Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.  See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.  (8) You also be patient.  Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

(9) Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned.  Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!  (10) My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.  (11) 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 was the half brother of Jesus and an important figure of the ancient church.  He was the head of the Christian church at Jerusalem.  This early and powerful letter to all Christians tells his audience that they cannot just talk Christianity, they must live it.    James addresses his readers – the Christian Jews and Gentiles who were suffering – telling them that they are being proved or tested like gold through fire, and that once proved they will receive the crown of glory promised by the Lord Jesus to those who love Him.

James sources the Old Testament for our instruction and, like Paul, believes that all Scripture is profitable.  We need to know biblical history for growth in godliness through examples of application, perspective and example.   Biblical truths proclaimed by generation after generation of godly men strengthens Christians today.   It is clear that serving the Lord does not make us exempt from trials.  The Bible stresses the need for endurance through trials – our lives should be viewed as a marathon, not a sprint.  Submission is required – this comes from a firm and informed belief in the sovereignity of God.  This sovereignity implies that God has a plan, a purpose, and we should never doubt this.  Today is a staging place for eternity.

This letter from James is a moral, doctrinal and literary masterpiece, written in the Judaic tradition.  It is written in the context of Jewish history – written to descendants of the 12 tribes of Israel;  to people who follow Christ and have the experience of trials of faith for a great purpose which will bring spiritual completeness in eternal life.  Trust in God is key – the riches of this world bring no protection.  James cautions against blaming God for difficulties.  We must choose to rely on God and the practise of right living contrasts human behaviour and God’s ways.  Knowing is not enough, we must act on what we know is right.  Belief informs behaviour – belief is demonstrated by actions.  Right behaviour in every day life requires wisdom and this is learned only by connection to God and His word to us.  The human heart wants what it wants – too often it wants what it ought not have.  Following the world’s ways we become enemies of God.  James tells us to submit to God.  Life is short and we are to get our priorities right.  Material goods are of no benefit.

Acting in faith in times of trial in submission to God’s plan provides a powerful example in proving faith by works.  We need not just patience in times of trial but patience and endurance in all things.  The foundation of patience is faith in Christ Jesus and the sure knowledge that Christ will come again to judge all things.