The Book of James: Be Patient
James 5:7-12 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned. (NIV)
WHEN SHOULD I BE PATIENT?
1. When circumstances are uncontrollable
James 5:7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. (NIV)
2. When people are unwilling to change
James 5:10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. (NIV)
3. When problems are unexplainable
James 5:11 You have heard of Job’s perseverance… (NIV)
WHY BE PATIENT?
1. Because God is in control
James 5:8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. (NIV)
Matthew 28:18-20 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)
2. Because God rewards patience
James 5:11a As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. (NIV)
Matthew 5:3-10 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (NIV)
Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (NIV)
3. Because God is working things out
James 5:11b You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. (NIV)
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO BE DOING WHILE I'M WAITING ON GOD?
1. Wait expectantly
Isaiah 49:23 Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” (NIV)
2. Wait quietly
James 5:9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! (NIV)
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (NIV)