Tag: Suffering

James 5:7-12: Being Patient Until Jesus Returns

On By Jarrett Ray FletcherIn MessagesLeave a comment

Sermon Manuscript:

Please turn with me to the book of James, chapter 5:7-12. The main idea of our text this morning is patience. Patience is a difficult subject to discuss. It is something that we all know that we need, but we often fail to possess. It is something that we want and admire in others, but in a tough moment, we do not want it and are aggravated by those who have it. But for followers of Jesus, patience is an integral part of our faith. We are commanded to “be patient.” Patience is a defining mark of love, according to 1 Cor. 13. It is a fruit of the Spirit, according to Galatians 5. To remain impatient is not an option for the Christian.

I confess from the outset that I have not mastered the art of patience. I struggle with impatience frequently. In fact, it may be one of the sins that I struggle with the most! So I come before you today to proclaim what James says about patience. Or better yet, what God says about patience through James. Not to tell you what I am proficient in. But it is my prayer that God, through the preaching of His Word and the power of His Spirit, may equip each of us this morning to grow in being patient for our good and His glory.

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5 Things to Remember in Suffering

On By Jarrett Ray FletcherIn MiscellaneousLeave a comment

1. God promises to comfort us in our affliction (2 Cor. 1:3-4). We can ask him on the basis of his Word to comfort us. Then we should pursue channels of that comfort! Psalm reading, praying (honestly), listening to worship music, asking brothers and sisters to pray for us, etc. God can and will use all these things (and more) to comfort us in our pain.

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Four Things NOT to Say to Those Who Are Suffering

On By Jarrett Ray FletcherIn MiscellaneousLeave a comment

As Christians, we are called to bear one another’s burdens, especially when we experience suffering. Yet we often do not prepare for these moments and get tongue tied, speak with general spiritual platitudes, or avoid speaking altogether. But we must learn to comfort and encourage each other in suffering, because it is a natural part of life and a supernatural part of God’s plan (see Philippians 1:29). As we help one another, we can be instruments used by God to comfort those in need.

As we seek to speak to those who are suffering, we must avoid saying these four things:

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