James 5:7-11; Romans 8:31-3; Hebrews 9:27-28
Introduction:
1. Today we ponder three interlocking elements needed to complete our transformation.
2. Though each will be more of a challenge for some than for others, surely all of us will gain by a closer look at the blessings attached to each of these.
Discussion:
I. Waiting Patiently (James 5:7-11)
A. James gave three examples to encourage his readers to patiently wait for the Lord:
1. Farmers: try as we may, crops take the time they take; Christ’s return does too.
2. Prophets: the prophets of old patiently suffered much before receiving the reward.
3. Job: what better example could be given of the “sticktoitiveness” we must have?
B. The Lord will renew the strength of those who patiently wait for Him (Isaiah 40:28-31).
II. Waiting Confidently (Romans 8:31-32)
A. Sadly, many who belong to the Lord have insecurities about that belonging.
B. Christ did not die for us to hope against hope we might have eternal life (1 John 5:13).
C. Paul gave a series of inspired questions to build courage in the Roman Christians.
1. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (cf. Caleb and Joshua, Numbers 14:6-9).
2. If He did not spare His Son, what would He withhold from us?
3. Who can condemn the ones for whom Christ advocates?
4. Can anything (apart from our own choice) separate us from Christ’s love?
III. Waiting Eagerly (Hebrews 9:27-28)
A. This waiting process should not be drudgery like the line at the DMV.
B. It seems the glory of the coming of the Lord was losing its luster in the eyes of the Hebrew Christians (3:12-14).
C. This is not a threat unique to those brethren (Galatians 5:7; 6:9; Revelation 2:4-5; 3:1, 14-16).
D. Knowing how it ends, the Hebrews writer encouraged eager anticipation (9:27-28).
Conclusion:
1. It is difficult to wait for good things, but we must wait for Christ to finish it all.
2. He has given us every reason and resource to wait patiently, confidently, and eagerly.
Further Food for Thought
1. Which of these is the greater difficulty for you?
2. What are some practices we all might employ to facilitate these elements in one another?