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Introduction
Here we are once again in James.
This evening brings us to a new section in this last chapter.
We just finished with verses 1-6.
As we studied those verses, we found the Holy Spirit’s admonition to wealthy believers.
As we move into this section, we see the chapter’s primary focus.
It is also our title for the chapter Living Out Our Faith Patiently.
Read with me verses 7-11.
You will note right from the beginning the Holy Spirit names patience.
In fact, He commands that we “Be patient.”
If you do a deep dive into the word “patient,” you will find that in Greek, it means “to be long-tempered” or, as we might say, “longsuffering.”
It is important to note that longsuffering and patience are similar in purpose.
For example, both have the idea of persevering through difficult circumstances.
However, there are also some notable differences.
Longsuffering is the quality of self-restraint when provoked by something or someone.
Someone who is longsuffering will not hastily retaliate or overreact.
It is the opposite of anger, especially the kind of anger that flashes quickly when harassed.
Mercy and longsuffering are often associated with one another in Scripture.
Another unique quality about longsuffering is this.
It is a term used of God.
On the other hand, patience is the quality of not surrendering to circumstances or succumbing to a difficult trial.
You will often find patience and hope associated with each other in Scripture.
The interesting thing about patience is we do not find used of God.
Instead, patience is always directed at us as believers.
It is the opposite of despondency.
Now, I say all that so that we might adequately understand patience as related to us in Scripture.
Here in our text, the Greek word for patience incorporates some aspect of both longsuffering and patience.
Consequently, the Holy Spirit is commanding that we be patient.
We must exhibit longsuffering when faced with opposition from other people, and we must also show patience as we do not give up during difficult circumstances.
All ties in with chapter 1. Remember when we started this journey in chapter 1, the Holy Spirit began by teaching us about trials.
So here we are at the end of this remarkable book, and the Holy Spirit brings us back to patience.
The thing is, we are going to face trials.
They come every day and, on certain days, multiple times a day.
As each test comes, we must “count” them as “all joy.”
We are to rejoice, for each trial is a learning opportunity.
They are times for us to learn to trust God.
As we do, our faith in Him grows, and we understand how to endure difficult times without retaliation or giving up.
That is especially important for us as believers today.
The world is exponentially increasing in wickedness and evil.
As it does, the trials and afflictions of the Christian life will also increase.
However, we must maintain our testimony for the Lord.
As we move through this section and the next, verses 12-20, the Holy Spirit lays out a 2 step process in combating the trials and temptations this life throws in our way.
Verses 7-11 give us the first step, and, as you probably already guessed, it involves patience.
Let’s begin with verse 7.
Be Patient, Knowing the Lord is Coming
There is no doubt that Christ promised to return for His own.
In Matthew 16, He promised He would return and reward us for our work.
In Matthew 25, He promised He would come again, and He would separate the sheep (believers) from the goats (unbelievers).
In 2 Timothy, the Holy Spirit promises Christ will come again to judge both the living and the dead.
In Jude, the Holy Spirit promises Christ will come again to execute judgment on the ungodly.
In 2 Corinthians, the Holy Spirit promises Christ will come again, and we will appear before His judgment seat.
And, then, we know the promise of 1 Thessalonians 4 which states:
These are just a few of the many passages in God’s Word teaching and promising that Christ will return.
He will return in the sky to rapture out His people, and then He will return to earth to defeat His enemies ushering in His millennial reign.
However, until that time, we are to:
Occupy until He comes;
Not to fall behind in our service to Him;
Live holy lives;
Deny ungodliness and worldly lust; and
Not to live ashamed.
That is a tall order, especially knowing that we will face many trials and temptations.
However, with the Holy Spirit’s help, we can be patient as we endure.
Yes, our flesh, this world, and Satan may do everything they can to trip us up and cause us to fall.
Yet, God expects us to patiently combat their enslaving power, not allowing a spirit of defeat and discouragement to overwhelm us.
Instead, we must encourage ourselves and fellow believers with the promise of Christ’s return.
It is why we are told in 1 Thessalonians to “comfort one another with these words.”
Christ is coming.
The sound of the trumpet and the shout from Heaven is imminent.
Praise the Lord!
However, another aspect of the Lord’s return should cause all of us to pause.
With His coming also comes an accountability day.
A thought that should arrest our attention and ask, “Have I done my best for Him?”
I genuinely believe that no sincere follower of Christ wants to disappoint Him on that day.
Thus, we must learn to endure trials and temptations as we trust Him and the promises of His word.
Each time we do, our faith grows, and patience works it works.
Here are a couple of things to consider about spiritual patience.
First, spiritual patience is not passive acceptance.
In other words, spiritual patience does not just lay back and accept trials/temptations as a way of life, doing nothing about them.
That is spiritual laziness.
No, spiritual patience fights back.
It fights to confront each trial and temptation with a determination to obey God.
The believer who patiently fights using obedience and faith in God is promised victory.
Second, spiritual patience is one of the Holy Spirit’s many fruits.
The believer who seeks to obey God’s Word is a believer who allows the Holy Spirit to control their life.
As they do, the Holy Spirit arouses within them the urge to stand up to whatever trial or temptation they face.
Please note is the Holy Spirit who stirs that urge.
As He does, we must respond to His urging by persevering through faith and obedience.
I keep using the terms faith and obedience.
Why is that?
It is our duty.
We must believe Him, His Word, and His promises.
As we believe, we must do what He says.
Did you see the order of actions there?
Lay aside our knee-jerk reactions driven by our sinful flesh.
Submissively receive God’s Word.
Do it.
Obey it.
God’s plan for daily living is laid out in those two verses.
A plan that works in conjunction with our text.
For as we set aside self, submit to God’s Word, and obey it, patience has her perfect work.
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