THIS EPISTLE IS PROBABLY THE FIRST ONE WRITTEN FOR THE NEW TESTAMENT, ON THEME OF FAITH-STRONG IN TRIALS

1. James, the half brother of Jesus, head of church in Jerusalem -Note Acts 15:13- Match words
2. But this must have been before this conference-for Gospel to Gentiles not even mentioned
3. The Jewish Christians were going through some tremendous trials; they needed practical help to face the impossible task of life in the midst of a cruel and unjust world!

I.- A SPECIAL NEED! FAITH THAT OUTLIVES TRIALS v.1,2

James was occupied with the leadership of the Church at Jerusalem, & wrote to dispersion of flock

A.- "JAMES, A SERVANT OF GOD AND OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST" 1a.- TOO HUMBLE TO MENTION KINSHIP

1. The phrases in this small book echo the words of Jesus, Sermon on Mount -familiar influence
2. The phrases of Acts 15 conference letter from the same human mind - 10 similarities
3. Josephus destruction of Jerusalem 70 AD was vengeance for martyrdom of "James the just" -62AD

B.- "TO THE TWELVE TRIBES SCATTERED ABROAD, GREETING" 1b

1. Suffering and trials of nature and mankind were familiar to the Jews and so for centuries
2. Those who were saved were afflicted by Jews and Gentiles alike- and many of them martyred
3. But affliction has its purpose to tune the human soul to wait upon the Lord & sing His praise

C.- JAMES COMMANDED "COUNT IT ALL JOY WHEN YE FALL INTO DIVERS TEMPTATIONS (TRIALS, NOT TO SIN) v.2

1. This was not the temptation to sin-(this tonight), but rather the trials, hardships, persecution
2. Many who were saved lost their families, jobs, chased from city to city, mocked, jailed, killed
3. I Pet 4:13 ff.-If you a re suffering for Christ- rejoice; Matt 5:12-great reward in heaven

But God also has something to give you for that suffering right now, gold in your life

II. THE TRYING OF YOUR FAITH WORKETH PATIENCE v. 3

We do not have to wait till heaven for a reward something priceless for us right now- treasure

A.- PATIENCE IS A VALUABLE THING TO POSSESS, AND IT ENRICHES EVERY HUMAN HEART IT TOUCHES.

1. 2 words Longsuffering, forbearance; the other endurance, steadfastness; With People; circumstance
2. Our fast world today- crime, divorce, unhappiness, pressure, disappointment, from lack patience
3. Patience strengthens the spirit, sweetens the temper, stifles anger, extinguishes envy, subdues pride, bridles the tongue, restrains the hand, and tramples upon temptations

B. ONLY THE TEST AND EXERCISE OF OUR FAITH CAN PRODUCE PATIENCE WITHIN OUR HEARTS! v.3

1. Quote by Henry Ward Beecher "can't preach patience unless sermon is so long people have to practice it"
2. We are brainwashed by TV-"Mission Impossible" solves anything in 58 minutes with 12 commercials
3. James uses the illustration of a husbandman- Jas 5:7,8- "long patience" -

C.- MANY IN BIBLE DAYS, AND TODAY, HAVE FAILED THEMSELVES AND THEIR GOD THROUGH LACK OF PATIENCE

1. The saddest question Jesus ever asked his special disciples-"Could you not watch one hour?" Mark 14:37
2. The great command given by Paul in Heb. 12:1- "Run with Patience" Heb. 12:1-we try, then quit!
3. Ps 27:13,14 pleads -"Wait upon the Lord" -but did Aaron?-Calf; Sampson-harlot; Judas Iscariot?

For many today our endurance as a Christian is lacking- no patience; so we fail & fall! WORK! ! v.4a

III.- LET PATIENCE HAVE HER PERFECT WORK! v. 4a

Like half green fruit piled carelessly in the crisper, we rot before we ripen! no fortitude

A.- PATIENCE HAS SOMETHING TO ADD TO YOUR LIFE, AND UNLESS YOU LEARN PATIENCE, YOU WILL HURT!

1. Patience will give you a calm unruffled temper to bear the evils of life-from persons or things
2. Sweet submission to God's Providential plans for your life adds greatly to bank account- grace
3. We need fortitude in the duties and conflicts of life to stay where God places us-fort to hold

B.- PATIENCE IS THE GRACE THAT CAN SAVE US FROM DEEP DISCOURAGEMENTS, TERRIBLE DEPRESSIONS TODAY

1. Let patience have its perfect work-Fully attain its goal; you complete-harmoniously developed
2. Jesus challenged us- Luke 21:19 "In your patience possess ye your souls". rise above troubles
3. Our age may be intemperate, rush to death; but the peace of God can give you patience today!

C.- HOW CAN WE CLAIM AND POSSESS THE VERY KEY TO CONTENTMENT, WHICH IS GODLY PATIENCE?

1. The unsaved heart is deceitful & desperately wicked lying to others & to self - no chance!
2. But Eph 2:36,4 tells how Paul saw men changed-from children of Wrath to Children of God!-mercy
3. If you are saved - II Thes 3:5-The Lord will direct your hearts to patient waiting for Christ.

But patience comes from God-Rom 15:5,6 - Is the God of Patience your God? Be like Him!

OUR GENERATION IS ALSO SCATTERED ABROAD - ALL OUR CHRISTIAN GRACES ARE ALMOST LOST IN TURMOIL!

1. Real blessings often come in the shape of pain, loss, & disappointment-but Patience wins them.
2. Your only way to patience is through Salvation in Jesus Christ- & submission to His Word!
3. Many "easy believers" today miss the victorious Christian life- do you? Why not change NOW!