Lesson 8-Patience
Patience
(James 5:1–20)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read James 5:1–20. This lesson references chapters 11, 12, and 13 in Be Mature. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
James was still addressing the suffering saints when he wrote, “Be patient.” This was his counsel at the beginning of his letter (James 1:1–5) and his counsel as his letter came to a close. God is not going to right all the wrongs in this world until Jesus Christ returns, and we believers must patiently endure—and expect.
Three times James reminded us of the coming of the Lord (James 5:7–9). This is the “blessed hope” of the Christian (Titus 2:13). We do not expect to have everything easy and comfortable in this present life.
—Be Mature, page 161
1. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word patience? Do you find it easy or difficult to be patient in life? For what kinds of things are you least patient? What role has patience played in your faith journey thus far?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from James 5:1–20 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here. What strikes you about these verses?
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
The Bible does not discourage the acquiring of wealth. In the law of Moses, specific rules are laid down for getting and securing wealth. The Jews in Canaan owned their own property, worked it, and benefited from the produce. In several of His parables, Jesus indicated His respect for personal property and private gain. There is nothing in the Epistles that contradicts the right of private ownership and profit.
What the Bible does condemn is acquiring wealth by illegal means or for illegal purposes.… What we possess and use are merely things, apart from the will of God. When we yield to His will and use what He gives us to serve Him, then things become treasures and we are investing in eternity.
—Be Mature, pages 150, 153
3. Before he speaks specifically about patience, James offers a stern warning to rich oppressors. What significance, if any, do you see in James’ decision to address this subject just before encouraging readers to be patient in the face of suffering? What sort of circumstances might have prompted James to speak so harshly to those who have lived in “self-indulgence”?
From the Commentary
It is good to have the things that money can buy, provided you also have the things that money cannot buy. What good is a $500,000 house if there is no home? Or a million-dollar diamond ring if there is no love? James did not condemn riches or rich people; he condemned the wrong use of riches, and rich people who use their wealth as a weapon and not as a tool with which to build.
—Be Mature, page 157
4. Look up Matthew 19:16–24. How is James’ rebuke of the wrong use of riches like the message of Jesus’ parable? James seems to be saying that there are no “shortcuts” to blessings. In what ways do people attempt to shortcut their way to riches and success? Do people attempt this with their spiritual growth, too? Explain.
More to Consider: Wiersbe writes, “There is a great difference between enjoying what God has given us (1 Tim. 6:17) and living extravagantly on what we have withheld from others.” What is the great difference he is referring to? How might James answer that question?
From the Commentary
Here, then, is a secret of endurance when the going is tough: God is producing a harvest in our lives. He wants the “fruit of the Spirit” to grow (Gal. 5:22–23), and the only way He can do it is through trials and troubles. Instead of growing impatient with God and with ourselves, we must yield to the Lord and permit the fruit to grow. We are “spiritual farmers” looking for a harvest.
—Be Mature, page 163
5. The New Testament uses the theme of “sowing and reaping” often because it would have been culturally relevant to the people. What illustrations from modern culture might offer similar lessons? What are some examples of what it means to persevere when times are tough? How do perseverance and patience work together in God’s economy?
More to Consider: In John 16:33, Jesus says that we’ll have trouble in this life, but also to “take heart” because He has overcome the world. What are examples of “trouble” you’ve seen in the world around you?
From Today’s World
The proliferation of “get rich quick” schemes offered on late-night television and in your local bookstore is a testament to our culture’s hunger for wealth and prosperity, and disdain for patience. Many of these programs promise some “secret” solution that only a few people have access to (but you, too, can be one of the few if you just sign up today … and pay a lot of money). Perhaps you’ve even tried one of these programs (or perhaps just skimmed through a book or two).
6. In what ways are these “get rich quick” schemes evidence of a deeper need in American culture? Are there any aspects of our American culture where patience is held up as a virtue? What does this tell us about our priorities? What would James say our priority ought to be in this life? How can we, as members of Jesus’ church, help society move toward that way of life?
From the Commentary
“As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered” (James 5:11 niv). But you cannot persevere unless there is a trial in your life. There can be no victories without battles; there can be no peaks without valleys. If you want the blessing, you must be prepared to carry the burden and fight the battle.
—Be Mature, page 165
7. James singles out Job as a man who persevered through trials. Skim through the book of Job and underline some of the trials he endured (see Job 1—2). Then circle the blessings he received on the other side of his season of tribulation (see Job 42). Job’s blessings were certainly measurable, but is this always the case? What other examples of blessing have you observed in the lives of those who have suffered?
From the Commentary
One of the purposes of suffering is the building of character. Certainly Job was a better man for having gone through the furnace. (James explained this process to us, James 1:2–12.) If words are a test of character, then oaths would indicate that there is yet work to be done. When Peter poured out those oaths in the courtyard (Matt. 26:71), he was giving evidence that his character was still in need of a transformation.
—Be Mature, page 169
8. What are some godly character traits that come from suffering? Are these traits that could come in any other ways? Explain. If even Peter was in need of transformation (as Wiersbe states), then what does that say about the rest of us?
From the Commentary
Prayer can remove affliction, if that is God’s will. But prayer can also give us the grace we need to endure troubles and use them to accomplish God’s perfect will. God can transform troubles into triumphs. “He giveth more grace” (James 4:6). Paul prayed that God might change his circumstances, but instead, God gave Paul the grace he needed to turn his weakness into strength (2 Cor. 12:7–10). Our Lord prayed in Gethsemane that the cup might be removed, and it was not, yet the Father gave Him the strength He needed to go to the cross and die for our sins.
—Be Mature, page 174
9. Prayer may seem a great mystery, especially when it comes to helping those who suffer from affliction, but James puts it rather plainly: Just do it. What is your initial reaction to this proclamation? Does this suggest that a “greater faith” results in a greater likelihood of answered prayer? Why or why not? In what ways do Wiersbe’s observations shed light on James’ words?
From the Commentary
Prayer power is the greatest power in the world today. “Tremendous power is made available through a good man’s earnest prayer” (James 5:16 ph). History shows how mankind has progressed from manpower to horsepower, and then to dynamite and TNT, and now to nuclear power.
But greater than nuclear power is prayer power. Elijah prayed for his nation, and God answered prayer. We need to pray for our nation today, that God will bring conviction and revival, and that “showers of blessing” will come to the land.
—Be Mature, page 179
10. What significance, if any, is there to James’ decision to weave his thoughts about prayer among his thoughts on confession and forgiveness? James refers to Elijah as a man who, though “just like us,” prayed earnestly and saw answers to those prayers. Why do you think James made the point to state that Elijah was “just like us”?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of James 5:1–20. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. Take a look at your own heart as it relates to money and wealth. What might James want to say to you if he could see what you see?
12. According to James, patience is not only a virtue, it’s also the path to blessing and spiritual maturity. How patient are you? In what areas of life are you least patient? Do you see trials as opportunities for growth? Why or why not? If you look back on the challenges you’ve faced in the past year, can you see ways in which God has been growing you? Explain.
13. How does your prayer life line up with James’ teaching on prayer? What does it look like to offer prayer in faith? What role does faith play in your expectations for answers to prayer?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you need to reevaluate your priorities when it comes to money? Do you need to work on persevering through a specific trial? Do you need to develop a more faithful prayer life? Perhaps you are feeling a specific prompting to live out some truth you’ve discovered in the Bible. Write these thoughts below. Be specific. Go back through James 5:1–20 and put a star next to the verse that is most convicting to you. Consider memorizing this verse so it can challenge you and move you toward positive change.
Real-Life Application Ideas: Choose a night to get together with your closest friends for a time of prayer and shared suffering. Invite each person to share a difficult circumstance they’re going through and then take the time to pray together, asking God not only to provide an answer to the difficult circumstance, but also to grow the sufferer’s spiritual maturity through the trials or valleys. Consider meeting regularly to support one another through difficult times.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you noted above. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the “Going Forward” section above. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you’ve read and studied.