James 5:7–12 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. 8You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11Behold, 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. 12But 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. (ESV)
I. Be Patient like a good Farmer. v 7–8
A. Farmers have to prepare.
1. They prepare the soil.
2. They prepare the crop.
3. They prepare for the harvest.
B. Farmers have to plant.
1. If they plant nothing, they harvest nothing.
2. What they plant is what they harvest.
II. Be Patient like a good Friend. v 9–10
A. A friend doesn’t complain about you.
1. A friend doesn’t gossip about you.
2. A friend talks to you about your issues.
B. A friend isn’t satisfied to leave you where you are.
1. They want what is best for you.
2. They are willing to challenge you.
III. Be Patient like Job. v 11
A. Job suffered horribly.
1. His children and all his animals died.
2. He comes down with a horrible skin disease.
B. Job is then comforted by three friends.
1. First friend says you are suffering because of your sin.
2. Second friend says your kids must have sinned to bring
this on.
3. Third friend says you probably deserved much worse.
C. God calls Job “blameless” and “upright.”
1. We often do suffer as a result of sin.
2. But Not all suffering is due to our sin.
Application:
1. Like a farmer, we have to be patient but work hard.
2. Like a friend, we have to love one another while holding each other accountable.
3. Like Job, we need to live upright, but allow our suffering to point us towards God.
