(Bible references from ESV unless otherwise noted)

Accountability awaits abusers.

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. —James 5:1-3
Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you. —James 5:4-6
The first abusive behavior is hoarding.

The second abusive behavior is fraud.

The third abusive behavior is hedonism.

The fourth abusive behavior is cruelty.

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. —James 5:7-12

Anticipate Jesus’ return.

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. —James 5:7-8

Rely on Jesus’ judgment not yours.

Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. —James 5:9

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. —2 Corinthians 5:10

The Lord’s mercy is upon you in your steadfast suffering.

Rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. —1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. —Hebrews 2:18

Take home truth

Be patient in pain because God is present and purposeful.

Study Guide

Our small groups are meeting using online tools such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc. We encourage you to complete the study guide as an individual. For group discussion, we recommend the following short version to facilitate discussion.
Welcome and check in.
Let each person share a short update on how they are doing. This is so important. (Be known)
Discuss the message. (Be encouraged/challenged)
1. What was one or two things that stood out to you?
2. How is God speaking to you through His word?
3. What is one thing you need to do about what you heard?
4. Who(m) are you planning to reach out to this week? (ex: family, neighbor, friend, coworker) Calls/texts/front yard visits (knock on door and wait on sidewalk or lawn)
Pray for one another. (Be known and encouraged)
1. Take prayer requests and ask for a volunteer to pray for each one.
2. After the first person shares their request, ask for a volunteer to pray.
3. As the “moderator” write them down so you can prompt the next prayer person.
(Most of us are finding that an 60-90 minutes is plenty of time to have a great meeting.)

Pursue God

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. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. —James 5:7-8 (NIV)

Explain/Explore:
Apply (What did I learn about God or myself?):
Respond (Pray):

Practice His Ways
Focus on the following practice in your pursuit of God:
Learn to recognize the big events and daily moments God uses to deepen your relationship with Him.
Observe the places in your life where God is getting your attention. What made you sad, glad, or mad today? What stood out from the passage above or Jay’s message?
Reflect on these areas. Where do you need to change the way you are thinking? What truth do you need to believe in its place?
Discuss this with your group or another close person in your life. What is God asking or leading you to do?

Pursue Others
Courageously choose to know and be known by sharing what God is doing in your life with your group.
1. What are some specific ways materialism and covetousness show up in your own life?

2. Why are sins of omission easier to downplay than sins of commission?

3. Why is faith in God’s character so crucial in our suffering? How is Job a model in this regard?

Practice His Ways
Focus on the following practice in your pursuit of others:
Intentionally care for someone by visiting, preparing meals, writing notes, or praying for them.
Who in your neighborhood could use care this week?
Think about caring for a member of our church family who is homebound or in a care facility.
Who in your group could use care this week?