"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. 11Behold, 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." James 5:7-11
BIG IDEA:
You can be patient because Jesus will be triumphant.
WHAT IS PATIENCE?
- Patience: being “happy to wait.”
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Patience is not waiting well in line, but waiting well in life.
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Patience is not resignation or inaction. It acts, but it acts without angst.
"Perish the whole world, so I may make patience my gain!
…So amply sufficient a depositary of patience is God. If it be a wrong which you deposit in His care, He is an Avenger; if a loss, He is a Restorer; if pain, He is a Healer; if death, He is a Reviver." Tertullian, Of Patience
(V.7-8) Patience with Labor–The Fruit is Sure
(V.9) Patience with People–The Judge is near
(V. 10-11) Patience with Suffering–Compassion is Coming
"Patience, hard thing! the hard thing but to pray,
But bid for, Patience is! Patience who asks
Wants war, wants wounds; weary his times, his tasks;
To do without, take tosses, and obey.
Rare patience roots in these, and, these away,
Nowhere. Natural heart’s ivy, Patience masks
Our ruins of wrecked past purpose.There she basks
Purple eyes and seas of liquid leaves all day." Gerard Manley Hopkins, Patience, Hard Thing
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- What is the patience described in James 5:7-11? How is that different from how we typically think and talk about patience?
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Why is patience essential, and impatience a serious sin?
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Of the three areas for patience described in the sermon, what do you struggle with the most? What would growth here look like for you?
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How does the return of Christ help us be patient? What are some practical ways we can learn to set our hopes and desires on the day Christ returns?