Genuine Faith Is Patient Series

Genuine Faith is Patient 5:7-12

Genuine faith displays patience.

1. Patience with God’s timing and plan James 5:7-8

Galatians 6:7; 2 Corinthians 9:6 ; Revelations 19:11-16; Isaiah 55:8-11

2. Patience with each other James 5:9

Matthew 7:1-3

Remember: when tempted to be impatient, don’t focus on their perceived weakness but on their obvious strengths

3. Patience during our afflictions. James 5:10-11

patience (makrothumia): long suffering.

endurance (hypomonen): steadfastness; perseverance. ?

God’s compassion and mercy on display is the Christ-like character that reaps a reward for all of eternity.

“Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Impatient in a line at Kroger…Sbux…driving/passing car/cycle cop? Turn to James 5:7-12. We’ve been in James all summer and if you’ve been here and paying any attention at all, you know that the theme of James is Genuine faith produces a genuine life. That if you have been truly transformed by the life of Jesus in you, then that life in you shows up in your thoughts, attitudes, actions, spending, speech, and relationships.? And the section of Scripture we examine today is all about patience. Patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, PATIENCE. Now as I’ve confessed to you through these almost 24 years, I’ve not been the most patient guy around. And I still struggle with patience. But I’ve come a long way. God has continued to chisel away at this sin in my life and I’m much more patient than I’ve ever been.

So James takes on the area of impatience. In keeping with his main theme, he now declares that Genuine faith displays patience. And then he identifies some key areas we need to grow in our patience.

1. Patience with God’s timing and plan James 5:7-8

v.7 (on screen)“Therefore” Why? James has painted an awful picture of the rich who oppress the poor and the righteous. Again, James draws a parallel between the poor and the righteous. Just opposite of the health and wealth preachers of the day.? James calls up an example that all would understand: the farmer plants a seed and tends the soil and knows that the law of the harvest is always true and the seed will bring forth it’s crop. He doesn’t get impatient because it will do him no good! ? You know the law of the harvest don’t you? Galatians 6:7 “Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap, 8 because the one who sows to his flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 9:6 “The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.” ? In the same way, we must not grow impatient with God’s timing. Jesus is coming back. And when Jesus comes back, He comes as a warrior and a judge. Revelation gives us a stark image of the return of Jesus. Revelations 19:11-16 “Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and he judges and makes war with justice. 12 His eyes were like a fiery flame, and many crowns were on his head. He had a name written that no one knows except himself. 13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called the Word of God. 14 The armies that were in heaven followed him on white horses, wearing pure white linen. 15 A sharp sword came from his mouth, so that he might strike the nations with it. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty. 16 And he has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” When Jesus came the first time He came meek & mild in a manger. When He comes again, He’ll come on a white horse poised for battle. When He came the first time He came with loving & compassionate eyes. When He comes again, He’ll come with righteous fire in His eyes to bring judgment on the unsaved. When Jesus came the first time He came speaking words of comfort & hope. When Jesus comes again He’ll come with a sword to strike down the nations and the world system that opposed Him. When He came the first time He was despised and rejected. When He comes again, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is the king of Kings and Lord of Lords. This is what God’s word says.