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Patient in Life, Steadfast in Trials

James: Faith Works
Sunday, August 25, 2024
Pastor Jojo Ma

 

7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. 12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.

I.          Think about the return of Christ [vv7-8]
II.        Reflect on the ways of nature [v7]
III.       Avoid a complaining spirit [v9]
IV.       Consider godly examples from the past [vv10-11]
V.        Remember the goodness of God [v11]
VI.       Let your word be enough [v12]

I.         Think about the return of Christ [vv7-8]
7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord…8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

The apostle knows that persevering through trials and through tears needs a focus and that focus is the sure return of the Lord, the coming of the Lord --- when Jesus will raise the dead, judge the world, and make all things new.

Jn 5:27-29 And [the Father] has given [the Son] authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

II.        Reflect on the ways of nature [v7]
7…See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.

Numbers prove nothing in God’s economy and success is not based on results but on faithfulness to the call. Jeremiah was extremely successful in God’s eyes even though he had zero converts. But Jeremiah learned patience and steadfastness and finished well.

What do you want me to learn right now, Lord? What are you teaching me in this time of waiting?

7…See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.

III.      Avoid a complaining spirit [v9]
9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.

“The root of grumbling is a blindness to God’s grace.”

IV.       Consider godly examples from the past [vv10-11]
10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job.

Job 13:15 Though He slay me, still I will hope in Him.

V.        Remember the goodness of God [v11]
11…and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

Remember how he loves his bride the church, so don’t walk away from the church but all the more get closer into fellowship with the church and with others who can love you and pray for you and encourage you and keep you on the straight and narrow path. You need the church more than you know especially in those moments of doubt.

VI.       Let your word be enough [v12]
12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.

  1. Think about the return of Christ [vv7-8]

  2. Reflect on the ways of nature [v7]

  3. Avoid a complaining spirit [v9]

  4. Consider godly examples from the past [vv10-11]

  5. Remember the goodness of God [v11]

  6. Let your word be enough [v12]

1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.