delaying God.
38The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- Again some view God as they would a man.delay
means weakness. - The sinner gains nothing by delaying God.
- The real danger in each of us is becoming
hardened to the grace of God.
39The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- It produces change and growth in men. (1 Tim
112-16)
40The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- 1 Timothy 112-17 - And I thank Christ Jesus our
Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me
faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13
although I was formerly a blasphemer, a
persecutor, and an insolent man but I obtained
mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
41The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly
abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ
Jesus. 15 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.
42The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- 16 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. 17
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to
God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever
and ever. Amen.
43The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- We need to know what can be and to know that God
will be with us.
44The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- God knows how to build men.
45The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- God knows how to build men.
- It produces confidence in the justice of God. (2
Cor 510)
46The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- 2 Corinthians 510 10 For we must all appear
before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one
may receive the things done in the body,
according to what he has done, whether good or
bad.
47The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- Was Gods longsuffering good news or bad for
Israel? (Isa 489)
48The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- Isaiah 489 - "For My name's sake I will defer
My anger, And for My praise I will restrain it
from you, So that I do not cut you off.
49The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- Is Gods longsuffering good or bad news for us?
(Rom 25)
50The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- Romans 25 - But in accordance with your
hardness and your impenitent heart you are
treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of
wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of
God,
51The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- It makes us aware of the providence of God. (Rom
922-23)
52The Fruits of the Longsuffering of God
- Romans 922-23 - What if God, wanting to show
His wrath and to make His power known, endured
with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath
prepared for destruction, 23 and that He might
make known the riches of His glory on the vessels
of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for
glory,
53The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Longsuffering is a sign of real maturity.
54The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Longsuffering is a sign of real maturity.
- It is a fruit of the spirit. (Gal 522-23)
55The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Galatians 522-23 22 But the fruit of the
Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness,
self-control. Against such there is no law.
56The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- It is a product of faith. (Col 110-11)
57The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Colossians 110-11 10 that you may walk worthy
of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful
in every good work and increasing in the
knowledge of God 11 strengthened with all
might, according to His glorious power, for all
patience and longsuffering with joy
58The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Longsuffering is a choice.we put it on! (Col
38-14)
59The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Colossians 38-14 8 But now you yourselves are
to put off all these anger, wrath, malice,
blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off
the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on
the new man who is renewed in knowledge according
to the image of Him who created him,
60The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew,
circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian,
Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and
in all. 12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy
and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness,
humility, meekness, longsuffering 13 bearing
with one another, and forgiving one another, if
anyone has a complaint against another even as
Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
61The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- 14 But above all these things put on love, which
is the bond of perfection.
62The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- This will eliminate the short fuse and hasty
accusations. It will also eliminate gossip. It
will eliminate revenge and cursing.
63The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- This will eliminate the short fuse and hasty
accusations. It will also eliminate gossip. It
will eliminate revenge and cursing. - Some mistake longsuffering for ignoring the
person or even worse for harboring hate in
silence!
64The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Longsuffering is essential for the growth of
Christians and the church.
65The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- How can true unity be possible? (Eph 41-2)
66The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Ephesians 41-2 I, therefore, the prisoner of
the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the
calling with which you were called, 2 with all
lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering,
bearing with one another in love,
67The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- The atmosphere of a church can be that of
optimistic growth and encouragement or that of
distrust, suspicion and revenge. Which will it
be?
68The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Longsuffering must abound in those who teach! (2
Tim 41-2)
69The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- 2 Timothy 41-2 I charge you therefore before
God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the
living and the dead at His appearing and His
kingdom 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season
and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with
all longsuffering and teaching.
70The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Will I let Gods word do its work?
71The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Will I let Gods word do its work?
- Many refuse to give the seed time to work. (Ex.
Lima bean in jar.)
72The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- We must make a judgment in those we are trying to
restore. (Jude 22-23)
73The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Jude 122-23 22 And on some have compassion,
making a distinction 23 but others save with
fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even
the garment defiled by the flesh.
74The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Longsuffering in my life will have an influence
on others. (2 Tim 310-12 Rom 1217-21)
75The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- 2 Timothy 310-12 10 But you have carefully
followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose,
faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11
persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me
at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra -- what
persecutions I endured. And out of them all the
Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to
live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer
persecution.
76The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Romans 1217-21 17 Repay no one evil for evil.
Have regard for good things in the sight of all
men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on
you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do
not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to
wrath for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I
will repay," says the Lord.
77The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- 20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him
If he is thirsty, give him a drink For in so
doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil
with good.
78The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Longsuffering must be in our homes!
79The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Longsuffering must be in our homes!
- Longsuffering is essential for our salvation.
80The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Longsuffering must be in our homes!
- Longsuffering is essential for our salvation.
- That which is in the character of God must become
a part of our lives!
81The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Please do not stop will the knowledge of a few
facts!
82The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Please do not stop will the knowledge of a few
facts! - Let Gods longsuffering work for your salvation.
(2 Pet 314-15)
83The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- 2 Peter 314-15 14 Therefore, beloved, looking
forward to these things, be diligent to be found
by Him in peace, without spot and blameless 15
and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord
is salvation -- as also our beloved brother Paul,
according to the wisdom given to him, has written
to you,
84The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- Let Gods longsuffering cause you to be urgent!
(2 Cor 62)
85The Fruits of Our Own Longsuffering
- 2 Corinthians 62 - For He says "In an
acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day
of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is
the accepted time behold, now is the day of
salvation.