the power of patience and persistence
DESCRIPTION
James 5:7-12TRANSCRIPT
Series – ‘Developing a faith that works’
Today
‘The power of patience and persistence’
James 5:7-12
James addressing suffering Christians
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything – James 1:2-4
James addressing suffering Christians
When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your
lives my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome
them as friends!
James 1:2 (J B Phillips)
The Greek bit!
Patience = Gk ‘macrothumia’ several shades of meaning – ‘long anger’ having a long fuse and not a short fuse
Perseverance = Gk ‘huponome’ constant endurance
1. WHEN should I wait? 2. WHY should I wait? 3. HOW should I wait?
WHEN should I wait?
See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting
for the autumn and spring rains
James 5:7b
Circumstances are outside our control
WHEN should I wait?
“True patience is waiting without
worrying”
Chuck Swindoll
WHEN should I wait?
Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the
prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord
James 5:10
Other people don’t seem to change
WHEN should I wait?
You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy
James 5:11
No explanation for your suffering
WHY should I wait patiently?
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming – James 5:7a
Y0u too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near – James 5:8
Demonstrates that God is in control
WHY should I wait patiently?
But the plans of the Lord stand firm for ever, the purposes of his heart through
all generations
Psalm 33:11
Demonstrates that God is in control
WHY should I wait patiently?
… we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what
the Lord finally brought about.
James 5:11
God rewards patience & persistence
WHY should I wait patiently?
When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave
him twice as much as before!
Job 42:10
God rewards patience & persistence
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness … Blessed are you when people
insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for
in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you
Matt 5:10-12
HOW should I wait patiently?
I wait eagerly for the LORD’s help, and in His word I trust
Psalm 130:5 (GNB)
Sense of expectation
“Waiting for an answer to prayer is often part of the answer”
HOW should I wait patiently?
Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged - James 5:9a
Wait without grumbling and groaning
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love
Eph 4:2
WHEN should I wait?
• Circumstances are outside our control
• Other people don’t seem to change
• No explanation why you’re suffering
WHY should I wait patiently?
• God is in control
• God rewards patience
HOW should I wait patiently?
• With a sense of expectation
• Without grumbling an groaning
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer
Rom 12:12
The final word