Sermon: https://youtu.be/PH3gVMmG1ek
James 5:7-11
Notice the Words James Uses
•“Be patient”
•The farmer “waits”
•The farmer is “patiently waiting”
•The prophets are “an example of patience”
•The blessed “persevered”
•You’ve heard of Job’s “perseverance”
James 5:8 (NRSV)
“You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.”
Patience is a Key to Growth
•It takes time to grow.
•We grow daily, not in a day.
•While we wait for Jesus to come, He’s waiting for us to grow.
•He is not only preparing a place for us, He’s preparing us for a place.
Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
Patience is a Key to Relationships
•Notice James 5:9 “grumbling against one another”
•Patience… “long-tempered” or “long-suffering”
•Without patience… frustrated, irritable, angry
•Patience is a by-product of Love
Patience is a Key to Suffering
•Romans 5:3-4 “we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope.”
•Hebrews 6:19 “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”
• James 5:11 “As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered.”
Some Ideas…
•Standing in line… let person behind you go before you.
•Compliment someone who showed patience.
•When tempted to be angry/frustrated… 10 things thankful for.
•If someone is running late… pray for them.
•If you’re running late… call, apologize and try not to do again.
•Ask the Lord what you need to learn about patience.