Walk This Way “Be Patient & Wait on the Lord” (James 5:7-12) Billy Russell, January 13, 2019
Walk This Way
“Be Patient & Wait on the Lord”
(James 5:7-12)
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:7-8, NIV)
James calls believers to exercise the practice of patience as we await the Lord’s return. Patience is an activity of faith. It is the practice of trusting God until He acts. Patience is a spiritual discipline worthy of our practice.
Practice patience as an activity of faith (5:7)-
Patience is faith in action.
Patience is the act of trusting God through the trials of life.
Even when you are ready to act for God.
Even when you are ready for God to act for you.
Practice patience as an act of wisdom (5:8)-
Waiting is wise. Waiting is an act of wisdom.
The difference is: Upon whom are you waiting & for what reason?
“Wait on the Lord” (v.8)- He is worth the wait!
His promise of return is worth the wait (1 Thes. 4:13-18)!
Consider 3 examples of godly patience in action (5:7,10, 11):
The farmer (v.7)-
The prophets (v.10)-
Job (v.11)-
God practices patience too (5:9, 11)!
Even God waits! It is an expression of His character & promise keeping.
His kindness is an expression of patient waiting (Rom.2:4; 2 Pet.3:9).
As the ultimate Judge, God waits to execute judgement.
God is the Merciful One. He waits on the rush to judgement.
God is full of compassion. He waits on the rush to wrath.
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