PATIENCE AND PRAYER JAMES 4:7-19

Introduction:

James begins the book talking to us about joy in the midst of trials and our patience regarding trials. Now James addresses this issue once again. It is as if James is saying “this life can get tough and it seems that those who should suffer don’t and those who don’t suffer should. But be patient becasue the Judge is coming.”

We wait for the coming of the Lord. Paul told Titus that we are “looking for the blessed hop and the appearance of the glory.” We work and we continue to walk through trials and face difficulty and we get weary and worn and for sure when the ship hits the shore it will be battered but nonetheless we watch for His return with patience.

Patience In Difficulty (James 4:7-12)

There are two words used here in verses 7-11 for the word patient. In verses 7-10 it is the word makrothum meaning “to be longsuffering”. In verse 11 the word used is hupomon meaning steadfast endurance. AT times we use these words interchangeably and yet there is a distinction. One has to do with how we respond to difficult circumstances and the other has to do with how we respond to difficult people.

The word translated “longsuffering”means “to be long tempered”. The word suggests self restaint that enables you to bear insult and injury without a hasty retaliation. James tells us to be patient “unto the coming of the Lord.” When you are insulted or injured by someone, don’t be so quick to respond; the Lord Jesus is coming and when He comes he will take care of the injustice in this world. There is a song that says “sweet heaven will fix it all.”

James gives us examples or illustrations of patience. 1. The Farmer (5:7) The farmer prepares the soil, sows the seed, keeps the garden free of weeds yet for the germination of the seed and the rain to feed it, the farmer must trust the providential hand of God. The attitude of watchful and constant expectancy.

APPLICATION: James says “Now you be longsuffering or patient when it comes to trials. “Establish your heart”: This is the strengthening of one’s inner being. It is a firmness of faith and constantcy.

Just like the farmer waits, we wait for the crowning day, the day of victory, the city that we have by faith seen whose builder and maker is God. You may say “Oh but it is seems like this is never going to end.

“Men count time long, because they measure it by their own lives; but all time is as nothing to God; it is as a moment.”

2. The prophets: They were a “pattern of patience in suffering.” So when it falls our lot to suffer, remember the prophets suffered and were patient. Likewise we should also be patient in our suffering.

3. Job: The perseverance of Job and in response to that God is compassionate and merciful.

PRAYER THROUGH DIFFICULTY (5:13-18)

James begins by asking who is sick or suffering among them. “Sick” or “suffering” carries the idea of physical, emotional, mental difficulty. What is the proper response when sickness, suffering, difficulty comes upon you.

“Let him pray.”

This is a petition that we carry before the Lord. It is intercession.

“We should keep on praying.”

WE SHOULD PRAY IN TIMES OF SUFFERING. The affliction may or may not be removed but through prayer those suffering are granted grace to bear it.

WE PRAISE IN TIMES OF JOY. If there is one who is cheerful: “Let him sing psalms.” Sing and rejoice. Lift praise to God.

When there are feelings of sorrow or feelings of joy, pray and praise.

WE SHOULD PRAY IN TIMES OF SICKNESS

“Is any among you sick?” This is a more narrow term than “afflicted”. It has the meaning of being incapcitated: that is so sick that one cannot work. Precisely it means “without strength.”