James: A Handbook on Holiness

The Range of Holiness: The Poor

James 5:7-11

General outline:

1. The Way to Holiness: The Divine Perspective 1:2-27

   1. The Trial-Temptation Complex (1:2-18) & The Word of God (1:19-27)

2. The Principles of Holiness: The Biblical Framework 2:1-26

   1. The Law is the Structure (2:1-13) & Faith is the Dynamics (2:14-26) of Holiness

3. The Implementation of Holiness: The Christian Experience 3:1-4:10

   1. The Obstacle to Victory: Human Impotence 3:1-9

   2. The Nature of Victory 3:10-18

   3. The Requirements for Victory: Self-Knowledge & God-Centered Repentance 4:1-10

4. The Range of Holiness: The Fabric of Life 4:11-5:18

   1. The Relationship to "The Other:" Your Brother & the Future 4:11-17

   2. The Relationship to Yourself 5:1-11

      1. The Rich 5:1-6

      2. The Poor 5:7-11

James 5:7-11

The Exhortation

7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.

The First Ground

See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.

The Second Ground

8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

The Third Ground

9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.

The Fourth Ground

10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

Discussion Questions:

1. V. 7a – What Christian virtue should the poor especially practice? _______________________ How long should they practice it? _________________________________________________

2. V. 7b – Why is God's providence a reason for patience? _______________________________

3. V. 8 – Why is Christ's coming a reason for patience? __________________________________

4. V. 9 – Why is the final Judgment a reason for patience? _______________________________

5. Vv. 10-11 – Why is God's purpose a reason for patience? ______________________________