Patience & Perseverance - Mark Mayberry's Bible Study Site

1 1 Patience & Perseverance By Mark Mayberry 6/2/2013 Introduction Patience is greatly needed in a society that exists on fast food, frozen dinners and instant communication. Our culture says, You can have it all! Right now! However, this is not true. Longsuffering is necessary for real living. The race does not always go to the swift; often it belongs to the patient, persistent and persevering. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) and Perseverance is listed among the Christian graces (2 Pet. 1:6). Let us seek to understand these blessed words and apply them to our lives. Defining Greek Words Makrothumia Thomas defines [makrothumia] as a compound of makros [long, far distant] and thumos [passion, anger], meaning Patience , long-suffering [3115]. BDAG say it refers to (1) state of remaining tranquil while awaiting an outcome, Patience , steadfastness, endurance; (2) a state of being able to bear up under provocation, forbearance, Patience toward others; (a) of human beings; (b) of transcendent beings: God & Christ.

2 Thayer defines this Greek word as (1) Patience , endurance, constancy, steadfastness, Perseverance ; esp. as shown in bearing troubles and (2) Patience , forbearance, long-suffering, slowness in avenging i Vine says that Longsuffering is that quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish; it is the opposite of anger and is associated with mercy, and is used of God. Patience is the quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial; it is the opposite of despondency and is associated with hope. ii Unger s Bible Dictionary says that Longsuffering (Hebrew: EREK APPAYIM, slow to anger; Greek: MAKROTHUMIA), that disposition of God in accordance with which he delays the punishments of It is also mentioned as one of the Christian graces, and is shown in bearing troubles and ills, in a slowness in avenging wrongs.

3 Iii Baker s Dictionary of Theology: LONGSUFFERING. New Testament words built upon the stem MAKROTHYMIA are generally translated longsuffering or Patience . The LXX evidences this Greek stem as equivalent to the Old Testament EREK APPIM ( slow to anger ). HYPOMONE is the most common New Testament synonym, pointing to bearing up under 2 suffering or despair, whereas the MAKROTHYMIA word group suggests self-restraint in the face of unsatisfied desire. iv The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia says, The words EREKH APPAYIM, translated longsuffering, mean lit., long of nose (or breathing ), and, as anger was indicated by rapid, violent breathing through the nostrils, long of anger, or slow to wrath. The adj. is applied to v The New Bible Dictionary says The word in the New Testament rendered longsuffering, , which is the rendering of EREKH APPAYIM in the LXX, is lit.

4 , long of mind or soul (regarded as the seat of the emotions), opposed to shortness of mind or soul, irascibility, impatience, vi Trench defines this word as a long holding out of the mind before it gives room to anger. vii In summary, we speak of a short-tempered person, but unfortunately the English language does not have a corresponding term to describe a long-tempered person. Yet, this phrase would precisely express MAKROTHUMIA. One who is patient is literally long-tempered. This word expresses a certain attitude toward both people and circumstances. It expresses the attitude to people which never loses Patience with them, however unreasonable they may be, and which never loses hope for them, however unlovely and unteachable they may be. It expresses the attitude to events which never admits defeat, and which never loses its hope and its faith, however dark the situation may be, and however incomprehensible events may be, and however sore the chastening of God may be.

5 Viii Hupomone Thomas defines [hupomon ] as derived from hupomen [to stay behind, to await, endure], meaning a remaining behind, a patient enduring [5281]. BDAG say it refers to (1) the capacity to hold out or bear up in the face of difficulty, Patience , endurance, fortitude, steadfastness, Perseverance ; (2) the act or state of patient waiting for someone or something, expectation. Thayer defines this Greek word as (1) steadfastness, constancy, endurance; in the New Testament, the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings; patiently, and steadfastly; (2) a patient, steadfast waiting for; (3) a patient enduring, sustaining, Perseverance . ix Vine defines HUPOMONE as lit., an abiding is almost invariably rendered Patience .

6 X Unger s Bible Dictionary says, Longsuffering (Hebrew EREK APPAYIM, slow to anger; Greek: MAKROTHUMIA), that disposition of God in accordance with which he delays the punishments of xi The New Bible Dictionary says, In the Old Testament the quality of longsuffering is frequently attributed to God, and represents the restraint of His anger in the face of provocation. Whenever 3 He is described as longsuffering, or as being slow to , it is almost invariably in association with His gracious and merciful character towards sinful and rebellious men. xii Baker s Dictionary of Theology says, Longsuffering, a communicable attribute of God, expresses his goodness and forbearance as he endures the sinner s persistent obstinacy and wickedness and tirelessly calls him to repentance rather than to visit him with immediate judgment (Romans 2:4; 9:22).

7 Xiii The says, It is attributed to , of His bearing long with sinners and slowness to execute judgment on them. xiv Exemplified by Deity God often shows great longsuffering toward saints and sinners (Exod. 34:6-7). He does not wish that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9). This disposition was evidenced in the days of Noah, when God allowed that great patriarch 120 years to build the ark and warn his fellowmen of the coming judgment (1 Pet. 3:20). Paul considered himself a beneficiary of God s longsuffering (1 Tim. 1:15-16). We should, too. In fact, the longsuffering of God forms the foundation of our hope of salvation (2 Pet. 3:15). Demanded of Disciples The Old Testament Scriptures are a source of comfort and Patience (Rom. 15:4). Consider Abraham, to whom God made the land, nation and seed promise.

8 Twenty-five years elapsed before God gave him a son. Yet, he patiently endured and afterwards inherited the promises (Heb. 6:15). The Old Testament prophets and the patriarch Job are living monuments of suffering and Patience (James 5:10-11). Christians in general (1 Tim. 6:11), and older men in particular should exhibit this quality (Titus 2:2). In the parable of the sower, those depicted by the good ground keep the word in their hearts and bring forth fruit with Patience (Luke 8:15). Longsuffering and Patience are also vital components of love (1 Cor. 13:4). The terms are coupled with hope (1 Thess. 1:3) and joy (Col. 1:11). May the God of Patience help us to manifest the same qualities from day to day (Rom. 15:5). Toward God We must exercise Patience toward God (Psa. 37:5-7; 40:1; Luke 18:1-8). Sometimes we expect God to operate on our time schedule.

9 However, he is not bound by the constraints that limit and regulate our earthly lives. He accomplishes his work in his own way and time. Let us therefore be patient with God! Wait on God and allow him to answer prayer according to his wisdom and timing! 4 Toward People Longsuffering is a key ingredient of forgiveness (Col. 3:12-13). This quality, coupled with gentleness and forbearance, is necessary if we are to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-3). We are admonished to be patient with everyone (1 Thess. 5:14). We should be patient with others even though they may at times be unreasonable. One whose temper is set on a hair-trigger destroys peace, but the patient man will smooth over problems. From time to time, problems will inevitably arise among brethren, but Patience provides us with forbearance to endure such difficulties.

10 It causes us to bear with our brethren in their faults and shortcomings. Toward Events In Facing Trials Life inevitably has its difficulties. At times our situation may seem dark and hopeless, but Patience doesn t admit defeat or throw up its hands in despair; nor does it become discouraged or bitter. Patience enables us to stand up under pressure and remain steadfast regardless of life s circumstances. It enables us to overcome the trials of life. Christians must patiently endure persecutions, tribulations and suffering (2 Cor. 1:6; 2 Thess. 1:4). Facing difficulties and trials helps us develop a spirit of Perseverance which in turn leads to proven character (Rom. 5:3-4). The testing of our faith produces Patience which leads to completeness (James 1:3-4). As we face trials with Patience , we possess our souls and gain our lives (Luke 21:19).