James 5:9-11

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. 10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

I. Grudge not or be Judged

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

1. Grudge Defined

If the Bible tells us NOT to grudge we need to understand what that means (so we don’t do it).

Grudge: sigh, groan, grumble, to feel grief or resentment towards someone

The Book of James A. The Exhortations to Patience (5:7–9)

When we are undergoing great sufferings, we are tempted to turn on our brothers and blame them for our troubles.

2. Warning 1: Beware of Complaining

Grudge not one against another...

Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Have Patience and Grace towards People

The Book of James A. The Exhortations to Patience (5:7–9)

When we are undergoing great sufferings, we are tempted to turn on our brothers and blame them for our troubles.

Roy Gingrich said, “When we are undergoing great sufferings, we are tempted to turn on our brothers and blame them for our troubles.”

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Twelve: The Power of Patience (James 5:7–12)

Impatience with God often leads to impatience with God’s people, and this is a sin we must avoid. If we start using the sickles on each other, we will miss the harvest!

Roy E. Gingrich, The Book of James (Memphis, TN: Riverside Printing, 2005), 28.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Twelve: The Power of Patience (James 5:7–12)

Impatience with God often leads to impatience with God’s people, and this is a sin we must avoid. If we start using the sickles on each other, we will miss the harvest!

James 5:7–9 AV

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Warren Wiersbe said about this verse: “Impatience with God often leads to impatience with God’s people, and this is a sin we must avoid. If we start using the sickles on each other, we will miss the harvest!”

Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 379.

We should not grumble because God is still in control

Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 379.

3. We must Have the Right Attitude and Actions towards People

Easy to say, but hard to do

Christian Principles and Values

Patience

Grace

Forbearance

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

General Love for People

Because of the Love of God

Because of the Example of Christ

Samaritans (Controversy)

Image of God

Ultimately: We do things unto the Lord (for good or bad)

With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

“...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Special Love for the Brethren

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

To the Lost

4. Warning 2: Beware of Condemnation

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Exploring the Epistle of James: An Expository Commentary 2. A Call for Sufficient Patience (5:9)

Our reactions to wrongs can be as bad as the wrongs inflicted on us. In any case, the judge Himself is at the door. That should put a swift stop to our murmurings.

John Philips said, “Our reactions to wrongs can be as bad as the wrongs inflicted on us. In any case, the judge Himself is at the door. That should put a swift stop to our murmurings.”

James warns us to Beware of the Complaining and the Condemnation...

II. Example of the Prophets

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

Expository Notes on the Epistle of James Chapter Five: A Patient and Expectant Faith

If any complain of the difficulty that is involved in patiently enduring such wrongs James points them to the prophets of God in all ages, who have left us examples of patience and long-suffering while enduring the afflictions heaped upon them by wicked men.

Ironside said, “If any complain of the difficulty that is involved in patiently enduring such wrongs James points them to the prophets of God in all ages, who have left us examples of patience and long-suffering while enduring the afflictions heaped upon them by wicked men.”

III. Example of Job

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.