The difficulty of waiting is enflamed by our culture’s preoccupation with self. However the early church struggled with the creep of selfishness the same as us. No where is secret assault more detrimental than to the unity and communion of the church family. 

Observations:

1. Failure to wait reveals your highest concern is yourself
2. Failure to wait turns differences in to divisions
3. Failure to wait hijacks the Lord’s Supper
4. Failure to wait dissolves genuine fellowship
5. Failure to wait will result in judgment

Conclusions: 

1. Waiting for one another is the prerequisite to Christian community
2. Waiting for one another highlights the internal commitments of God’s covenant
3. Waiting for one another is God’s sandpaper for your sanctification

Application: How do I learn to wait? 

1. Corporate examination
2. Personal examination
3. Aim to be a blessing

Matthew 5:23-24

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

Philippians 2:1-5

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”