James 5:7-11
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.
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.
Suffering people want
about when the suffering will end.
God’s answer for suffering Christians is, “Be
; Christ is
.”
is the answer for suffering Christians (v. 7a).
Patience is pictured by
(v. 7b).
Patience is
in two specific ways (vv. 8-9).
in Christ is one way we demonstrate patience (v. 8).
Not
is another way we demonstrate patience (v. 9).
Patience will be
(vv. 10-12).
God rewarded the
for being patient as they suffered for him (vv. 10-11a).
God rewarded
for being patient in his suffering (v. 11b-c).
God will reward
patience, too, because of who he is (v. 11d).
Big Idea: Be
until Christ comes as an Intentional Act of Faith.
Is your
wavering? Be strengthened and stand firm (v. 8)? Are you
? Change your mind and give thanks instead (v. 9).