The Virtue Of Patience

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James 5:7–8 NASB95

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.

Overview of James

- the danger and judgment of materialism

- the virtue of patience

- Various exhortations

The Dangers of Materialism

James 5:1–6 NASB95

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you.

Materialism is dependence on riches instead of God

miseries await those who trust in riches

the failure (rust) of riches testifies against the materialistic

Anyone who possesses this is

Earthly riches brings

Materialism brings the person directly into God’s judgment

materialism qualifies the person for God’s judgment

Note: Although James was addressing the saints in the churches, the materialistic among them is exposed as unconverted and thus awaiting the wrath of God.

The Importance of Patience

James 5:7–9 NASB95

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.

Patience teaches the believer to wait for the “right time” (harvest)

the fruit of the field comes at the time of harvest

Patience brings the believer to maturity of character, which prepares him/her for the coming of the Lord.

the patient is focused on “strengthening the heart”

a “strong heart” is necessary in preparing oneself for the coming of the Lord

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Patience makes us gentle towards our brethren

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Patience brings us to a life of prayer

James 5:13 NASB95

Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.

James 5.13

for those who are suffering

for the sick

James 5:14–16 NASB95

Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

James 5.14-

for the nation

James 5:17–18 NASB95

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.

for those who stray

James 5:19–20 NASB95

My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Conclusion

What is the connection between patience and spiritual maturity?

Patience enables the Christian to mature in his spiritual life.

The spiritually mature person exhibit patience in his dealing with the pressures of life.

How is patience important in our day?

Patience helps us escape the materialistic spirit of this evil age.

Patience enables us to focus on strengthening our hearts in preparation for the coming of the Lord.