1. How grateful we need to be that the Bible provides information that will help us during times of difficulty. 2. Last week we studied passages that emphasize how the Lord's people are always in His presence. 3. Today we are basing our study on the admonition to "be patient" that is given twice in these verses. 4. "Patience" receives a great amount of attention in the New Testament. a. We are taught in Romans 12:12 to be "patient in tribulation." b. (1 Thessalonians 5:14) "Be patient toward all men." c. (Hebrews 12:1) We must "run with patience the race that is set before us." d. (2 Peter 1:6) "Patience" is one of the Christian graces. 5. In our lesson we are concentrating on information presented in James 1&5. 6. Our approach is: "James, teach us about patience."
Discussion:
I. JAMES 1
A. In vs.2-3 James teaches us that patience is developed as a result of facing trials (see Romans 5:3-5). B. We learn from vs.4 that a person who develops patience is complete. C. To develop patience we must ask God for wisdom (vs.5-7). D. Notice how 2 types of wisdom are contrasted in James 3:14-18.
II. JAMES 5
A. In vs.7-8 James teaches us to follow the example of the farmer. 1. The farmer plants his seed, and he hopes for the rain. 2. While he waits for the harvest he has to contend with things such as disease, insects, bad weather, etc. 3. He waits patiently [with "long patience"] until he finally reaps his harvest. 4. Like the farmer who waits patiently for his harvest, we are to be patient "unto the coming of the Lord." a. No one knows when Jesus will return (Matthew 24:36, 42, 44; 25:13). b. Until Jesus returns, we can expect to face difficulties. c. When He returns He will remove all things that afflict us (Romans 8:18). d. Let us "establish our hearts" as we wait for the Lord's return. B. In vs.9 James teaches us to avoid "grudging" [groaning, murmuring, complaining] against one another. 1. Some people react to affliction by grudging against others. 2. This reaction leads to condemnation (see 1 Corinthians 10:10). 3. Rather than complain, let us give our cares to the Lord (1 Peter 5:6-7). C. In vs.10-11 James teaches us to look to positive examples. 1. In vs.10 James mentioned the prophets. a. They spoke "in the name of the Lord," but they often suffered. 1) Jeremiah 20:1-2, 7-9 2) Daniel 6:16-23 b. The patience of the prophets should encourage us to be patient. 2. In vs.11 James mentioned Job. a. Job was a righteous man, but he suffered greatly. b. In the end God blessed Job abundantly (Job 42:12-17). 3. Examples such as these provide encouragement for us.
Conclusion:
1. While we wait for the coronavirus to end, let us remember these instructions from James. 2. Let us conclude with a statement from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 40:28-31).