Thinking About Getting Out of the Boat VIIIb
October 12, 2008
Lesson 8: On Learning to Wait, Part 2
Wednesday and Sunday Adult Bible Class – Fall Lesson Series
West Broad Church of Christ
October 12, 2008
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
(Adapted from materials by John Ortberg)
Introduction:
On Wednesday we considered the reluctance we humans often have toward waiting. We also noted several commands from God that instruct us to wait. We saw that there is a tension between what we want to do naturally and what God calls us to do supernaturally. How do we negotiate the idea of waiting as we walk on the waters of faith, and how does that act impact us as we live for Jesus in downtown Richmond?
I. The Role of Confident Humility
Waiting requires an understanding and willingness to submit to another person or situation in order to gain something we want or need. Question: How does waiting impact persons who do not have this understanding or willingness? How has it impacted you?
• A businessman’s example
• A Christian’s response
When we wait, we are reminded that we are not in charge. We also know, by reviewing the experiences of those who have gone before us, that waiting, while often difficult, is always beneficial.
• The result of Abraham
• The result of Israel
• The result for humanity
As people of faith, we learn from those who have gone before us that waiting is not comfortable, but it is always to our advantage. Question: Have you seen the benefits of waiting in your life? What were they?
II. On Harvesting Hope
The current economic crisis is a harrowing storm. As people of God who are endeavoring to walk on the waters of faith, how do we respond to this storm?
• The example of Jesus
• The example of the psalmist
Jesus and the psalmist provide an overall picture of peace and confidence as we wait through crises, but are there other considerations?
• Investigating Isaiah
What does Isaiah teach us? Whether we are walking, running, or soaring, Christians are called to be faithful and patient. We can do so joyfully, because the final product will be well worth the wait.
Summation and Challenge
Waiting forces us out of our comfort zone, but it also releases us to trust God more fully. The act of waiting is something that one must decide to do for oneself. It is a conscious choice. The question before you is, what choice will you make on this week?
