Brethren…Be Patient

Brethren…Be Patient

Introduction:

9 days ago – Pistons/Pacers – brawl in Detroit. Melee in Detroit. Patience, longsuffering, and self restraint were thrown out the window on both sides. In James 5, we find the writer giving instructions to those who appear to have been under constant oppression and trial by the rich Jews in society. See 2:6; 5:4; 5:6. What was to be their course of action? What should be ours today? How can we learn to patiently endure what those who oppose us dish out?

I. Resist the urge to fight back.

A. Js. 5:4, 6 – FC Christians were treated unjustly but did not resist.

B. This is according to godly principles. Let’s take a moment & look at Jesus’ teaching. Mt. 5:39-41. How to you respond when someone treats you wrong?

C. This teaching applies to the Christian only in His personal relationships. Such as:

1. Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-14 – relationship to government.

2. Col. 3:18-21; Eph. 5:21 – relationship to spouse; children; friends; brethren.

3. Involves the Christian’s reaction to the things that happen to him.

D. Those James writing to had the proper attitude toward self.

1. We can’t follow through like Christians in James’ day – unless we are finished w/self.

E. One must rid himself of a spirit of retaliation; the desire to defend self.

F. Not resisting DOES NOT apply to everything!

G. Js. 5:8-9 – we also resist the urge to retaliate against those who mistreat us because:

1. Of our awareness that the Lord will judge those who hurt us.

2. A willingness to let Him be our avenger – Lk. 18:7-8.

II. This requires patience.

A. The word here is slightly different than that found earlier in this writing.

1. Js. 1:3 – Greek word used means to bear up under trials.

2. Js. 5:7-8, 10 – a different Greek word is used.

a) Involves longsuffering. Patience in reference to people.

B. 5:7 – the farmer is listed as an example.

C. 5:10 – the prophets are listed as an example. 5:11 – Job is an example.

D. Each of these examples teaches us to place our trust in God.

III. How much do we trust God?

A. We must die to self and become alive for God.

B. Look at Jesus. 100 % trust in God. Isa 53:3-8; Mt. 16:26-46; Heb 12:1-3

C. James 5:11c – look at your life. Let’s give God some glory for a moment.

1. Use the evidence where God has been there before to bolster your confidence as to what He will do in the future!

D. Do we have the patience to allow God to work on His schedule? His time table?

Conclusion:

A. Success in these areas is only possible with a committed relationship with the Savior. Do you have a relationship?



Brethren…Be Patient Introduction: 9 days ago – Pistons/Pacers – brawl in Detroit. Melee in Detroit. Patience, longsuffering, and self restraint were thrown out the window on both sides. In James 5, we find the writer giving instructions to those who appear to have been under constant oppression and trial by the rich Jews in society. See 2:6; 5:4; 5:6. What was to be their course of action? What should be ours today? How can we learn to patiently endure what those who oppose us dish out? I. Resist the urge to fight back. A. Js. 5:4, 6 – FC Christians were treated unjustly but did not resist. B. This is according to godly principles. Let’s take a moment & look at Jesus’ teaching. Mt. 5:39-41. How to you respond when someone treats you wrong? C. This teaching applies to the Christian only in His personal relationships. Such as: 1. Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-14 – relationship to government. 2. Col. 3:18-21; Eph. 5:21 – relationship to spouse; children; friends; brethren. 3. Involves the Christian’s reaction to the things that happen to him. D. Those James writing to had the proper attitude toward self. 1. We can’t follow through like Christians in James’ day – unless we are finished w/self. E. One must rid himself of a spirit of retaliation; the desire to defend self. F. Not resisting DOES NOT apply to everything! G. Js. 5:8-9 – we also resist the urge to retaliate against those who mistreat us because: 1. Of our awareness that the Lord will judge those who hurt us. 2. A willingness to let Him be our avenger – Lk. 18:7-8. II. This requires patience. A. The word here is slightly different than that found earlier in this writing. 1. Js. 1:3 – Greek word used means to bear up under trials. 2. Js. 5:7-8, 10 – a different Greek word is used. a) Involves longsuffering. Patience in reference to people. B. 5:7 – the farmer is listed as an example. C. 5:10 – the prophets are listed as an example. 5:11 – Job is an example. D. Each of these examples teaches us to place our trust in God. III. How much do we trust God? A. We must die to self and become alive for God. B. Look at Jesus. 100 % trust in God. Isa 53:3-8; Mt. 16:26-46; Heb 12:1-3 C. James 5:11c – look at your life. Let’s give God some glory for a moment. 1. Use the evidence where God has been there before to bolster your confidence as to what He will do in the future! D. Do we have the patience to allow God to work on His schedule? His time table? Conclusion: A. Success in these areas is only possible with a committed relationship with the Savior. Do you have a relationship?