7.3.15 Youth Sermon

Be Patient for the Better Things

7 Be patient, therefore, brothers,[a] until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

Why does James tell us to be patient? Because...

1) God's providence is better than ours - While we remain unable to fulfill and satisfy our deep thirst, God's early and late rains fully satisfies us. Therefore we should be patient for His providence.
2) God's judgment is better than ours - While our way of dealing with matters brings about violence and strife, God's perfect Justice brings to light my shortcomings as well as the brother / sister I grumble against. Therefore we should be patient for God's judgment to come.
3) God's purpose is better than ours - While our patience in suffering is usually an attempt to vindicate ourselves, Jesus' patience upon the cross was to bring about vindication for many. Therefore we should be patient for the Lord's purpose to be fulfilled.