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James 5:7-11
Introduction:
1. Subjects previously covered in our study of James include: a. "facing temptations" (1:2-18) b. "hearing and doing the Word" (1:19-27) c. "respect of persons" (2:1-13) d. "faith and works" (2:14-26) e. "a warning for teachers" (3:1) f. "use of the tongue" (3:2-12) g. "true and false wisdom" (3:13-18) h. "strife among Christians" (4:1-10) i. "speaking evil of others" (4:11-12) j. "self-sufficiency" (4:13-17) k. "words of warning and reproof for the rich" (5:1-6). 2. As he began his letter James emphasized the importance of "being patient." a. (1:2-3) James showed that patience is developed as a result of facing trials. b. (1:4) One who develops patience is a complete person. c. (1:5-7) To develop patience we are to ask God for wisdom as we face trials. 3. Near the conclusion of his letter (5:7-11) James called upon the Lord's people to: a. be patient while facing trials b. follow certain instructions while facing trials. Discussion: I. (vs.7-8) CHRISTIANS ARE TO BE PATIENT WHILE FACING TRIALS A. Be patient: "to persevere while facing misfortunes and troubles" 1. Earlier (5:1-6) James showed how some rich men took advantage of their workers. 2. Apparently, some Christian workers were facing this kind of treatment (2:6b-7). 3. James instructed Christians to be patient while undergoing such trials. B. Christians are to be patient "unto the coming of the Lord." 1. No one knows when the Lord will return (Matthew 24:36, 42, 44). 2. We can expect troubles to come our way until He returns. 3. However, affliction will cease at that time (Revelation 21:4; Romans 8:18). 4. (vs.8b) Looking forward to the Lord's return should help us to bear up under afflictions. C. (vs.7b) Illustration: The farmer is an example of patience as he waits for his harvest. 1. He plants his seed, and he hopes for the rain. 2. He endures until he can finally reap his harvest. 3. (vs.8a) We are to imitate the example of the farmer. D. We are to "be patient" [longsuffering] until Jesus returns and removes all things that afflict us. II. (vs.9-11) CHRISTIANS ARE TO FOLLOW CERTAIN INSTRUCTIONS WHILE FACING TRIALS A. (vs.9) We must not "grudge" [groan, murmur, complain] against one another. 1. People sometimes react to affliction by "grudging" against others (Exodus 14:10-12). 2. This kind of reaction can become a habit, but it has never solved any problem. 3. Rather than complain, we are to give our cares to the Lord (1 Peter 5:6-7). B. (vs.10-11) We must look to positive examples. 1. (vs.10) We must consider the patience of the prophets. a. They spoke in the name of the Lord, but they were often afflicted for their teaching (Jeremiah 20:1-2, 7-9; Daniel 6:16-23). b. The patience demonstrated by the prophets should encourage us to be patient. 2. We must consider the patience of Job. a. Job was a righteous man (1:1-5), but he suffered greatly (1:13-22; 2:7-10). b. In the end God blessed Job abundantly (42:12-17). 3. We must remember to study such examples for encouragement. | ||