Be Patient unto the Coming of the Lord (James 5:7-11)
Introduction:
1. This morning our lesson was based on the Lord's statement in John 14:3, "I will come again." 2. Thankfully, the Scriptures teach us how to be prepared for that great day. 3. This evening we are basing our lesson on the admonition to "be patient unto the coming of the Lord," given in James 5:7a. 4. Throughout 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. d. In the verses we are studying, James called upon the Lord's people to: 1) be patient while facing trials 2) 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. (5:1-6) James showed how some rich men took advantage of their workers. 2. Apparently, some Christian workers faced 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. Some people 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.
Conclusion:
1. The Lord wants us to be ready for that day when He comes again. 2. Let us be diligent in following these instructions revealed by the Lord's brother. 3. "Let us be patient unto the coming of the Lord."
