Embracing God's Sovereignty in Our Plans
Summary
In reflecting on the passage from James 4:13-17, we are reminded of the transient nature of life and the folly of presuming upon the future without acknowledging God's sovereignty. Our lives are like a vapor, appearing briefly and then vanishing, which should humble us and lead us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. The tendency to plan our lives with certainty, as if we control our destinies, is a common human folly. We often make plans without considering God's will, assuming that we have the power to execute them as we wish. This mindset is not only foolish but also sinful, as it disregards the divine authority that governs all things.
The uncertainty of life is a reality we must accept. We do not know what tomorrow holds, and this ignorance should lead us to trust in God's wisdom rather than our own understanding. It is a blessing that the future is hidden from us, as knowing it could lead to discontent or despair. Instead, we should focus on the present, doing good and fulfilling our duties without delay. Procrastination in spiritual matters is a sin, as it reflects a lack of faith and obedience to God's commands.
Recognizing God's will in our plans is true wisdom. We should always say, "If the Lord wills," acknowledging that our lives are under His control. This attitude of submission to God's will brings peace and aligns our actions with His purposes. It is not enough to merely express this sentiment; we must live it out in our daily decisions, seeking to fulfill God's will in all that we do.
Boasting about the future is evil because it reflects pride and self-reliance. Instead of rejoicing in our plans, we should find joy in the certainty of God's promises and the eternal life He offers. Our duty is to use the present wisely, doing good and serving God with the time we have. Let us not delay in our obedience, but act promptly in response to God's call, knowing that our time on earth is short.
Key Takeaways:
- The Folly of Presuming on the Future: Life is uncertain, and presuming upon the future without acknowledging God's sovereignty is folly. We must recognize that our plans are subject to God's will and that we are not in control of our destinies. This humility should lead us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. [02:23]
- The Blessing of Ignorance: Not knowing the future is a blessing, as it prevents us from being discontent or despairing. Instead, we should trust in God's wisdom and focus on the present, fulfilling our duties without delay. This trust in God's plan brings peace and aligns our actions with His purposes. [12:38]
- Recognizing God's Will: True wisdom lies in recognizing God's will in our plans. We should always say, "If the Lord wills," acknowledging that our lives are under His control. This attitude of submission brings peace and aligns our actions with His purposes, ensuring that we live in accordance with His will. [18:54]
- The Evil of Boasting: Boasting about the future reflects pride and self-reliance, which are contrary to a life of faith. Instead of rejoicing in our plans, we should find joy in the certainty of God's promises and the eternal life He offers. This perspective shifts our focus from earthly achievements to heavenly rewards. [28:49]
- The Duty of the Present: Our duty is to use the present wisely, doing good and serving God with the time we have. Procrastination in spiritual matters is a sin, as it reflects a lack of faith and obedience to God's commands. Let us act promptly in response to God's call, knowing that our time on earth is short. [33:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to James 4:13-17
- [00:52] - Human Nature and Planning
- [01:38] - The Uncertainty of Life
- [02:23] - Counting on the Future is Folly
- [03:59] - The Form of Folly
- [05:00] - Worldly Objectives and Self-Reliance
- [07:21] - The Illusion of Certainty
- [09:41] - The Brevity of Life
- [12:23] - Ignorance of the Future
- [18:54] - Recognition of God in the Future
- [28:49] - Boastings About the Future
- [33:15] - The Duty of the Present
- [40:29] - Immediate Action in Service
- [42:24] - Conclusion and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- James 4:13-17
---
Observation Questions:
1. What does James compare our lives to in James 4:14, and what does this metaphor suggest about the nature of life? [00:13]
2. According to the sermon, what is the folly of presuming upon the future without acknowledging God's sovereignty? [02:23]
3. How does the sermon describe the attitude of those who plan their lives without considering God's will? [03:59]
4. What does the sermon say about the certainty of life and the plans we make? [07:21]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "If the Lord wills" in the context of making plans for the future? [18:54]
2. What are the consequences of boasting about the future, according to the sermon, and how does this relate to pride and self-reliance? [28:49]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that ignorance of the future can be a blessing? [12:38]
4. How does the sermon connect the brevity of life with the urgency of fulfilling our duties in the present? [33:15]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you made plans without considering God's will. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's sovereignty? [03:59]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of living with a sense of urgency and purpose. What is one area of your life where you feel called to act promptly in response to God's call? [33:15]
3. How can you incorporate the phrase "If the Lord wills" into your daily decision-making process, both in thought and action? [18:54]
4. Consider a situation where you have been tempted to boast about future plans. How can you shift your focus from self-reliance to trusting in God's promises? [28:49]
5. The sermon suggests that not knowing the future can prevent discontent or despair. How can you practice trusting in God's wisdom when faced with uncertainty? [12:38]
6. Identify a spiritual duty or good work you have been procrastinating. What steps can you take this week to fulfill it without delay? [33:15]
7. How can you find joy in the certainty of God's promises and eternal life, rather than in your own plans and achievements? [28:49]
Devotional
Day 1: The Folly of Presuming on the Future
Life is unpredictable, and assuming control over our future without acknowledging God's sovereignty is a common human error. We often make plans with a sense of certainty, forgetting that our lives are like a vapor, here one moment and gone the next. This presumption is not only foolish but also sinful, as it disregards the divine authority that governs all things. Instead, we should live with humility, recognizing that our plans are subject to God's will. This humility should lead us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, focusing on what truly matters. [02:23]
James 4:14-15 (ESV): "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 plan you have made recently without considering God's will? How can you invite God into that plan today?
Day 2: The Blessing of Ignorance
Not knowing the future is a blessing that prevents us from being discontent or despairing. Our ignorance of what tomorrow holds should lead us to trust in God's wisdom rather than our own understanding. This trust allows us to focus on the present, fulfilling our duties without delay. By doing so, we align our actions with God's purposes and find peace in His plan. Procrastination in spiritual matters is a sin, as it reflects a lack of faith and obedience to God's commands. Let us embrace the blessing of ignorance and live faithfully in the present. [12:38]
Ecclesiastes 11:5 (ESV): "As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle with uncertainty? How can you practice trusting God with that uncertainty today?
Day 3: Recognizing God's Will
True wisdom lies in recognizing God's will in our plans. We should always say, "If the Lord wills," acknowledging that our lives are under His control. This attitude of submission brings peace and aligns our actions with His purposes. It is not enough to merely express this sentiment; we must live it out in our daily decisions, seeking to fulfill God's will in all that we do. By doing so, we ensure that our lives are in accordance with His divine plan, leading to a life of purpose and fulfillment. [18:54]
Proverbs 19:21 (ESV): "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively seek God's will in your daily decisions? What is one decision you can bring before God today?
Day 4: The Evil of Boasting
Boasting about the future reflects pride and self-reliance, which are contrary to a life of faith. Instead of rejoicing in our plans, we should find joy in the certainty of God's promises and the eternal life He offers. This perspective shifts our focus from earthly achievements to heavenly rewards. By humbling ourselves and relying on God's promises, we can live a life that is pleasing to Him and aligned with His eternal purposes. Let us find joy in God's promises rather than our own plans. [28:49]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself boasting? How can you shift your focus to find joy in God's promises instead?
Day 5: The Duty of the Present
Our duty is to use the present wisely, doing good and serving God with the time we have. Procrastination in spiritual matters is a sin, as it reflects a lack of faith and obedience to God's commands. We are called to act promptly in response to God's call, knowing that our time on earth is short. By living with a sense of urgency and purpose, we can make the most of the time we have, serving God and fulfilling our duties without delay. Let us embrace the present and live faithfully in response to God's call. [33:15]
Ephesians 5:15-16 (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."
Reflection: What is one spiritual duty you have been procrastinating on? How can you take a step today to fulfill that duty?
Quotes
"Men today are just the same as when these words were first written. We still find people saying what they are going to do today, tomorrow, or in 6 months' time, at the end of another year, and perhaps still farther. I have no doubt there are persons here who have their own career mapped out before them pretty distinctly, and they feel well nigh certain that they will realize it all." [00:52:44]
"Notice that these people, while they thought everything was at their disposal, used everything for worldly objects. What did they say? Did they determine with each other, 'We will today or tomorrow do such and such a thing for the glory of God and for the extension of his kingdom?' Oh no, there was not a word about God in it from beginning to end." [05:06:24]
"It is a great folly to build hopes on that which may never come. It is unwise to count your chickens before they are hatched. It is madness to risk everything on the unsubstantial future. How do we know what will be on the tomorrow? It is grown into a proverb that we ought to expect the unexpected, for often the very thing happens which we thought would not happen." [08:48:31]
"Why then is it that we are always counting upon what we are going to do? How is it that instead of living in the eternal future where we might deal with certainties, we continue to live in the more immediate future where there can be nothing but uncertainties? Why do we choose to build upon clouds and pile our palaces on vapor?" [11:13:16]
"Whatever we may say about what we mean to do, we do not know anything about the future. The Apostle, by the Spirit, speaks truly when he says, 'Ye know not what shall be on the tomorrow.' Whether it will come to us laden with sickness or health, prosperity or adversity, we cannot tell." [12:30:52]
"Recognition of God with regard to the future is true wisdom. What says our text? 'For that you ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live and do this or that.' That I do not think that we need always in every letter and in every handbill put 'if the Lord will,' yet I wish that we oftener said those very words." [18:45:39]
"We should recognize God in the affairs of the future because, first, there is a Divine will which governs all things. I believe that nothing happens apart from Divine determination and decree. Even the little things of life are not overlooked by the all-seeing eye. The very hairs of your head are all numbered." [20:55:59]
"Boastings about the future are evil. But now you rejoice in your boastings; all such rejoicing is evil. I will not say much upon this point, but briefly ask you to notice the various ways in which men boast about the future. While man says about a certain matter, 'I will do it; I've made up my mind,' and he thinks, 'You cannot turn me.'" [28:39:21]
"There is of course a future concerning which you may be certain. There is a future in which you may rejoice. God has prepared for them that serve him a crown of life, and by humble hope you may wear the crown even now. You may, by the thoughts of such amazing bliss, begin to partake of the joy of heaven." [32:31:51]
"The using of the present is our duty. Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin. I take this text with its context. It means that he who knows what he ought to do and does not do it at once, to him it is sin." [33:21:12]
"If present duties are neglected, you cannot make up for the omission by some future piece of quixotic endeavor to do what you were never called to do. If we could all be quiet enough to hear that clock tick, we should hear it say, 'Now, now, now, now.' The clock therein resembles the call of God in the daily duties of the hour." [36:19:59]
"Let us do something for Christ at once. You young people that are newly converted, if you do not very soon begin to work for Christ, you will grow up to be idle Christians, scarcely Christians at all. But I believe that to attempt something suited to your ability almost immediately, as God shall direct you, will put you on the line of a useful career." [40:35:80]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Sep 30, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?