Bible Study on James 5:7-12

- As shared by Rev. Don Schink, (C) 2005, 2008

“Patience in Days of Persecution Pays”

Patience in Suffering

⁷Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. ⁸You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. ⁹Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

¹⁰Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. ¹¹As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

¹²Above all, my brothers, do not swear–not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned.

Patience! Now that’s not always easy! Yet, we know that whatever anyone can throw at us, no matter how negative that it may be, that it will be just fine in the long run. How do we know? We’ve read the last page. We know how it’ll all end. Jesus Christ is returning soon! And He will come swiftly and decisively! We have God’s Word, the Bible. It is enough to let us know all that we need. We have the indwelling Holy Spirit.

I’ve had several gardens down over the years. I’ve planted fruit and other types of trees and bushes. As such, I know that as I properly cultivate, feed and care for my gardens, trees and bushes, that in time they produce the desired harvest. It doesn’t happen quickly. But it does happen. It takes care and patience. The results are normally quite rewarding.

In the same way, we know that Jesus’ return is a known fact. God’s Word says so. We know it. As such, we need to live in peace and harmony with one another. We are to be patient. We are to stand firm. To grumble against those whom we should be supportive of is to bring judgment upon oneself. Godly wisdom shows us that we need to be lovingly supportive of one another, working hand-in-hand, so to speak, knowing that time is short, knowing that Jesus’ return

^“10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. ¹¹As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

Obviously, James is recognizing the reality of believers here who have had to persevere in times of suffering. As we draw closer to Jesus’ return, this Scripture becomes even more relevant to our day and time. Revelation describes the last days. They are truly trying times, to say the least, to those who love and serve Jesus Christ, as personal Savior and Lord.

The people in James’ day knew suffering. They knew what it was like to be treated unjustly. He reminded them of Job’s severe trials. He testified as to the Lord’s mercy in the end results. He also emphasized, “The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

Next, he instructed and challenged them, “¹²Above all, my brothers, do not swear–not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned.”

Oaths were a common practice of that day. There was also a lot of misuse of oaths. In short, Jesus addressed this in the infamous Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew, chapter five [5], where we read: ³³“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ ³⁴But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; ³⁵or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. ³⁶And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. ³⁷Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

Basically we are to say what we mean and to mean what we say. People often use oaths to elude a truth or an action instead of simply doing what they know is the right thing to do. Why waste time with what often turns out to be foolishness. Just do it. If you or I say that we will do something, then we’d better keep our word and just do it! Anything more leads to trouble and often its source is of the devil. So, we are simply to be patient, to serve faithfully and to trust God’s best as we look forward to the 2^nd Coming of Jesus Christ, our precious Lord, Savior and soon-coming King of King and Lord of Lords!

Questions For Reflection and Direction:

1. What do we know regarding the importance of patience?

2. What does practicing patience enable the believer to do?

3. Discuss the examples given regarding patience and why these examples were given.

4. What part does perseverance have and how does it differ from patience?

5. What part does suffering play for a believer?

6. What do we know about the taking of oaths and why does James warn them against taking oaths?

7. What does this Scripture teach us regarding the 2^nd Coming of Jesus Christ?

As we pray today?

1. What does the word reveal regarding patience and perseverance?

2. How will applying the teaching here enable you to be more victorious in your own heart and lifestyle?

3. What can you do to lovingly encourage others within your circle of influence?

Please note:

You are welcome to share this Bible study in your local churches, but I suggest that you personalize it. You do not have permission to publicize it or to make money from it in any form. May God richly bless you as you minister for Him with rich spiritual rewards of seeing many souls saved and sanctified for all eternity! Please let me know whatever helpful results you may get from this!

With Warm Sincerity in Jesus’ Love,

Rev. Don Schink, Pastor-Evangelist

Sonlight Ministries

Tijeras, NM

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