James 1:2-12, PATIENCE vs. restlessness (2)

b)    What are some of the rewards for “patience”?

i)      Prov. 14:30: Better health.  You may not see the word “patience” in this verse.  However, “envy” is the restlessness that is the opposite of patience.

ii)   Prov. 17:3: Refining.  We grow more into the likeness of Christ.

c)    Patience is hard, but what makes it easier?

i)      Prov. 13:12,19: Sometimes we experience fulfillments.  These are like “a tree of life” and are “sweet to the soul.”  We should be sure to remember these times because they are testimonies that will help to sustain us as we wait upon the Lord.

ii)   Rom. 8:18: Always, there is the “hope of glory.”  The reality of the future day when Christ appears in glory and establishes His rule on earth, a rule of righteousness and peace, is a reality that keeps us faithful in this life.

d)    How can a person become patient? 

i)      Rom. 5:3-5; Jas. 1:3-4: It cannot happen apart from trials.  But we need to remember: the trial itself does not increase our patience.  It is the context where it happens.  Trials are like a swim in the ocean: the water can drown us or we can use the water to swim and reach the shore.

ii)   Rom. 15:5: God has a supply of both patience and comfort, two major needs in times of trial.

iii)            Col. 1:11: Therefore, He strengthens us with His glorious power, producing joyful patience and longsuffering.

iv) Gal. 5:22: Patience is the fruit of the Spirit; thus we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

v)    Rom. 15:4: The Scriptures, especially the stories in the Old Testament, stimulate us to patience and comfort. 

vi) Col. 3:12: Here we are reminded that patience is part of the “new man,” the life of Christ.  As we go through life we are putting off the restless old man through repentance, immersing ourselves in God’s word so as to renew our minds, and then by faith putting on the righteous new man.

One of my favorite passages for memorization is James 1:2-4.  And if you wonder if it is worth it all, may I recommend Rev. 21:7: He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.  Amen!