BOOK OF JAMES (5:7-12)
2 POSITIVES TO EMBRACE AND 2 NEGATIVES TO AVOID
JAMES 5:7
THE FIRST THING YOU HAVE TO DO TO ENDURE HARD TIMES IS
1. BE PATIENT!
JAMES 5:8
2. STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART – STAND FIRM
STRENGTHEN – MEANS TO ESTABLISH, SUPPORT, OR FIX SOMETHING FIRMLY IN PLACE SO IT’S IMMOVABLE.
1 PETER 5:7-9 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
EPHESIANS 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes
1 CORINTHIANS 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
JAMES 5:9
3. DON’T COMPLAIN
When you complain you don’t trust in God
JAMES 5:10-11
JAMES 5:12
4. DON’T SWEAR – TAKE A OATH
YOUR WORD SHOULD BE TRUSTWORTHY ENOUGH ON ITS OWN
1. BE PATIENT
2. STRENGTHEN YOUR HEARTS
3. DON’T COMPLAIN
4. DON’T SWEAR
4 EASY APPLICATIONS TO HELP YOU
IN ORDER TO BE PATIENT – DON’T FOCUS ON THE SITUATION OR YOU’LL GET ANGRY.
IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART – DON’T FOCUS ON YOURSELF
IN ORDER TO NOT COMPLAIN – DON’T FOCUS ON SOMEONE TO BLAME.
IN ORDER TO NOT SWEAR – DON’T FOCUS ON THE PRESENT. LOOK TO THE FUTURE FOR INSIGHT.
- ROMANS 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.