Exhortation
Read James 5:7-11. James exhorts his readers: "Be patient" (5:7a, 8a); and "stand firm" (5:8a).
1. The "then" in verse 7 connects this passage to the previous verses. James 5:1-6 spoke about the rich oppressing the poor. What did James say would happen to the rich oppressors? (5:1-6) Why might this lead to the exhortations to be patient and stand firm?

Expectation
2. What does James give as the reason they should be patient? (5:7b, 8b)

3. How could knowledge of the Lord's coming help them to be patient? In what sense is the Lord's coming "near?"

Examples
James provides three examples of patience and/or perseverance.

* The Farmer (5:7c)

4. Why does the farmer have to be patient? Why is the farmer willing to wait?

5. How do the seasons of farming compare with the seasons of life? How are Christians like spiritual farmers?

† "A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:7b-9, NIV)

* The Prophets (5:10)
6. Do you think that our suffering is due to unfaithfulness to God or faithfulness to Him, or both?
7. What does God promise to the Christian who perseveres through persecution and suffering? (5:11; 1:12; 1:2-4)

† Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:10-12, NIV).

Application: As James' original readers could be encouraged by the prophets' examples, we can be encouraged by the examples found in both the Bible and church history. Read about them.

* Job (5:11)
Job was a righteous and wealthy man. However, he lost his wealth, his health, and his family (except his wife, who told him to curse God and die). It seemed like everything & everybody was against him. But Job persevered in his faith in God, and grew to know God more deeply (Job 42:1-6). Eventually, God blessed Job even more than before (42:10-17).

Enablement
Being patient can be difficult! Sometimes it's hard to stand firm. But God helps His children. "The Lord is full of compassion and mercy" (5:11).

† God told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you …" (2 Corinthians 12:9)

† "… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23, emphasis added).

Summary

Exhortation Be Patient; Stand Firm; Persevere
Expectation Christ's Coming
Examples

1. Farmer - Patience à Blessing
2. Prophets - Endured Persecution à Blessing
3. Job - Persevered through Suffering à Blessing
Enablement God's Grace, Indwelling Holy Spirit

Application:

Are you struggling with patience or perseverance? If so, in what area is your struggle? What is your goal? Is it somehow related to God's plan and purpose? If not, submit everything to God. Trust in Christ, pray, and reflect on this lesson. God blesses His children.

One More Exhortation
Read James 5:12. James exhorts his readers, "do not swear … Let your 'Yes' be yes, and your 'No' no …" In other words, let all of your speech be truthful and trustworthy. Your speech should not need qualification.