Half and Half
“Be Patient”
James 5:7-12

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22
	
James
	Tame the tongue – “restless evil”
	Confront envy – “bitter envy”
	Undo unfaithfulness to God – “spiritual adultery”

Patience is more valuable than money!

“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.”
– James 5:1-6

“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. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed, those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.”
– James 5:7-12

Myth: Patience is…
	Passively waiting 
	A personality trait 

3 Elements of Patience…
	1. Suffering 

Farmer – “uncontrollable” situations – v. 7

Rain – Jeremiah 5:24, Joel 2:23, Deuteronomy 11:14
• Jeremiah 5:24 – ‘Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.’
• Joel 2:23 – Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God,  for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness.  He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.

Prophets – “unchanging” situations – v. 10

Job – “unexpected situations” – v. 11

	2. Perseverance – “Stand firm”

• He can do the impossible
• He has made promises
• He is coming back – “there will be an end to this”

• One of the 3 best things we can do in our relationship with God – Romans 12:12
• Joyful in hope
• Patient in affliction
• Faithful in prayer

• Luke 1:5-7 – In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

	3. Blessing – God works things out

When trust and patience are missing, we…
	Grumble and complain
	Are tempted to compromise 

Patience brings the gift of strength!