Be Patient
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Be Patient
1. What We Focus On Becomes What We Desire
We live in a fast-paced world that craves instant results, but good things take time. You can’t microwave spiritual growth or shortcut spiritual maturity. When we set our minds on something, it fills our thoughts, consumes our hearts, and shapes our desires. Eventually, those desires become what we give our lives to—whether good or bad.
James warns the rich who trust in temporary things, reminding us that earthly treasures decay and pass away. Instead, we are to focus on things of substance that last forever. He points out that riches can rot, garments become moth-eaten, and gold and silver corrode. Storing up earthly treasure instead of heavenly treasure reveals a heart fixed on the wrong things.
Jesus said in Matthew 6 not to store up treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy but to store up treasures in heaven. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Psalm 62:10 urges us not to make wealth the center of our lives, even when it increases.
2. Our Perspective Produces Patience
James shifts to talk about injustice and oppression. The rich were withholding wages from laborers, violating Deuteronomy 24:15, and using power to oppress the poor. The laborers may have wondered if God heard their cries, but James assures them that the Lord hears and will respond.
James calls believers to be patient. This patience is not inactivity but a call to faithful endurance and steadfastness. Our perspective shapes our patience. When we are consumed by what is right in front of us, we lose sight of God’s bigger picture and act impulsively. Instead, we are encouraged to establish our hearts and wait for the coming of the Lord, just as a farmer waits for crops.
Patience is not passive. Like farming, it involves active care and steady work even while waiting for growth and harvest. The reward of patience is worth it.
3. How We Handle Conflict and Speech
In situations that require patience, it’s easy to grumble and complain, especially against one another. James warns against this, urging believers not to judge or grumble because the Judge is standing at the door.
The body of Christ should handle conflict differently from the world. True unity doesn’t mean uniformity but being able to step into conflict with humility, listen well, and maintain fellowship even when disagreements arise.
James gives examples of prophets and Job as models of steadfastness in suffering. They were not always liked, but they stayed faithful. Job didn’t know the whole story, yet he remained steadfast, trusting God's character even without all the answers.
4. Let Your Yes Be Yes
James urges us to be people of integrity. Our yes should mean yes, and our no should mean no. There’s no need for oaths or bargains with God. Simply be honest and trustworthy.
We should speak with kindness, graciousness, and truth, reflecting the character of Christ. Proverbs 10:19 reminds us that when words are many, sin is unavoidable, but wisdom is found in controlling our speech. Philippians 4:8 calls us to focus our minds on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
Conclusion: Patience Is Required
To follow Jesus, patience is required. We need patience with those who believe differently, with those who are rude, with family, with coworkers, with ourselves—everyone. True patience is not about grumbling through long waits but about enduring with joy and reflecting God’s character.
Go and be patient.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Ben Marshall
Series: James: Real Faith for Real Life
Sermon Title: Be Patient
Date: Nov 24, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
James 5:1–12
1 Timothy 6:10
Matthew 6:19–21
Matthew 6:24
Deuteronomy 24:15
Psalm 62:10
Philippians 4:8
Proverbs 10:19
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