This sermon explores the power of prayer and waiting on God, as discussed in the book of James, and reflects on the lessons learned from previous weeks about testing, persevering, listening, and doing.
Well friends, we’ve made it to the final lap. It’s been an encouraging and inspiring series through the book of James. We’ve learned a lot from him, the half brother of Jesus and pastor of the church in Jerusalem. And there’s been a lot to learn; Each week we tackled 2 big ideas. Week 1 was testing and persevering, week 2 was listening and doing, week 3 was faith and works, week 4 was speaking and boasting, and this week we’re finishing strong with waiting and praying.
James writes from an impassioned perspective as the leader of a church who’s facing persecution. He’s a good pastor who cares for his church and his letter is packed full of practical advice, Godly wisdom, care, and compassion.
Today, as we look to him to learn more about waiting and praying I want you to remember the context he’s writing from. Can you even imagine how difficult it would be to face persecution and be told you should wait on God, or pray God would provide a miracle. For many of us, we’re quick to try and figure out how to remedy any situation we’re stuck in. And that’s not inherently wrong, in fact we live in a culture where we can order pretty much anything we need and have it delivered to our homes within 2 days. We don’t really have to “wait” for anything let alone pray in earnest that God would show up and do the miraculous.
But that’s the life that James was living. That’s the life the early church was living. And whether or not you’ve ever faced life or death persecution I can guarantee you that the longer you follow Jesus the more opportunities you’ll have to learn the value of waiting and praying. It’s where He does some of His best, more providential, and inspiring work.
For those who believe, patience and prayer are two of the most powerful forces on earth.
Be patient… What an incredible way to begin our passage. What a powerful encouragement for believers both ancient and modern.
Patience is one of the 8 fruits of the Spirit outlined by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:22. And patience is one of the core characteristics of those who follow Jesus.
“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.” There are several things that jump out in this first statement from our passage today. Patience, first and foremost, but also the object for which the community is patient for… The return of the Lord was front and center to the early church. And it cannot be understated how much this belief, that Jesus would return in their lifetimes, informed the preaching, thinking, and action of those early believers.
For as much as James talked about action and works, he also believed that being patient and waiting were powerful options in the hands of the church:
“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… As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” James 5:7-10
Look to the farmers, look to the prophets… These are practical examples of patience James points to ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium
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