Title [Text: James 5:7-11] Be patient
In writing this book, James first mentioned patience, which is the most important virtue among the saints (1:2-4). Now, as we wrap up this book, we are encouraging the believers who are suffering because of their faith and awakening their hope by once again asking for patience. In particular, emphasizing that the second coming of Jesus is imminent, he urges us to be patient in the way. We would like to receive grace by examining the text of Sehun's second exhortation.
1. You have to harden your heart to be patient (8).
To harden means to make strong. Those who are weak in heart are often shaken. They cannot bear the tests that they will face in the last days. God, who appointed Joshua as Moses' successor, commanded, “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:5-7). We also need to harden our hearts. How, then, can you strengthen your heart? You can find several ways in the Bible.
① You must have confidence that God is with you.
God promised Joshua, “As I was with Moses, I will be with you.” When you have confidence in this promise, you can be strong and courageous. We also need this assurance. Daniel's three friends were able to be bold because they were confident that God would be with them and protect them. In fact, they were thrown into the fiery furnace, but the Son of Man was with them, and they were protected from damage to a single hair of their head. God is with us. Let's all be those of us who harden our hearts with this conviction.
② We must be rooted and built up in Christ (Colossians 2:6-7).
Deep-rooted trees are strong in the rains and winds and even in severe snow. Or withstand extreme drought. It is because the roots of faith are not deep. The saints who are rooted in Christ and built on it are immovable. Let's check our faith once again. Let's see if we are rooted in Christ. Let's make sure we're standing on top of it. Colossians 2:6-7 says, “Therefore, since you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, walk in him, rooted and built up in him, standing firm in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” I hope this kind of life exists for all of us living in the last days.
2. We must not blame each other (9).
When hardships and difficulties repeat, no matter how hardened your heart, you will resent others. Shifting the blame for suffering to others. In the midst of complaints and dissatisfaction, they tend to vent their anger toward others. But rather, James exhorts us to “rejoice” (James 1:2). The text explains that the judge stands outside the door, and only then is judged (9).
① The sufferings of the saints in the last days are a refining process to strengthen their faith.
It is never harmful, but beneficial. Therefore, we must overcome all these difficulties with joy. There is no maturity without podium. We must deal with joy and gratitude, not with resentment.
② Suffering is a process that separates the wheat from the chaff. Therefore, we must persevere and endure in the midst of all the hardships. If you can't endure hardship, it's proof that you're not a grain. They will be thrown into the fire of hell. Therefore, do not grumble, but endure in hope with joy.
③ The sufferings of the last days are given by God. Therefore, grumbling (groaning, groaning) is directed toward God. It is an act of complaining and dissatisfaction with what God is doing. Therefore, you should not be resentful. Rather, we should overcome all the hardships of the last days together by encouraging, comforting, and supporting each other. I hope that we who live in the last days will not resent each other, encourage each other, give thanks, and live a life of joy in hope.
3. We must take the forefathers of faith as an example.