Zoom Bible Study: Tuesday 27th July 2021 @ 2.30
Last week we together explored the theme of wisdom: how we define it, how we gain it and from which sources; also, how to distinguish worldly from godly wisdom; and how to gain and guard this biblical/spiritual wisdom and apply it to our lives. We agreed wisdom was in short-supply and much-needed. We agreed we had only “scratched the surface” in our discussions.
We ended the bible study by reading Ecclesiastes 7 (wisdom), and said we would have a closer look at this passage during the week. What do you make of this most curious chapter; what jumped out for you; what do you understand/not understand; why do you think the Spirit included this body of wisdom literature in the Bible? Would reading this chapter inspire you to study Ecclesiastes in its entirety?
This week we consider PATIENCE, which is closely tied to wisdom. You will have noted from Ecclesiastes 7:8, that “...the patient in spirit are better than the proud in spirit.” (NRSV)
What words would you say are similar to or associated with patience (patient/patiently)? Use a thesaurus, a dictionary or a bible dictionary to help.
If God is patient in his nature, in what ways has the Lord shown Himself to be patient with us? (2 Peter 3:9; 3:15; Romans 2:4; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 3:20; Romans 9:22; Matthew 18: 21-35)
The Hebrew expression for patience is an idiom that translates literally, “long of nose” or “long of spirit”. What, then, might be the characteristics of such as person? (Proverbs 19:11; 14:29; 15:18; Ecclesiastes 7:9. There are others). How big is your nose?!
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18) clearly indicates that patience (like wisdom) is closely related to mercy and forgiveness. Why did the one servant fail to be patient or forgiving after having been forgiven so much? Why is God’s judgment so harsh? (vv. 34-35)
In what areas of your life do you need to develop more of this fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22)? What would you pray in your search or need for patience? (Write out a prayer, if that helps!)
MFR
Patience is not passive; on the contrary, it is active; it is concentrated strength. -Anonymous
A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains. -Dutch Proverb
Adopt the secret of nature: her secret is patience. -Emerson
He that can have patience can have what he will. -Franklin
Patience is the art of concealing your impatience. - Jones
Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. –Rousseau
(From Power Bible Quotes)