"Patience" (Part 1)

Theme: James counsels us with regard to patience.

I. Call to Patience
A. "Be patient" (v. 7)—it's a command

1. Longsuffering
2. "therefore"—what is it there for? (vv. 1-6)

B. "Be ye also patient" (v. 8)

II. Examples of Patience
A. Farmers

1. Waits long for the harvest
2. Not distracted or discouraged
3. Awaits early and latter rain
4. Rain => God's ordinary providence
5. Anticipates the precious fruit that will result

B. The prophets

C. Job—lost everything (except a nagging wife)

III. Motivation for Patience
A. The coming of the Lord (v. 7)

B. The blessedness of those who endure (v. 11a)

C. The Lord's love—pitiful and merciful

Application
A. Don't judge according to your own system

B. Hold yourself accountable: repent, renew, repeat

C. Experience the joy of the Lord through patience