2. “An impatient Christian is a powerful weapon in the devil’s hand.” (Warren Wierbe)

5. Rich oppressors and irritating behaviors have been the testing grounds for the Christians during the time of James (and still are today). This is why he called for two kinds of patience: Patience in Persecution (by non-believers), and Patience in Provocation (by fellow believers).

6. In an age of instant gratification, we need to develop the priceless virtue of perseverance. There are three reasons for this call to be patient.

7. We share the same BOND (vv. 7, 9-10, 12)

8. 1.We share the same bond (vv. 7, 9-10, 12) James mentions the word “brothers” four times in this passage. James mentions the word “brothers” four times in this passage. When we are persecuted, remember, we have brothers (and sisters) we can lean on. When we are persecuted, remember, we have brothers (and sisters) we can lean on. When we are provoked, remember, they are our brothers (and sisters) and not our enemies. When we are provoked, remember, they are our brothers (and sisters) and not our enemies.

10. We share the same HOPE (vv. 7-9)

11. 2.We share the same hope (vv. 7-9) James mentions the “Lord’s coming” two times in this passage and hints at it with “The Judge is standing at the door.” James mentions the “Lord’s coming” two times in this passage and hints at it with “The Judge is standing at the door.”

12. 2.We share the same hope (vv. 7-9) We hope for something we are sure to receive but have not yet received. And so we wait patiently for the fullness of the glory of God’s salvation when Jesus Christ comes again. We hope for something we are sure to receive but have not yet received. And so we wait patiently for the fullness of the glory of God’s salvation when Jesus Christ comes again.

13. We share the same MODELS (vv. 7, 10-11)

15. 3.We share the same models (vv. 7, 10-11) FarmerTrust God in circumstances we do not control. He is producing a good harvest in our lives and that is worth waiting for. FarmerTrust God in circumstances we do not control. He is producing a good harvest in our lives and that is worth waiting for. Keep working!

16. 3.We share the same models (vv. 7, 10-11) ProphetsTrust God in circumstances we do not deserve. He is promoting a good testimony in our lives and that is worth waiting for. ProphetsTrust God in circumstances we do not deserve. He is promoting a good testimony in our lives and that is worth waiting for. Keep witnessing!

17. “The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God can never keep you.”

18. 3.We share the same models (vv. 7, 10-11) Job Trust God in circumstances we do not understand. He is revealing His glory in our lives and that is worth waiting for. Job Trust God in circumstances we do not understand. He is revealing His glory in our lives and that is worth waiting for. Keep worshipping!

19. CONCLUSION All the reasons to be patient in persecution and in provocation are anchored on God’s compassion and mercy. He has been and still is very patient with all of us. And this is more than enough a reason for us to be patient as well.