Theme: Strengthening our Faith.
Topic: Enduring Faith
Main Texts: James 5: 7-12
Key verse: James 5: 8 – “You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (NKJV).
Introduction:
Just like the songwriter wrote, “Life is easy when you”re up on the mountain. And you”ve got peace of mind, like you”ve never known But things change when you”re down in the valley.” “We talk of faith way up on the mountain, Talk comes so easy when life”s at its best Now down in the valleys, of trials and temptations That”s where your faith, is really put to the test.” Apostle Peter writing to the believers scattered throughout the Asian region said, “That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet 1:7). It is important to remind ourselves that God is not only God when all things are good and rosy. The Bible teaches that our faith must be tried and tested if we are to amount to anything significant in the hand of God. Jesus, when he called his disciples, did not promise an easy walk. On the contrary, he made it very clear that following him involves sacrifice, self-denial and daily taking up “our cross”. James teaches that the trial of our faith produces patience and that patience when left to finish its work, makes us “perfect and complete lacking nothing”. (Jam 1: 2-5). As we wait expectantly for the coming of the Lord (which is our hope), our faith will be tested. We are to “imitate those who through faith and patience, inherit the promises (Hebrews 12:12).
Q1.(1a) James encourages us to see “how” the farmer waits…patiently”. What does this teach us about waiting for the Lord”s return (1b) What does “the coming of the Lord [being] at hand” mean for us as believers? (1c) How does this assurance or certainty of the Lord”s imminent return help us in holding onto our faith in this perverse and crooked generation?
Paragraph 2:
Waiting is one of the most difficult things to do, especially in our generation when everything seems to be fast paced, button-controlled or one click away. Attention spans are short and becoming shorter. Speed is celebrated, especially when it comes to building a career or acquiring wealth. Waiting becomes even more difficult when it relates to outcomes or situations that are outside of our control. We become frustrated and feel helpless. As a result, we blame, grumble, and complain. But our attitude while we are waiting is important to God. Impatience can cost us dearly, rob us of God”s promises or cause us to sin. Obvious examples include the Israelites and the golden calf, Saul who got tired of waiting for Samuel (and ended up losing his kingdom but even our forefather Abraham encountered the frustration of a promise seemingly deferred. The bible exhorts us to hold on to our faith patiently with joy; to wait with expectant hope
Q2. (2a) Read Deuteronomy 28:47-48. Why is it important to have the right attitude in service to God? (2b) What should be our attitude through testing times and why (James 1:2-3; 5: 9) (2c) let participants share a story of when his/her faith has been tried, and how he/she held on to the faith.
Paragraph 3:
Jesus, while teaching on the signs of the end time said, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Matt 24:13; Matt 10: 22. In writing to the seven (7) churches in the book of revelation, one common thing the spirit spoke to all the seven churches is,” … to him who overcomes, …”. (Rev 2: 7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21). The Christian faith is not a 100-meter dash; it is a marathon. It is not how well you start, but how well you finish the race. For us to finish the race, we need to hold on to our faith so that like the apostle Paul, we can say at the end, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim 4: 7.
Q3. (3a) From James 5: 10-11; 1 Pet 4:12-13 what are the benefits of holding to our faith patiently? (3b) What is the implication if we fail short in faith and what can we do about it? Prov 24:10; Phil 1:6 (3c) Let participants discuss the likely things that can make a believer fail in holding to the faith and how can we safeguard against them.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the imminent return of your son and our saviour Jesus Christ. On this is the anchor and hope of my faith. Help me to hold onto this faith till Christ returns, Amen.