STANDING FIRM

It’s real important that we stand firm – and not slip!

(James 5:7-12) Be 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. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As 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. Above 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.

1. Be PATIENT

A. God instructs us to be patient.

(7) Be patient, then, brothers…

(8) You too, be patient…

B. Patience means to calmly trust God while waiting for Him to:

· Deliver me.

(Proverb 20:22) Wait for the Lord, and He will deliver you.

· Defend me.

(Hebrews 10:30) We know Him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

· Delight me.

2. Be STRONG

A. Stand up for God - and against godlessness.

(11) As 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.

B. Stand up for God - when pressured not to.

3. Be TRUE

(12) Above 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.

A. Be truthful and transparent all the time.

B. Who am I “really” as I stand before God?