Aim: To have our speech regulated by the reality and closeness of God.
Doctrine: Godly patience is manifest in the way the Saints speak to one another. We are to be kind and honest with our words, understanding that the Lord is near (in judgment).
Exegesis: How the ''no grumbling'' injunction operates, practically-speaking: We recognize that there is no ''time'' for complaining (v. 9); we accept that God's goals for and thoughts about His church are all favorable (vv. 10-11); we know that we are to appeal to God ultimately (and not to anything else) (v. 12).
Further application: Why James' ''no grumbling'' exhortation is so helpful for us: because it causes us to focus on the nearness of God, and this fosters loving faith and holy fear in us.
Key verse: v. 9 ''Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!''
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Rev. Mark Henninger received his Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and he has been Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois for more than 30 years.