The Gospel of Matthew: Patience Edition
Welcome to this study of patience through the example of Jesus Christ. The BibleACTS devotionals are designed to guide you in renewing your mind and strengthening your growth points in Christlikeness. This volume focuses on patience, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and one of the most vital characteristics for walking faithfully with God and others.
In this study, you will journey through the Gospel of Matthew, examining how Jesus modeled patience in every season of His life. You’ll see how He endured opposition, betrayal, and suffering with grace and restraint. You’ll learn from His interactions with sinners, disciples, and skeptics, observing how His patient love transformed lives.
By reflecting on Jesus’ example, you’ll discover practical ways to grow in patience in your own life. This devotional will challenge you to:
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Recognize areas where impatience hinders your relationships and faith.
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Align your responses with Christ’s patient endurance.
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Develop a deeper trust in God’s timing and purposes.
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Cultivate a spirit of grace and understanding toward yourself and others.
How to Use This Devotional / Study Bible
To get the most from this study, consider the following:
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Daily Reading: Aim to read one or two chapters per day. Spend time in both the Scripture text and the commentary provided, reflecting deeply on Jesus’ example of patience.
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Meditate on Key Lessons: As you read, pause to meditate on how Jesus responded to situations requiring patience. Let His actions shape how you approach challenges in your life.
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Take Notes: Keep a journal to record your insights, thoughts, and prayers. Write down any additional lessons the Holy Spirit reveals to you as you read. This practice will deepen your understanding and help you apply what you’ve learned.
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Pray for Growth: Begin each session with prayer, asking God to teach you and transform you into the likeness of Christ in the area of patience.
The Promise of Growth / Defining Patience
This study isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about transformation. As you consistently engage with these devotionals, God will renew your mind (Romans 12:2), strengthening your patience and helping you to endure trials with grace. You’ll find that patience is not only a discipline but also a gift, empowering you to live in harmony with others and in alignment with God’s will.
Patience, by definition, means cheerful endurance. It expresses the ability to wait for what one desires, or even to suffer, with a joyful mind.
Patience is rooted in self-control because it is on oneself to choose to be patient or to resist impatient thinking. Impatience (wanting immediate gratification) is of the flesh, and a fleshly impulse that must be mastered.
Therefore, self-control, which is to quickly quell the desire to pursue or dwell on what cannot or should not be immediately acquired, is the root and strength of patience. One will be patient if they have control and mastery over impatient thoughts. Also pay attention to the restraint and self-control that Jesus uses in being patient with Himself, with others, and with time and circumstances.