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James 5:7-10 ESV

7 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 the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

I. The Patience of Perseverance
A. Perseverance requires patience.
B. Patiently persevering does not mean we are passive.

II. The Physical Presence Driving our Perseverance
A. Patiently persevering means remembering the pay-off is worth the wait.
B. Patient perseverance is rooted in the physical presence that is soon coming.
C. God is patient and perseveres with sinners, which is why His coming physical presence is delayed. (2 Peter 3:8-10, Romans 13:11)

III. The Provocation to Patient Positive Perseverance
A. It’s important to not only stay patient as we persevere, but also positive as well.
B. It’s important to not only be encouraged by the soon coming of Jesus, but also energized as well. (1 John 2:28, Matthew 24:48-51, 2 Corinthians 5:10)

IV. Next Step
A. When followers of Jesus appear before the judgment seat of Jesus, what is in question is not our redemption, but our reward. (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)
B. We serve out of an attempt to please, not to just avoid punishment.