Living in the Present: Embracing Today’s Opportunities

 

Summary

In reflecting on the wisdom of Proverbs 27:1, "Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth," we are reminded of the fleeting nature of life and the folly of presuming upon the future. This passage serves as a profound caution against the arrogance of assuming control over what is yet to come. It is a call to humility, urging us to live in the present with a sense of gratitude and responsibility, rather than being consumed by the uncertainties of tomorrow.

The Book of Proverbs, rich in both spiritual and practical wisdom, guides us not only in our spiritual journey but also in our daily lives. It teaches us to be wise stewards of the present, to manage our affairs with prudence, and to avoid the pitfalls of procrastination and overconfidence. The text warns against the dangers of boasting about future achievements or possessions, as such pride is not only foolish but also harmful. It distracts us from the opportunities and responsibilities of today, leading to missed blessings and potential ruin.

Moreover, the sermon emphasizes the spiritual implications of this wisdom. It challenges us to consider our soul's salvation with urgency, rejecting the false comfort of future repentance. The notion that it will be easier to turn to God tomorrow is a deception that can lead to eternal regret. Instead, we are called to immediate action, to seek God's mercy and grace today, for tomorrow is not guaranteed.

For believers, the future should not be a source of anxiety but of hope. While we are cautioned against boasting, we are encouraged to trust in God's providence, knowing that all things work together for our good. Each tomorrow brings us closer to our eternal home, and we can face it with confidence and joy, assured of God's faithfulness.

Key Takeaways:

- The Folly of Boasting: Boasting about tomorrow is not only foolish but diminishes our esteem in the eyes of others. It is a reminder that our worth is not increased by our pride, and we should focus on the present rather than the uncertain future. [02:51]

- The Harm of Procrastination: Delaying action in the hope of a better tomorrow often leads to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. We are encouraged to seize the day and make the most of the present, rather than waiting for an uncertain future. [07:23]

- The Urgency of Salvation: The belief that repentance will be easier tomorrow is a dangerous lie. We must seek God's mercy today, as delaying may lead to eternal consequences. The time for salvation is now, not in some distant future. [19:11]

- Trust in God's Providence: While we should not boast of tomorrow, we can trust that God holds our future. Each day is a step closer to our eternal home, and we can face the future with confidence, knowing that God is in control. [32:24]

- The Danger of Resolutions: Good intentions and resolutions for tomorrow are often unfulfilled. We must act on our commitments today, as relying on future promises can lead to spiritual stagnation and missed opportunities for growth. [25:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Proverbs 27:1
- [00:27] - The Purpose of Proverbs
- [00:42] - God's Concern for Our Present
- [01:14] - Temporal and Spiritual Wisdom
- [02:03] - The Abuse of Tomorrow
- [02:51] - The Folly of Boasting
- [07:23] - The Harm of Procrastination
- [19:11] - The Urgency of Salvation
- [32:24] - Trust in God's Providence
- [25:11] - The Danger of Resolutions
- [41:02] - Providing for Tomorrow
- [42:10] - Spiritual Provision for Tomorrow
- [44:38] - Final Reflections
- [44:53] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Proverbs 27:1: "Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Proverbs 27:1 caution us against, and why is this warning significant? [00:11]
2. According to the sermon, what are some reasons why boasting about tomorrow is considered foolish? [02:51]
3. How does the sermon describe the impact of procrastination on our present actions and future outcomes? [07:23]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the dangers of relying on future resolutions? [25:11]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the spiritual implications of boasting about tomorrow in relation to one's salvation? [19:11]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that trusting in God's providence can change our perspective on the future? [32:24]
3. How does the sermon address the misconception that repentance will be easier in the future? [19:11]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between boasting of tomorrow and spiritual stagnation? [25:11]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you boasted about future plans. How did it affect your actions and mindset in the present? [02:51]
2. Identify an area in your life where procrastination has led to missed opportunities. What steps can you take to address this? [07:23]
3. Consider your current spiritual journey. Are there any aspects where you are delaying repentance or spiritual growth? How can you take immediate action? [19:11]
4. How can you cultivate a mindset of gratitude and responsibility for the present, rather than being consumed by future uncertainties? [00:11]
5. Think of a resolution or commitment you have made for the future. What can you do today to start fulfilling it? [25:11]
6. How can you actively trust in God's providence when facing uncertainties about the future? [32:24]
7. Reflect on a specific area where you have relied on future promises. How can you shift your focus to act on your commitments today? [25:11]

Devotional

Day 1: The Perils of Presumption
In our fast-paced world, it is easy to fall into the trap of presuming upon the future, believing that we have control over what is yet to come. Proverbs 27:1 warns us against this arrogance, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life. Boasting about tomorrow not only reflects a lack of humility but also distracts us from the present moment, where our true responsibilities and opportunities lie. By focusing on the here and now, we can cultivate a life of gratitude and responsibility, free from the false security of future achievements. [02:51]

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 area of your life where you find yourself presuming upon the future? How can you shift your focus to embrace the present with gratitude and humility today?


Day 2: The Cost of Delay
Procrastination is a common pitfall that often leads to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. By delaying action in the hope of a better tomorrow, we risk losing the blessings and responsibilities of today. The wisdom of Proverbs encourages us to be wise stewards of the present, managing our affairs with prudence and seizing the day. By doing so, we can avoid the harm of procrastination and make the most of the time we have been given. [07:23]

Ecclesiastes 11:4 (ESV): "He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap."

Reflection: What is one task or decision you have been putting off? How can you take a step today to address it and make the most of the present moment?


Day 3: The Urgency of Now
The belief that repentance will be easier tomorrow is a dangerous deception that can lead to eternal regret. The call to seek God's mercy and grace is urgent, for tomorrow is not guaranteed. By addressing our spiritual needs today, we can avoid the false comfort of future repentance and embrace the salvation that is available to us now. This urgency challenges us to live with intention and purpose, prioritizing our relationship with God above all else. [19:11]

2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV): "For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

Reflection: Is there a spiritual decision or commitment you have been delaying? How can you take action today to seek God's mercy and deepen your relationship with Him?


Day 4: Confidence in God's Plan
While we are cautioned against boasting about tomorrow, we are encouraged to trust in God's providence. Each day brings us closer to our eternal home, and we can face the future with confidence and joy, knowing that God is in control. This trust allows us to live without anxiety, embracing the hope and assurance that come from God's faithfulness. By surrendering our future to Him, we can find peace and contentment in the present. [32:24]

Psalm 37:5-6 (ESV): "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's plan? How can you surrender this area to Him and find peace in His providence today?


Day 5: The Pitfall of Future Promises
Good intentions and resolutions for tomorrow are often unfulfilled, leading to spiritual stagnation and missed opportunities for growth. By acting on our commitments today, we can avoid the danger of relying on future promises and embrace the transformative power of the present. This proactive approach encourages us to live with integrity and purpose, making the most of the time and resources we have been given. [25:11]

Proverbs 16:3 (ESV): "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."

Reflection: What is one resolution or commitment you have been postponing? How can you take concrete steps today to act on it and grow in your spiritual journey?

Quotes

"Boasting never makes a man any the greater in the esteem of others nor does it improve the real estate either of his body or Soul let a man brag as he will he is none the greater for his bragging nay he is the less for men invariably think the worst of him let him boast as much as he pleases of anything that he possesses he shall not increase its value by glorying he cannot multiply his wealth by boasting of it he cannot increase his Pleasures by glorying in them." [00:02:54]

"Boast not of tomorrow for it is one of the frailest things in all creation and therefore the least to be boasted of boast of the bubbles on the breaker boast of the foam upon the sea boast of the clouds that skim the sky boast of what thou Wilt oh man but boast not of tomorrow for it is too unsubstantial tomorrow it is a fleeting thing thou Hast not seen it why does thou boast of it." [00:05:35]

"Boasting of Tomorrow is hurtful to us in every way it is hurtful to us now I never knew a man who was always hoping to do great things in the future that ever did much in the present I never knew a man who intended to make a fortune by and bu who ever saved six pence a week now I never knew a man who had very great and Grand hopes on the death of some old grandmother or the coming in of some property from chancery or the falling to him of something because his name was jins I never saw him very prosperous in the meantime." [00:07:28]

"Many a man has been made Halt and lame and blind and dumb in the present because he hoped to be greater than a man in the future I always laugh at those who say to me sir rest a while you will work all the longer for it stay a while lest you waste your strength for you may work tomorrow I bid them remember that such is not the teaching of scripture for that says whatsoever thy hand findeth to do do it with thy might." [00:09:56]

"Boast not thyself of tomorrow oh my beloved friends never boast of tomorrow with regard to your Soul's salvation they do so in the first place who think that it will be easier for them to repent tomorrow than it is today Felix said there would be a more convenient season and then he would again send for Paul that he might hear him seriously and many a sinner thinks that just now it is not easy to turn and repent but that by and by it will be." [00:19:00]

"Boast not thyself of tomorrow in the shape of resolves to do better I think I have given up resolutions now I have enough of the debris and the rubbish of my resolutions to build a cathedral with if they could but be turned into stone oh the broken resolutions the broken vows all of us have had oh we have raised castles of resolutions structures of enormous size that outv Babylon itself in all its Majesty." [00:25:04]

"Resolutions strangled at their birth brought on men the guilt of spiritual infanticide and they have been lost with resolutions sticking in their mouths many a man has gone down to Hell with a good resolution on his lip with a Pious resolve on his tongue oh if he had lived another day he said he would have been so much better if he had lived another week oh then he thought he would begin to pray poor soul if he had been spared another week he would only have sunk the deeper into sin." [00:26:16]

"Take care my dear hearers that none of you are Reckoning on to tomorrows I remember the strong but solemn words of Jonathan Edwards where he says sinner remember thou art at this moment standing over the mouth of Hell upon a single Plank and that plank is rotten Thou Art hanging over the jaws of pedition by a solitary rope and lo the strands of that rope are creaking breaking now and yet thou talkest of tomorrows." [00:28:22]

"Do not say you have been kept hither to and you are quite sure you will be preserved from sin tomorrow take care of tomorrow's many Christians go tumbling on without a bit of thought and then on a sudden they tumble down and make a mighty mess of their profession if they would only look sharp after the tomorrows if they would only watch their paths instead of stargazing and boasting about them their feet would be a great deal shorer." [00:30:26]

"Let us take care Christian Brethren that we do not waste the present time with hope of tomorrow that we do not get proud and so off our guard by boasting of what we most assuredly shall be then as we imagine and now in the last place if tomorrows are not to be boasted of are they good for nothing no blessed be God there are a great many things we may do with tomorrows we may not boast of them but I will tell you what we may do with them." [00:32:00]

"Tomorrow to a Christian is a happy thing it is one stage nearer Glory tomorrow it is one step nearer heaven to a Believer it is just one not more that he has sailed across the dangerous sea of life and he is so much the nearer to his eternal Port his Blissful Heaven tomorrow it is a fresh lamp of fulfilled promise that God has placed in his firmament that the Christian May hail it as a guiding star in the future or at least as a light to cheer his path." [00:34:13]

"Boast not of tomorrow but often Comfort thyself with it thou Hast a right to do so it cannot be a bad tomorrow to thee it may be the best day of thy life for it may be thy last and yet another hint tomorrow ought to be observed by Christians in the way of Providence though we may not boast of tomorrow yet we may seek to provide for the tomorrow." [00:36:50]

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Transcript
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