Chad Coley
Series in James: Faith that Works
How to Endure Suffering, Part 1
James 5:7 - 11
23 August 2020
Suffering is inevitable in this world. In his letter, James gives believers instruction on how to endure trials, especially opposition from the unbelieving world.
James calls us to wait for the Lord. We are to learn an attitude of self-restraint when people are harsh towards us. As we are submitting to Christ, He empowers us to resist sin and temptation. Never take vengeance, but trust yourself to God.
Have courage. Be resolute in your faith, regardless of what is going on in the world around you. We can have a confidence in the knowledge that God truly has our best interests at heart: we can trust Him. The only way we can keep hope in trial is to set our affections on Heaven's riches above.
James commands the believers not to complain, which causes strife. God will judge our grumbling against Him. Instead, let trust in God's goodness in trials so that we do not lose our reward.