James Series:
Building a Personal Faith that Works
"How to Develop Patience"
Pastor Rob Carlson
February 16-17, 2002
Text: James 5:7-12
When to be patient
1. When Circumstances are uncontrollable.
James 5:7--Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is...
To worry about something you can change is dumb.
To worry about something you can't change is useless.
2. When People are unchangeable.
James 5:10--Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Sometimes we need to be patient and prevent fights
3. When Problems are unexplainable.
James 5:11b--You have heard of Job's perseverance...
Why be patient?
1. Because God is in control.
James 5:8--You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.
2. Because God rewards Patience.
James 5:11a--As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.
3. Because God is working things out.
James 5:11b--You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
How to be patient
1. Wait expectantly.
Psalm 130:5 [LB]--...I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for He has promised. (See also Isaiah 49:23)
2. Wait quietly.
James 5:9a--Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. (See also verse 12)
Lam. 3:26--It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. (See also Hab. 2:3 [LB])
3. Wait confidently.
Micah 7:7--But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Psalm 37:7--Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him...
Holding
On
Praying
Expectantly
*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.