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"An example of suffering and patience."

Text: James 5:10

AN INSPIRATION

Inspiration is always uplifting to the soul! Suffering often takes a heavy toll and thus inspiration is refreshing.

“My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord,
as an example of suffering and patience.
Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the
perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord-
that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”
James 5:10-11

1. The prophets as an example

a) James, must have personally drawn inspiration from the prophets.

b) The prophets were especially noted as people who spoke in the Lord’s name.

2. Example of suffering and patience

a) “Suffering”

i) They suffered for the Lord.

ii) Their messages were not well received, especially when they preached about the judgment of the Lord.

iii) The prophet Jeremiah suffered imprisonment and great hostility.

b) “Patience”

i) The true prophets of God faithfully preached the Word of God right to the end.

ii) Patiently they sought to teach the people though they were often mistreated.

iii) Their lives were an inspiration to all who seek to live for the Lord.

3. “We count them blessed who endure”

a) “Endurance” is as necessary as “patience”.

b) The two words are linked closely.

4. The example of Job

a) He endured much suffering.

b) He experienced the reality of God’s compassion and mercy.

c) The end-result is uplifting to know.

d) God restored all that Job had lost through suffering (Job 42:12-17).

e) He died at a ripe old age seeing four generations of his children.