Topical Bible: Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for the Hope of the Gospel

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Patience is a virtue that is deeply embedded in the Christian faith, particularly in the context of waiting for the fulfillment of the promises of the Gospel. The New Testament frequently exhorts believers to exercise patience as they anticipate the ultimate hope found in Jesus Christ. This hope is not only a future expectation but also a present reality that shapes the life and conduct of the believer.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of patience in waiting for the hope of the Gospel is rooted in several key passages of Scripture. In Romans 8:24-25, the Apostle Paul writes, "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently." Here, Paul emphasizes that the essence of Christian hope is in the unseen and that patience is required as believers await the full realization of their salvation.

Similarly, in Hebrews 6:11-12, the author encourages believers to "show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." This passage highlights the necessity of patience in inheriting the promises of God, suggesting that it is through enduring faith and patience that believers will ultimately receive what has been promised.

The Role of Patience in the Christian Life

Patience is not merely a passive waiting but an active endurance. James 5:7-8 instructs, "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient for it until it receives the early and late rains. You too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near." The analogy of the farmer illustrates that patience involves a hopeful expectation and a readiness for the fulfillment of God's promises.

Moreover, patience is a fruit of the Spirit, as noted in Galatians 5:22-23, and is essential for the development of Christian character. It is through trials and tribulations that patience is cultivated, as stated in Romans 5:3-4: "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

The Hope of the Gospel

The hope of the Gospel is centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. It encompasses the assurance of eternal life, the resurrection of the body, and the restoration of all things. Titus 2:13 speaks of "the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This hope is both a present anchor for the soul and a future expectation that motivates believers to live godly lives in the present age.

In 1 Peter 1:3-4, the apostle Peter praises God for giving believers "a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you." This living hope is a dynamic force that sustains believers as they navigate the challenges of life, encouraging them to remain steadfast and patient.

Practical Implications

The exercise of patience in waiting for the hope of the Gospel has practical implications for the believer's life. It calls for a steadfast commitment to faith, a willingness to endure hardships, and a focus on the eternal rather than the temporal. Patience in this context is not resignation but a confident trust in God's timing and purposes.

Believers are encouraged to support one another in this journey, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:14, which urges the community to "encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone." This communal aspect of patience underscores the importance of mutual support and encouragement as believers await the fulfillment of God's promises together.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 8:25
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 5:5
For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xi. 5, "Which of You Shall have a ...
... because it is covered; let it be with patience waited for ... by his murmuring turn you
back from waiting for the ... into it; let them on earth be exercised, in heaven ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lv on the words.htm

Christian Graces.
... This staying shows us that lie exercised patience, waiting God's leisure ... Alas, sometimes
patience is accompanied with so much ... be possessed by the waiting soul. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xviii christian graces.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... the night is most doleful and uncomfortable, waiting for spring ... is kept alive by
the word, patience by hope ... he had hope, and as well he exercised it; wherefore ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, that we May Get Our Case ...
... To exercise their faith, dependence, patience, hope, and desire ... as have been acquainted
with exercised souls. ... casting his burden on him, waiting and depending ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xvii how to make.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 32, "Whosoever Shall Speak ...
... feed upon the plain parts, we are exercised by the ... once, what you are so very intently
waiting to hear ... exceedingly ungodly word, who "when the patience of God ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxi on the words.htm

Of the Perturbations of the Soul which Appear as Right Affections ...
... because they themselves groan within themselves, waiting for the ... emotions where He
judged they should be exercised. ... sense as that other, "The patience of the ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 9 of the perturbations of.htm

The Era of Persecution
... There were the lions waiting; there were Christians ... as firm pillars, able through
patience to endure ... arguments and entreaties, he even exercised the parental ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iii the era of persecution.htm

Fourth Sunday after Trinity Redemption of the Creatures.
... among nominal Christians, with so little patience they scarce ... even we ourselves groan
within ourselves, waiting for our ... faith is not to be exercised for the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/fourth sunday after trinity redemption.htm

A visit to the Harvest Field
... earth." Now, brethren in Christ, our waiting, if it ... of righteousness unto them that
are exercised thereby." Have ... Then you need as much patience in working as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/a visit to the harvest.htm

A More Particular view of the Several Branches of the Christian ...
... in the person by whom they are exercised, may be ... 4:19) You will also be careful that
"patience may have ... carry it against all, and keep you waiting quietly for ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xiv a more particular.htm