Unlimited Patience

Unlimited Patience
Words of Faith 4-20-2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2023
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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1 Timothy 1
[15] Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners‑‑of whom I am the worst. [16] But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. [17] Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

"Lord, give me patience... and give it to me, quick!" Have you ever prayed that prayer? Or at least felt it in your heart?
It is difficult to wait a long time, especially for people to respond. But Paul tells us that Jesus has unlimited patience with people. He knew that truth personally. Paul claimed to be a sort of poster boy for the long patience of God, chosen as a perfect example to exhibit the unlimited patience of Jesus. We can see why. If ever there was a religious person who should have known better, it was Saul of Tarsus (Paul's original name).
Saul was raised and trained in the study of God's Law. He was exposed to all of the prophecies that pointed toward Jesus as the Messiah. He studied under the finest rabbinical teachers of the day. Yet, Saul still became the chief persecutor of those who claimed Jesus to be the Messiah.
While he probably never committed violence with his hands. After all, this would break the religious law. But Saul was extremely violent in approving the persecution and even execution of Christians. When the Lord finally spoke to him on the road to Damascus, Saul clearly understood how patient He had been with him.
Sometimes people get so far from God that there seems to be no way back. The problem is never with God. The problem is never that grace has somehow run out. The problem is never that Christ grew impatient. The problem is with us when we get so far from God that we no longer listen, and our hearts are hardened.

Where are you today? Are you far from God? Or perhaps you have just drifted a bit. You are not beyond the patience of our Lord Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I am the worst. Christ Jesus has displayed His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. I am in awe of the wonder of Your hand at work in people's lives and human affairs. Be glorified as You draw to Yourself those whom You are saving for eternity. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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