Active Trust: Patience and Purpose in Christ's Return

 

Summary

In our journey through the book of James, we have arrived at a challenging yet profound passage that speaks directly to the heart of our faith and the nature of our walk with God. James chapter 5 verses 1 through 11, which I have titled "The Looming Lord: The Judge is at the Door," calls us to a life of active trust in God, a life that is marked by patience, stewardship, and a focus on the imminent return of Christ.

We are reminded that our lives are in the hands of a Creator who loves us deeply. Trusting in His goodness, we are called to work diligently, like the farmer who plants and tends his crops with patience, trusting in the process and God's timing. We are to speak boldly, like the prophets, and maintain our faith in God's goodness, like Job, even in the face of suffering and trials.

Patience, as described in the Bible, is not a passive waiting but an active trust in God's work in our lives. It is about remaining steadfast in prayer, obedience, and service, even when we do not see immediate change. It is about refusing to let our hearts grow cynical and bitter, especially towards those around us. Patience protects us from the temptation to take matters into our own hands and to speed things up. Genuine trust waits on God while also actively taking steps in obedience to His will.

The sermon also confronts the dangers of materialism and greed. The pursuit of wealth can blind us to the needs of others and distance us from God. James warns that riches can be a curse to those who trust in them, and he challenges us to consider whether our actions align with the person we want to be when Jesus returns. We are urged to examine our priorities and to live with compassion, using our resources for the good of others and the glory of God.

As we anticipate the return of Christ, we are called to focus on what truly matters. The material things of this world lose their significance in light of His coming. We are headed to see the King of Kings, and the prospect of hearing Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant," should be our singular focus.

For unbelievers, the message is clear: the Holy Spirit is offering the free gift of eternal life in Christ. Do not harden your heart but surrender to Christ, who is full of compassion and mercy. This compassion extends not only to believers but also to every unbeliever.

Key Takeaways:

- Patience is an active trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we do not see immediate results. It involves a steadfast commitment to prayer, obedience, and service, mirroring the farmer's diligence, the prophet's boldness, and Job's unwavering faith. [49:33]

- Materialism and greed are traps that can lead to spiritual decay. True wealth is found in a life dedicated to God and others. We must use our resources to alleviate suffering and promote the well-being of our neighbors, reflecting God's heart for compassion and justice. [43:09]

- The imminent return of Christ should sharpen our focus on what is eternal and diminish our preoccupation with the temporary. This perspective transforms our priorities, relationships, and the way we live each day. [01:06:16]

- The call to generosity is a call to freedom from the grip of materialism. Our purchases and possessions should not be driven by a void that only God can fill. Instead, we should seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, finding our contentment in Him. [44:26]

- The way we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ is a reflection of our love for God. We must resist the temptation to grumble and judge, striving instead to build each other up in love and unity, as we are all precious in God's sight. [48:20]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- James 5:1-11

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the main themes James addresses in James 5:1-11?
2. How does James describe the fate of the rich who misuse their wealth? ([32:07])
3. What examples does James use to illustrate patience and endurance? ([33:55])
4. According to the sermon, what are the two things Jesus will check for when He returns? ([34:21])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James compare the rich who hoard wealth to farmers and prophets? How do these comparisons help us understand the message? ([55:06])
2. How does the sermon define patience, and why is it considered an active trust in God rather than passive waiting? ([54:08])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between materialism and spiritual decay? How does this align with James' warnings? ([30:01])
4. How does the imminent return of Christ influence the way believers should live their daily lives according to the sermon? ([01:05:06])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are tempted to take matters into your own hands rather than waiting on God's timing? How can you practice active trust in these areas? ([54:08])
2. The sermon warns against the dangers of materialism. How can you ensure that your pursuit of wealth does not blind you to the needs of others or distance you from God? ([30:01])
3. Think about your current relationships within the church. Are there any unresolved conflicts or critical attitudes you need to address to foster unity and love? ([49:03])
4. The sermon calls for a focus on eternal matters over temporary ones. What practical steps can you take this week to shift your focus from material possessions to spiritual growth? ([01:05:06])
5. How can you use your resources to alleviate suffering and promote the well-being of your neighbors? Identify one specific action you can take this week. ([43:09])
6. Consider the examples of the farmer, the prophets, and Job. Which of these examples resonates most with you, and how can you apply their lessons of patience and endurance in your current situation? ([55:06])
7. For those who may not yet believe, the sermon extends an invitation to accept Christ's compassion and mercy. If you are a believer, how can you share this message of hope with someone in your life this week? ([01:07:10])

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God's Timing in Obedience
Patience is often misunderstood as a passive state, but true biblical patience is an active trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. It is a steadfast commitment to prayer, obedience, and service, even when the fruits of our labor are not immediately visible. Like the farmer who diligently tends to his crops, trusting in the process and God's timing, we too must cultivate patience in our spiritual lives. This patience is not idle; it is a dynamic trust that compels us to continue working towards God's purposes, even amidst uncertainty or delay. It is the boldness of the prophets who spoke God's truth, and the unwavering faith of Job who, despite immense suffering, never lost his trust in God's goodness. Patience is the thread that weaves through our daily walk with God, holding us steady as we navigate the complexities of life. [49:33]

James 5:7-8 (ESV)
"Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."

Reflection: How can you demonstrate active patience in a current situation where you are waiting for God's timing, and what practical steps can you take to strengthen your trust in Him?

Day 2: The Perils of Materialism and Wealth
The pursuit of wealth and material possessions can ensnare us, leading to spiritual decay. This preoccupation with riches blinds us to the needs of others and can distance us from God. True wealth is not found in the accumulation of goods but in a life dedicated to serving God and others. We are called to use our resources to alleviate suffering and promote the well-being of our neighbors, reflecting God's heart for compassion and justice. This means re-evaluating our priorities and ensuring that our actions align with the person we want to be when Jesus returns. It is a call to live with compassion, using our resources not for self-indulgence but for the good of others and the glory of God. [43:09]

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)
"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."

Reflection: In what ways might materialism be influencing your decisions, and how can you intentionally shift your focus towards generosity and service this week?

Day 3: Living with Eternal Perspective
The imminent return of Christ should profoundly impact our priorities, relationships, and daily living. When we focus on what is eternal, the temporary things of this world lose their grip on us. This eternal perspective helps us to live each day with intention, knowing that our time here is short and that we are ultimately accountable to God. As we anticipate Christ's return, we are encouraged to invest in what will last forever—our relationship with God, our character, and the lives of those around us. This perspective transforms our priorities and motivates us to live in a way that is pleasing to God, so that we may one day hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." [01:06:16]

Colossians 3:2-4 (ESV)
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can begin to shift your focus from the temporary to the eternal, and what is one action you can take today to make that shift?

Day 4: Generosity as a Path to True Contentment
Generosity is a powerful antidote to the grip of materialism. Our purchases and possessions should not be driven by a void that only God can fill. Instead, we are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, finding our contentment in Him. When we prioritize God's kingdom, our perspective on wealth and possessions shifts. We begin to see our resources as tools for advancing God's purposes and for serving others. This approach to life brings a sense of freedom and joy that cannot be found in material accumulation. It is in giving that we receive, and in serving that we find the true richness of life. [44:26]

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV)
"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: Consider your current approach to giving and possessions. How can you practice generosity this week in a way that reflects your trust in God's provision and your desire for His kingdom?

Day 5: Love and Unity in the Body of Christ
The way we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ is a direct reflection of our love for God. We must resist the temptation to grumble and judge, striving instead to build each other up in love and unity. As members of one body, we are called to bear each other's burdens, encourage one another, and promote peace and harmony within the church. This unity is not only pleasing to God but also serves as a powerful witness to the world of God's transformative love. By loving one another, we demonstrate the reality of our faith and our commitment to living out the gospel in our daily interactions. [48:20]

Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV)
"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Reflection: Is there someone in your church community with whom you need to foster greater unity and love? What specific step can you take this week to strengthen that relationship?

Quotes

- "Biblical patience is about remaining steadfast in prayer, obedience and service, even when we don't see our lives changing, it's actively trusting that God is working." [01:04:58] (Download | )

- "If we know that Jesus is going to kick in that door here in five minutes, I wonder what this altar call would be like, it'd be pretty dog on focus wouldn't it? That's what James is calling us to, focus." [01:06:16] (Download | )

- "The Holy Spirit is offering you now forgiveness and a future more glorious than you could ever imagine. Do not harden your heart, surrender to Christ, he is full of compassion and mercy." [01:08:08] (Download | )

- "James' use of the present tense, do not grumble, highlights that there is an ongoing temptation to adopt a critical, resentful spirit that poisons both the person and the fellowship." [48:20] (Download | )

- "Patience is active trust, or I'll say it this way, it's a trust in God that keeps you active. You're not resigning yourselves to fate, fate is that the world is kind of out of control and it will end up some way." [01:03:18] (Download | )

- "The judge rewards patience. Now write this down, I want to go ahead and change something about your mindset before you go too far. Patience is not passive, God's not rewarding the man or woman who sits down and does nothing." [52:35] (Download | )

- "True patience isn't passive acceptance. It's a fierce determination that's fueled by faith that God is good. Fundamentally, he is good, I just got to wake this thing out." [53:57] (Download | )

- "The farmer knows there's a process. You plant, you tend, and then you wait on factors beyond your control. Saints, you know what patience really is? It's just trusting God's process." [55:28] (Download | )

- "James confronts the harsh realities his readers are facing... Instead he commands them to be patient or to actively endure those tough relationships and hard circumstances." [52:35] (Download | )

- "If you die or Christ returns in your state of unforgiveness from God, this righteous judge, go read the book. He will send you to hell for your unrepentance and unbelief." [01:09:30] (Download | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?