Transcript

Patience When It Isn't Easy-Part Two

James 5:7-11
Sunday, January 8 , 2012
Pastor Randy Smith

---

The situations we face everyday that require us to be patient!

Consider the kindergarten teacher who attempted to help one of her students put his snow boots on. There was a tremendous struggle to fit his feet into the boots that he appeared to have outgrown last winter. By the time she got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat. After congratulating herself, she heard the little boy say, "Teacher, they're on the wrong feet." She looked and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to be patient as they worked together to get the boots back on - this time on the right feet. The boy then announced, "These aren't my boots." Though tempted to scream she bit her tongue and said, "Why didn't you say so?" Once again she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off. The second the boot were off he said, "They are my brother's boots, but my Mom made me wear them today." She didn't know if she should laugh or cry. She mustered up the grace to wrestle the boots on his feet again. Once the boy was fully dressed to go outside the teacher said, "Now, where are your mittens?" The boy replied, "I stuffed them in the toes of my boots!"

For all of us, the need for patience extends throughout the day. Driving in traffic, receiving customer assistance on the phone, waiting for ketchup to come out of the bottle, looking forward to Christmas…2012! We can even be impatient with God. It's like the prayer I read about, "Lord, please help me have patience and make it quick!"

Yet the specific call to be patient that the Bible speaks about most often is the need to be patient with other people. The Greek word often used is "makrothumeo," which literally means, "long-tempered." Probably more than any other source, people when they just don't operate in that way we selfishly desire, tend to push our buttons to become impatient.

In James chapter 5, verse 7, we are commanded by God to "be patient." Since we interpret the Bible in context, we have to ask what were these Christians going through that required them to be patient. Verse 7 begins with the word "therefore" (NIV-"then"). When we see that word in Bible study we know the writer is stating a conclusion based upon what he just said. And what did he just say? Verses 1-6 describe the awful way the unbelieving wealthy landowners were treating these believers. They were not giving them their fair pay (verse 4) which resulted in these Christians going without food (verse 6). We are talking about severe persecution! And the Christian response to this situation from the Bible? Verse 7, "be patient."

Since this is such a radical command, James provides six reasons in verses 7-12 to help answer the "why" and "how" questions that immediately start buzzing through our minds. In other words, why should I be patient with someone who is treating me unfairly? And how in the world can I possibly succeed in this area? Worldly solutions will never answer either of these questions. However, God's Word will this morning and in such a way that will give you success. Six points today. I'll be brief on the first two because we covered them three weeks ago.

1. BECAUSE THE LORD IS RETURNING! (Review)

The first reason we can be patient is because Jesus Christ is coming back. In verse 7 we read to be patient "until the coming of the Lord." Verse 8, "The coming of the Lord is near."

So what is the connection with my ability to be patient and the return of Jesus Christ? Three thoughts come to mind:

First, we have to remember that we have God's assistance in the meantime. Jesus said in John 14:18 that He would not leave us as orphans. When He left the Holy Spirit came to indwell our lives. We are not alone. The Spirit of God is at work in all of us producing fruit. And the fruit He produces? Galatians 5:22, "love, joy, peace, patience…"

Second, we know that when Jesus returns He will settle all accounts and bring us to a place in heaven that will be without any pain or tears. John 14:3, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." This life is short. This life is precious. Enjoy it now! Leave vengeance in the hands of God (Rom. 12:19; Jas. 4:19) and be excited for a better place without temptations to be impatient that will last throughout all eternity!

Third, when Jesus Christ returns the world as we know it will be over. For the most part this world has rejected God. But God has delayed His return for almost 2,000 years because, 2 Peter 3:9, "[He is] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." The delayed return of Jesus reminds me of the amazing patience of God. So if the sinless One can be patient with a sinner like me, how can I not be patience with fellow sinners like me?

2. BECAUSE THE LORD WILL JUDGE! (Review)

We need to move on. The second reason we can have patience in all things is because the Lord will judge. Verse 9, "Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door."

This verse talks about complaining. Oftentimes we complain when we are impatient, or I can say complaining is a sin because it reveals an impatient heart. Here again is another example how God's way is different from the world's way. The world puts on complaining and puts off patience while we should put on patience and put off complaining.

Complaining accomplishes nothing positive, but it does bring destruction to any environment. And God particularly hates complaining because it casts doubt on His sovereignty. Complaining implies that we are unsatisfied with the way He has chosen to lead our lives and run this world. I cannot complain at one moment over a particular event and then praise God for being in control of my life and ordering events in a loving, good and wise direction.

The prior point from verses 7 and 8 stated that the Lord will return to judge unbelievers, but this verse adds an interesting twist. Verse 9 says when the Lord returns He will also judge believers. Of course a different kind of judgment (Bema Seat), but a judgment none the less. So why should I be patient and avoid complaining? Because the Lord commanded it and He will hold you and I accountable to His commandments.

3. BECAUSE THE LORD'S PROPHETS DID!

All right, let's move to the new material. The third reason we can be patient is because the Lord's prophets were patient. Verse 10, "As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord."

We keep in mind our main theme - patience with other people who inflict discomfort (or in this case, "suffering") upon us. Consider that theme and immediately it is not hard to see why James makes reference to the prophets who "spoke in the name of the Lord" (Jas. 5:10). And we know how they suffered as a result of it (Mt. 5:12; 21:35-36; 22:6; 23:29-37; Lk. 13:33; Ac. 7:51-52; Rom. 11:3; 1 Thes. 2:15; Heb. 11:32-38; Rev. 16:6; 18:24).

Moses was about to be stoned (Ex. 17:4). David had numerous attempts on his life (1 Sam. 18:11). Elijah said, "The sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away" (1 Ki. 19:10). Micaiah was put in prison (1 Ki. 22:27). Jeremiah was "beaten and put…in the stocks" (Jer. 20:2). He said, "Because for me the word of the Lord has resulted in reproach and derision all day long" (Jer. 20:8). Isaiah was sawn in two according to tradition (cf. Heb. 11:37). Daniel was thrown to the lions (Dan. 6:16). Amos was kicked out of the land (Am. 7:12). John the Baptist was beheaded (Mat. 14:10). Eleven out of 12 of the apostles were martyred. Stephen was stoned (Ac. 7:58). And how can we forget about the greatest Prophet, the Prophet to whom all the other prophets pointed? Jesus Christ! The very voice of God! The One "who spoke [the clearest] in the name of the Lord" (Jas. 5:10) was rejected and sentenced to die a brutal death on the cross.

The point is this, not because of anything they did wrong, these faithful servants of God experienced "suffering" from the very people they sought to love by bringing God's message. They were persecuted for doing what was right! Can anything be more difficult? Yet they persevered and faced it with "patience."

And I trust you can add yourself to the list. You know you are commanded to tell others about Jesus. And you know the reaction from others when you attempt to do so. You are one in a royal heritage who is expected to be a faithful spokesperson and is expected to endure the persecution with patience. Remember Jesus when He hung on the cross? "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing" (Lk. 23:34).

4. BECAUSE THE LORD WILL BLESS!

Fourth, we can and should endure difficulty with patience because the Lord will bless our efforts. In verse 11 we read, "We count those blessed who endured."

If you are looking for this blessing as a sentimental high you will be let down. Patience with others, especially when they persecute us for being Christians is extremely painful. To be excluded from friendships or maligned by neighbors or mocked by teachers or not given employment or threatened with personal violence or rejected by your own family is not easy. To endure ("hupomeno") it as verse 11 says is even more difficult.

But the verse says there is a blessing promised to those who endure. We saw it in 1:12, "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial." And we see it here again in 5:11.

What kind of blessing? There is a blessing now to confirm your faith that you indeed are on the Lord's side and His approval is all that matters regardless of what the world thinks. There is a blessing that through the tribulation God is refining and purifying your character to conform you more into His image. And there is also a future blessing that all faithful believers will receive in heaven. I think of that great Beatitude from our Lord, "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets [that goes back to point three] who were before you" (Mat. 3:11-12).

5. BECAUSE THE LORD'S SERVANTS DID!

Fifth, we can be patient in trials because the Lord's servants throughout history have been patient with trials similar and even more intense than yours. James in the second half of verse 11 points to the one that everybody knew, the poster child for suffering and affliction. And who is that? "You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings" (Jas. 5:11b-c).

You know the story. In a short period of time the man loses his children, wealth, health and reputation. He even lost a sense of God's presence. And all this happened because of what? We are not told nor is Job told himself. And despite his friends' suggestions that God was punishing him for some secret sin, we do know the book opens in verse 1 with the following words: "[Job] was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil." This was a righteous man that experienced unimaginable torment that God permitted in his life.

How would you respond if just a fraction of this happened to you? You lost your children in a horrible automobile accident? In less than a week all your wealth was taken? Your body was filled with intense physical pain resulting in a disfigured appearance? How did Job respond? Was his response perfect? No, there was a bit of self-righteousness (Job 3:1, 11f; 16:2-3; 30:20-23), but overall he trusted the Lord and held fast to his faith. There was patience.

There was praise to God in the midst of affliction: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21). His wife said, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!" (Job 2:9). Yet there was loyalty toward God in the midst of affliction: "'You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?' In all this Job did not sin with his lips" (Job 2:10). And there was confidence in God in the midst of affliction: "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). "Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is on high" (Job 16:19). "As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes will see and not another" (Job 19:25-27).

And I am thankful that we here at the Grace Tabernacle Bible Church have several examples in our spiritual family that are responding in the same way. We weep with them and pray for deliverance from their sufferings, but are grateful we can observe men and women and children right here in this church as they experience extreme hardship and without complaining still praise God in the midst of the storm.

Why can we have such patience with God and others during these difficult times? Because as verse 11 says, "[You] have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings." God does an amazing work when He sends us to the school of affliction.

A hundred years ago J.C. Ryle said, "Affliction is one of God's medicines! By it He often teaches lessons which would be learned in no other way. By it He often draws souls away from sin and the world, which would otherwise have perished everlastingly. Health is a great blessing but sanctified disease is a greater. Prosperity and worldly comfort are what all naturally desire, but losses and crosses are far better for us if they lead us to Christ. Let us beware of murmuring in the time of trouble. Let us settle it firmly in our minds, that there is a meaning, a 'needs be,' and a message from God in every sorrow that falls upon us. There are no lessons so useful as those learned in the school of affliction. There is no commentary that opens up the Bible so much as sickness and sorrow. The resurrection morning will prove, that many of the losses of God's people were in reality, eternal gains. Thousands at the last day will testify with David, 'It is good for me that I have been afflicted' (Psalm. 119:71)!"

Beloved, may this lesson encourage you to think biblically! The world pursues health and wealth and prosperity. We are to pursue Christlikeness and patiently accept without complaining whatever God chooses to use to get us there. And when we do that, God will do amazing things in our lives.

I remember when I was camping in the remote wilderness of Southwest Texas a few months ago. In the evening the stars were in the billions. The same stars are over my head every night in central New Jersey, but I can only see a dozen or so every evening. We need to sit in the dark to see the stars. And sometimes we need to sit in the dark times of life to see the greatness of our God. Sometimes we need to be reminded that we serve God for who He is and not what He does that our fleshly instincts often desire. And when we get to this point, only then will we have faith that what He does is coming from the hand of a wise heavenly Father that loves us much more than we could ever imagine. That was basically God's answer to Job in the final few chapter of that book.

6. BECAUSE THE LORD'S CHARACTER!

This thought ties nicely into our final point. We are encouraged to be patient because of the Lord's character. This week I read a secular list on ways to increase our ability to be patient. On that list, God was nowhere to be found. Yet our great hope always begins and ends with the Person of God. The end of verse 11 reads, "The Lord is full of compassion and is merciful."

You see, when you came to Jesus Christ you entered a relationship with the living God. Jesus Christ paid for all your sins on the cross. He justified you in the courtroom of heaven. He removed God's wrath and granted you absolute forgiveness. God loves you. God is on your side. God knows every predicament you encounter. And God cares for you. In 1 Peter 5:7 you are told to "[cast] all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." He is a God "full of compassion and [mercy]" for those in Christ Jesus.

Difficult times make us doubt this. And Satan is forever helping you cast doubt on God's goodness. But walk by faith, my friend, not in what you see on the outside, but what you know to be true from the Scriptures. It may seem God is cruel or unfair or distant, but we have His promise from the Word of God that He is always "full of compassion and [mercy]" to His children.

"A man in a supermarket was pushing a cart which contained, among other things, a screaming baby. As the man proceeded along the aisles, he kept repeating softly, "Keep calm, Thomas. Don't get excited, Thomas. Don't yell, Thomas." A lady watched with admiration and then said, "You are certainly to be commended for your patience in trying to quiet little Thomas." "Lady," he declared, "I am Thomas."

I am the first one to admit that being patient in the world is not easy. But we are not of this world. We can be different. As children of God we can show the supernatural power of God's grace in our lives. We are equipped with everything we need to be successful to honor the Lord in this area: The Lord is returning, the Lord will judge our actions, the example of the Lord's prophets and servants, the promise of His blessings and the reminder of His character. By the grace of God in the power of the Holy Spirit we can put off complaining and put on patience even in the most trying of situations with other people imitating the character of our Lord Jesus Christ to the glory of God the Father.