Patient and Persevering CCS

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

A few weeks back, we left off with a strong rebuke to those self centered merchants who seem to succeed in their business plan and the expense of those poor laborers

(Context) James was writing to the suffering servant

God is not deaf to the cries of injustice that rise both from wages withheld in fraud and from the laborers who have been oppressed by the rich

If you remember we left on a rebuke to the rich land owners who refused to pay their workers their due wages

Difficult times 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.””

Be patient

But notice, James has not lost his moral perspective in the midst of his moral passion.

He has already expressed his outrage, but his concern is still for purity among the Christians, and he discerns the danger of falling into sin here

a) The Greek word for be patient is a compound word long / temper

The idea is to set the timer of ones temper for a long run or have a long fuse

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

b) Our flesh gets annoyed or inpatient in dealing with mistreatment

Ephesians 4:26 ““Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,”

Psalm 37:8 “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.”

Don’t let someone’s sin become your own

c) Trials are an opportunity to develop patience

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.”

God uses the difficult situations to mold us into the image of Christ

Hebrews 5:8 “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.”

d) The theme of James is Christian maturity

Patient in our suffering is a mark of maturity

The first key to patience in the midst of a trial is correct perspective

1.1 (V7) Until the coming of the Lord

How long do I need to be patient in the midst of being mistreated?

a) Until the coming of the Lord

Live with anticipation of the judge standing at the door

Stay focused and don’t loose heart and grow weary while doing good

1.2 (V7) Patient like the farmer

2. (V9) Do not grumble against one another

James called believers to stop groaning, lest they be judged

Stop the petty conflicts

James 4:1 “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?”

2.1 (V9) Lest you be condemned, behold the judge is standing at the door

2. Keys to becoming a patient person is proper view on the problem

Are trials an opportunity for growth or an to turn away from God and go our own way?

When trials come, do you ask the question “Lord what do you want me to learn?

or

Do we get angry and bitter and ask God why have turned your back on me

a) The first key is correct perspective

Our trial can lead to sinful behavior

Our trial can help us grow in patience and in maturity

Key to becoming pa

A patient person is a content person

What an incredible command to give after the preceding portrayal of offenses!

The temptation is to be outraged when someone sins against us

But notice, James has not lost his moral perspective in the midst of his moral passion.

He has already expressed his outrage, but his concern is still for purity among the Christians, and he discerns the danger of falling into sin here

Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:”

Patience in the midst of suffering

c) Be patient in your hope

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