PATIENCE UNTIL THE COMING OF THE LORD

James 5:7-9

    Introduction:

         A.  As James wrote to the Jews who were scattered outside

             of Judea, he encouraged them to be patient while suffering

              injustices in view of the return of Christ.

         B.  I want us also to be encouraged to maintain an attitude of

             patient endurance in view of the return of Christ when

             every wrong will be righted and christians will be rewarded.

      I.  The coming of the Lord ...

         A.  His return will be sudden.  I Thess. 5:1-2, I Peter 3:10. 

               "as a thief in the night"

         B.  His return will be secretive. Mark 13:32. 

               "But of that day and hour no one knows"

      II.  Until Christ returns ...

         A.  We are to be patient. James 5:7. 

               "the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth"

         B.  We are to depend on God.   James 5:7. 

               "waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and

                latter rain."

         C.  We are to work while we wait.  James 5:8. 

              "Establish your hearts".  I Corinthians 15:58

         D.  We are to remain faithful.  James 5:8. 

              "Establish your hearts".  I Cor. 15:58

         E.  We are to encourage one another.  I Thess. 4:18,

             James 5:9.  "Do not grumble against one another."

 

Conclusion:

        A.  It's not important for us to know when Jesus will

             return.

        B.  It is of paramount importance for us to be prepared

             and ready.