Patience

Intro: I needed this. Dealing with frustrations. Like life has been chaotic,

In this world we have trouble.

It may be testing of God.

It may be Satan trying to hinder us.

It may be God refining us.

maybe a fellow Christian is being used by God, but it feels painful and annoying.

It may be living in a sin infested, fallen world.

Often what makes it difficult is we know what it should be.

We know what the Garden of Eden was.

We know that we have new life in Christ.

We know what God’s Kingdom should be.

Even in the already, but not yet state.

In the beginning of James 5, James gives an example of trouble.

People have been misusing riches, and power.

They have take advantage of others, they didn’t pay them fairly.

Then they stored this up and lived in luxury.

Therefore be Patient

Yes we have trouble, but .... vs. 7

Be patient.

The Lord is coming.

Be like the farmer who waits.

Establish your hearts. vs. 8

Ground your hearts in the Lord.

Don’t waiver in your faith.

Guard your faith.

Don’t allow weeds of doubt and bitterness to grow in your heart.

Philippians 1:1-11

Establishing our hearts.

Paul is praying for these people, he is thanking God for them.

Vs. 6 God will complete the work He started.

Be confident of this.

What is the opposite of patience?

impatience, complaining, anger, frustration.

Vs. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brethren.

This is very tempting to do when we experience trouble.

We want to blame someone.

It wouldn’t be like this if…

Why is God allowing this?

Vs. 11 Be filled with the fruits of righteousness.

Look at the Prophets James 5:10

An example.

Often enduring for long periods of time before being vindicated.

This is difficult.

But God is merciful and compassionate.

Don’t swear. Vs. 12

Why this?

Just be honest and if someone doesn’t believe you, that’s ok too.

Read Philippians 1:12 to end

What happened turned out for the good.