“The Suffering Servant” James 5 (YG)

1. (V7) Be patient until the coming of the Lord

(Context) James was writing to the suffering servant

In the beginning of chapter 5….The laborers worked really hard for a days wage

James rebuked thee rich land owners, not for being rich but because they took advantage of their workers and withheld their pay

There was nothing they could do about it because often times the rich control the courts

James rebuked the rich and now he is trying to comfort the suffering servant

The problems of life:

Maybe its a struggle with school and the stress that comes along with it, maybe you have dealt with a difficult situation, such as hurt or tragedy, maybe your losing the battle with personal holiness

Maybe your involved with drugs or know someone who is

My world is far away from drugs and things of that nature, that I can make the mistake in thinking its the same for you guys

Every once in a while I will have a parent call me and tell me things that shock me and I don’’t want to hear about our youth group

I am reminded of the different problems you face

Problems are Promised:

John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””

Difficult times are promises but Jesus tells us to have peace

a) Be patient Until the coming of the Lord

The Greek word for patience is Long tempered

Long suffering

Patience means to stay put and stand fast when you would like to run away

Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

I see people start out strong when they come to faith, but sometimes people fall away

b) Our hope is in Christ

Whether we die and enter into Heaven

OR

Rapture of the church

In Luke 12:40 Jesus taught His disciples to watch and wait

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

c) The farmer waits patiently

James refers to the early rains (coming in late October or early November) that were essential to soften the ground for plowing, and to the latter rains (coming in late April or May) which were essential to the maturing of the crops shortly before harvest.

The farmer had to wait for this rainfall twice in the year; but although he could do nothing to bring it, he did not lose heart

d) The prophets

An example of suffering and patience

They were obedient, yet they suffered

Jesus was obedient and he went to the cross

James 5:10 “My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.”

James 5:11 “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”

2. (V8) Establish your heart

Those of you who have placed your trust in Christ

The word Establish means to strengthen, steadfastly set or fix firmly in place, your heart upon Christ

Your faith will be tested

James 1:2–4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

James says recognize the testing as an opportunity for growth, don’t get discouraged and walk away

John 6:67–68 “Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”