Aligning Our Plans with God's Purpose for the New Year
Summary
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it's crucial to reflect on how we approach the future. The Apostle James provides a poignant lesson through the story of a boastful businessman who made three critical mistakes that we must avoid. First, he planned without God, focusing solely on his own ambitions and desires without seeking divine guidance. This kind of selfish planning is a common pitfall, where we rely on our own understanding and neglect to acknowledge God's sovereignty in our lives. The Bible encourages planning, hard work, and business, but it must be done with God at the center.
The second mistake is sinful presumption, where we assume we have all the time in the world. Life is described as a vapor, fleeting and unpredictable. We must live each day as if it were our last, not presuming upon the future but trusting God with our time. The third mistake is slothful procrastination, failing to do what we know we ought to do. This sin of omission is often more dangerous than sins of commission because it involves neglecting the good we are called to do.
To align ourselves with God's will, we must embrace three key practices: confession, consecration, and concentration. Confession involves cleansing our hearts from sin, as God will not guide us if we harbor iniquity. Consecration is about surrendering our stubbornness and committing to God's will, ready to follow Him at any cost. Concentration requires us to listen attentively to God's voice, dedicating time to quiet reflection and prayer.
As we enter this new year, let us not fall into the traps of selfish planning, sinful presumption, or slothful procrastination. Instead, let us seek God's guidance, live each day with purpose, and act on the good we know we should do. By doing so, we can experience a year filled with God's blessings and direction.
Key Takeaways:
- Selfish Planning vs. Divine Guidance: Planning is essential, but it must include God. Without seeking His will, our plans are self-centered and lack divine purpose. We must remember to say, "If the Lord wills," acknowledging His sovereignty over our lives. [05:16]
- The Fleeting Nature of Life: Life is like a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow. We must not presume upon the future but live each day as if it were our last, making the most of the time God has given us. [12:03]
- The Sin of Omission: Failing to do what we know is right is a significant sin. It's not just about avoiding wrong actions but actively pursuing the good we are called to do. This requires intentionality and obedience to God's promptings. [17:26]
- Confession, Consecration, and Concentration: To know God's will, we must confess our sins, consecrate our lives to His service, and concentrate on listening to His voice. These practices align our hearts with God's purposes. [09:34]
- Living with Purpose: Each day is a gift from God, and we should live it fully, treating others with love and kindness, and being swift to obey God's commands. This intentional living leads to a fulfilling and God-honoring life. [23:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:08] - Facing the Future
- [02:09] - The Boastful Businessman
- [02:45] - Planning Without God
- [03:55] - Selfish Planning
- [05:16] - The Importance of Including God
- [06:31] - Confession and Cleansing
- [07:18] - Walking in the Light
- [08:39] - Consecration and Commitment
- [09:34] - Concentration and Listening
- [10:54] - Sinful Presumption
- [12:03] - Life as a Vapor
- [12:52] - Letting Go of the Past
- [15:57] - Slothful Procrastination
- [17:26] - The Sin of Omission
- [19:45] - Receiving Christ
- [20:29] - Cultivating the Mind
- [21:37] - Neglect in Relationships
- [22:32] - Spiritual Weakness
- [23:15] - Living with Purpose
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- James 4:13-17
- Psalm 66:18
- 1 John 1:5-9
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the three mistakes the boastful businessman made according to James 4:13-17? [02:09]
2. How does the sermon describe the nature of life, and what biblical metaphor is used to illustrate this? [12:03]
3. What does the sermon say about the importance of confession in knowing God's will? [06:31]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the phrase "If the Lord wills" in our planning? [05:16]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "selfish planning" contrast with seeking divine guidance in one's life? [05:16]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that "sinful presumption" can affect our daily living and future planning? [12:03]
3. Why does the sermon emphasize the sin of omission as being more dangerous than sins of commission? [17:26]
4. How do confession, consecration, and concentration work together to align a believer with God's will? [09:34]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current plans for the future. How can you ensure that God is at the center of these plans? [05:16]
2. Considering the fleeting nature of life, how can you live each day with more intentionality and purpose? [12:03]
3. Identify an area in your life where you might be guilty of the sin of omission. What steps can you take to address this? [17:26]
4. How can you incorporate regular confession into your spiritual practice to maintain a clean heart before God? [06:31]
5. What practical steps can you take to consecrate your life to God's will, even when it requires personal sacrifice? [08:39]
6. How can you create a daily routine that includes time for quiet reflection and listening to God's voice? [09:34]
7. Think of a specific good deed you know you should do but have been putting off. What is one action you can take this week to accomplish it? [18:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Planning with Divine Intent
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to fall into the trap of planning our lives without considering God's will. The story of the boastful businessman in the book of James serves as a cautionary tale against making plans that are self-centered and devoid of divine guidance. When we plan without God, we rely solely on our own understanding, which can lead to a lack of purpose and fulfillment. Instead, we are encouraged to include God in our planning, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His guidance in every decision. By doing so, we align our ambitions with His divine purpose, ensuring that our plans are not just about personal gain but about fulfilling His will in our lives. [05:16]
James 4:13-15 (ESV): "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'"
Reflection: What is one specific plan or decision you are currently making where you need to seek God's guidance? How can you intentionally include Him in this process today?
Day 2: Embracing the Fleeting Nature of Life
Life is described as a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow, reminding us of its fleeting nature. This perspective challenges us to live each day with intentionality and purpose, not presuming upon the future. We often assume we have all the time in the world, but the reality is that life is unpredictable. By recognizing the brevity of life, we are encouraged to make the most of the time God has given us, living each day as if it were our last. This means prioritizing what truly matters, such as our relationship with God and others, and making choices that reflect our eternal values. [12:03]
Psalm 39:4-5 (ESV): "O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are presuming upon the future? How can you begin to live more intentionally in that area today, acknowledging the fleeting nature of life?
Day 3: Overcoming the Sin of Omission
The sin of omission, or failing to do what we know is right, is a significant issue that often goes unnoticed. It's not just about avoiding wrong actions but actively pursuing the good we are called to do. This requires intentionality and obedience to God's promptings, as neglecting the good we ought to do can be more dangerous than committing overt sins. By being attentive to God's voice and promptings, we can identify the areas where we are called to act and make a conscious effort to fulfill our responsibilities. This proactive approach to our faith ensures that we are living in alignment with God's will and purpose for our lives. [17:26]
James 4:17 (ESV): "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."
Reflection: What is one good action or responsibility you have been neglecting? How can you take a step today to fulfill this calling and overcome the sin of omission?
Day 4: Confession, Consecration, and Concentration
To truly know and follow God's will, we must engage in the practices of confession, consecration, and concentration. Confession involves cleansing our hearts from sin, as God will not guide us if we harbor iniquity. Consecration is about surrendering our stubbornness and committing to God's will, ready to follow Him at any cost. Concentration requires us to listen attentively to God's voice, dedicating time to quiet reflection and prayer. These practices align our hearts with God's purposes, enabling us to discern His guidance and live in accordance with His will. By prioritizing these spiritual disciplines, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship with God and a clearer understanding of His direction for our lives. [09:34]
Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV): "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."
Reflection: Which of the three practices—confession, consecration, or concentration—do you need to focus on more in your spiritual life? What specific steps can you take today to cultivate this practice?
Day 5: Living with Purpose
Each day is a gift from God, and we are called to live it fully, treating others with love and kindness, and being swift to obey God's commands. This intentional living leads to a fulfilling and God-honoring life. By recognizing the value of each day, we can prioritize our time and energy on what truly matters, ensuring that our actions reflect our faith and values. Living with purpose means being mindful of our choices and their impact on others, as well as being open to God's leading in every aspect of our lives. By doing so, we can experience a year filled with God's blessings and direction, as we align our lives with His divine purpose. [23:15]
Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel you are not living with purpose? How can you begin to make more intentional choices in that area today, aligning your actions with God's will?
Quotes
"Number one, you just plan without God. Number two, you just presume that you have all the time in the world. Number three, you fail to do what you know already that you ought to do, and you'll make a mess of this new year." [00:19:32]
"Go to now ye that say today or tomorrow we will go into such a city and continue their year and buy and sell and get gain, whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth, for a little time, and then vanisheth away." [01:02:75]
"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. Here was a man, a first century wheeler-dealer, a boastful businessman. He was looking toward the future. He was making his plans for the future. Maybe it was on the threshold of a brand new year, and he's thinking about what his future would be." [02:53:57]
"First of all, he made the mistake of planning selfishly. Selfish, self-centered planning. Now listen to what he said again in verse 13. Today or tomorrow. The very first thing he did, he just simply planned the time. He planned the period of time. He gets out his calendar. He sharpens his pencil. He begins to make some entries in his calendar." [03:34:51]
"What was wrong with what this man did? Simply this, in this whole procedure there's no reference to God whatsoever. I mean, there's no reference to God. What does that mean? He is simply planning without God. And that's what James is going to rebuke him about. He forgot to say, if the Lord will, you'll do this or that. He's not seeking God's will." [06:02:44]
"On this threshold of a new year, get your heart clean, completely, totally clean. When you pray and ask God for wisdom, pray with a clean heart. Psalm 66 verse 18 says this, if I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. God is not going to guide you, friend. God is not going to answer your prayer." [06:42:09]
"You must just simply come to God and say, now, Lord, I am here to do your will, any time, any place, any cost. Have you done that? Have you taken the contract with God and signed it at the bottom and then said, God, you may fill in the contract? Or do you come to God wanting your will and asking God to superimpose his blessing upon your will?" [08:25:84]
"God speaks many times, but we are not listening. We are to attune our ear to God. That's the reason that you need a quiet time. Would you on this threshold of a new year resolve that you're going to get up earlier in the morning to have enough time to listen to God? Many times people say, well why does, why does God not lead me?" [09:34:11]
"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow, for what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Not only did this man, uh, plan without God, he presumed about the future. He thought that he had a long time to live. But God says, you don't know how long you're going to live." [11:41:32]
"And the third is procrastinating to do what we already know we ought to do. That is slothful procrastination. Selfish planning, sinful presumption, and slothful procrastination. That's, that's a danger that we face today. Do you know many of us say, oh, I wish I knew God's will for my life? Come up here, I'm going to tell you something." [15:57:73]
"Your mind is like a garden. If you cease to cultivate that garden, you don't have to plant weeds. They will grow. The spores, the seeds are in the air. And if you fail to weed your garden and plant the right things, I can promise you there will be a crop of weeds in your mind. If you fail to weed your garden and plant the right things, your mind will be a garden of weeds." [20:31:78]
"The way to know the part of God's will that you don't know is to obey the part you do know. It's hard to steer a ship that's not moving. And when God speaks to you and you know to do good, do it. If God says to you, confess some sin, confess it. If God says, make it right with a brother, make it right. If God says, give some money, give it." [25:06:55]
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