The Practicality of Patience

WE continue our study in James. We have studied the Practicalities of our faith. Tonight our lesson will be the Practicality of Patience. We begin the message by looking at the words of James to the rich. James tells how the rich do not know their position or the miseries they face. He reminds them their riches are corrupted and the rust of them are a witness against them. He also admonishes them about their storing back against the last days. James reminds God sees their fraud and how they lived in pleasure; without regard for the needy. He also recognized how they are unjust in their dealings. The fact that God sees how they treat the less fortunate is encouragement to the believers to be patient. Next, James speaks to those who are waiting patiently. He encourages them to wait until the coming of the Lord, then they will be rewarded. James uses the husbandman as an example. He uses the waiting on the latter rain as an example. They are to wait by stablishing their heart, verse 8. He also speaks to them about having a grudge. He wants them to remember the prophets, the Lord is merciful, and to be faithful in their waiting. All of this to encourage them to wait until the coming of the Lord. Good encouragement for believers in the upcoming year.