THE QUEST FOR CHRISTIAN MATURITY“In Patience and Prayer”

James 5:7-20Theme: The power of two character

builders: Patience and Prayer

“Satan wants us to get impatient with God, for an impatient Christian is a powerful weapon in the

devil’s hands.”

“A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.”

Proverbs 14:29

Patient Christians are powerful weapons in the hands of God.

I. THE POWER OF PATIENCEA. To produce fruit.

Patience: “long tempered” – “to remain under” – “to stay put and stand fast when you’d like to run

away.”

I. THE POWEROF PATIENCEB. To give testimony.

“Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the

name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.”

James 5:10-11a

“II Corinthians 4:7-12”

I. THE POWER OF PATIENCEC. To reveal God’s care.

Job – book that describes 1st his distress; 2nd his defense; 3rd his deliverance.

“Without trials there is no perseverance; without battles no victories.”

II. THE POWER OF PRAYERA. In difficult circumstances.

“James 5:17-18”

“Prayer is not getting man’s will done in heaven. It is getting God’s will done on earth.”

“Is anyone of you in trouble? He should pray.”James 5:13

II. THE POWER OF PRAYERB. In sickness.

“The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.”James 5:15

“The prayer of faith – that which we offer when we either know God’s will specifically or we trust

God’s decision completely.”

“Prayer of a righteous person – a person made right with God through confession and willingly

following God by submission.”

II. THE POWER OF PRAYERC. In spiritual struggles.

“James 5:15-16; 19-20

“Don’t just grow old. Grow up spiritually.”