“The Call To Patience” (Part 1)

The book of James is often referred to as the “Proverbs” of the New Testament because its primary emphasis is on wise living. It is a thoroughly practical book, written to the rank and file of the Body of Christ—people like us—so that we can have instruction and insight on how to live in a fallen, broken world.

In the passage before us this week, James 5:7-11, James is wanting to do just that, and he does so in what I feel is one of the more significant portions of the New Testament. It is significant for a number of reasons, but I would like to focus on his attention to one of Scripture’s most dreaded subjects—PATIENCE. It is a subject that cuts against the grain in our modern, techno-savvy era of microwave mentality, high-speed internet, and instant everything where we have learned to expect—and get—whatever we want in a matter of seconds. In fact, if we can’t get it in 45 seconds or less, it probably isn’t worth having.

Yet, patience remains one of the most necessary of all heart attitudes—particularly for those of us who have claimed Christ and are awaiting heaven. That is why the ever-practical James attacks this need in us, and he does so using two different terms for patience:

• Patience (vv.7,8,10)- “self-restraint that does not retaliate”
• Perseverance/Endurance (v.11)- “endurance in the face of difficult circumstances”

We need both, for both are aspects of the kind of patience necessary for the believer, and are lived out in at least three significant areas of our lives, the first of which we will consider today…

Patience for the Lord’s Coming- (vv.7-8)

As he writes “be patient” remember that he is still writing to the persecuted, suffering saints. How important it is that he calls them to “endure without retaliation” the persecutions they were facing! How do you patiently endure?

BY SHIFTING OUR FOCUS TO THE LORD’S RETURN

In spite of the persecutions they have suffered (v.6) they are told to look beyond—this is the blessed hope (Titus 2:13) we expectantly await! We can endure because we have the hope of Christ’s return to lift and encourage our hearts. So, how are we to wait? How are we to patiently expect His return? James gives us two basic things:

A. Working in the Harvest (v.7)

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. (v.7)

The picture of the farmer is a great one. The farmer sows seed, then waits patiently for the crop, but while he is waiting he is busy and active. He cultivates and prunes and clears and debugs and protects—there is more to farming than sticking a seed in the ground and waiting to see what happens. There is much to do, all the while understanding that we cannot override the laws of nature. In the Bible lands, farmers were dependent upon the early rains (October/November) and the latter rains (April, May), and the timing and amount of that rain would have a direct effect on the size and value of the harvest.

So, the farmer worked the land and labored to secure the crop, while depending upon the Lord to provide the rain. We must do the same. We faithfully sow, cultivate, water, and wait for the Lord who alone can give the increase. And will do so “in His time.” Remember, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” (Gal. 6:9)

B. Strengthening the Heart (v.8)

You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. (v.8)

As Paul encourages us to “strengthen the heart” he does so with a twofold direction:

1) Exhortation- part of patience is that it is required for the slow process of maturity that comes from being grounded in the Word of God. He tells us to establish our hearts as we wait for the Lord. By the way, that is one of the purposes for the church, to establish hearts in the Word. Notice:

• Romans 1:11: “that you may be established”
• 1 Thess. 3:1-3- “sent Timothy to establish you”
• 1 Thess. 3:10-13- “praying exceedingly… that He might establish you”

Why? Because patience is a fruit of the Spirit, and the fruit of the Spirit will not be visible in the life that is not established and growing in spiritual maturity.

2) Warning- In ch.1 James had warned them against being double-minded, why? Because we are to be grounded in the Word, so that we are set firm and fixed in the truth. This is especially important as “the coming of the Lord is near,” because Paul said that, as that day approaches, many will forsake the truth (2 Tim.4:1-4). The need for sound doctrine is, in part, due to the rise of false teaching. In the midst of theological turmoil, we need an established heart.

Now more than ever we need to be strong in the Word, so that we can patiently await the Lord’s return—

Laboring as we sow His seed;

Growing as we establish our hearts in His Word.

Tomorrow, we will examine a second arena in which we need to have and exhibit patience.