God’s Patience

Posted by Karah

Pause

Let the wonder of God’s patience toward sinners overwhelm you today by contemplating this quote:

“How wondrous is God’s patience with the world today. On every side people are sinning with a high hand . . . It is truly amazing that He does not instantly strike dead those who so brazenly defy Him.”  —A.W. Pink

God’s patience is part of His character. But like everything in God’s economy, that patience has a purpose. Pore over Romans 2:1-4 in your Bible looking for that purpose. Underline it when you find it.

“Do you really think—anyone of you who judges those who do such things yet do the same—that you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

—Romans 2:3-4

Paul was writing to Jews who condemned the Gentiles for their wickedness while overlooking their own. His point was that everyone of us have gone our own way and will face judgment. Why would this have been vital news to the Jews? Why is it important to you?

God isn’t just patient and tolerant with the Gentiles; He is patient with all people. This isn’t careless oversight. He is patient in order to lead people to repentance. What does this reveal about God’s character? Explain.

Respond

When has God’s kindness led you to repentance? Journal your thoughts and thank Him for showing you such kindness.

For further study, listen to Chris Tomlin’s “Kindness” on The Noise We Make.

Behind the Story

Many scholars see Romans 2 as a warning to the Jews not to assume that their national identity was enough to give them right standing before God. Many Jews believed that because they had historically been God’s people, had the Law and supposedly kept it, that God would regard them as righteous. But Paul said everyone has fallen short of God’s standard. It is only a relationship with Christ that brings salvation, not your family’s faith or how good or moral you are.

The Point

In God’s kindness, He gives ample opportunity for repentance, but judgment is coming. Don’t mistake His patience for approval of sin!

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions