James 4:13-17

Introduction:

1. “Write your plans in pencil but give God the eraser” (Uncertain source).

2. “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry” (Robert Burns).

3. “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow…” (James 4:13-14a).

4. Planning is good (Proverbs 6:6-11) when it is done in consult with God.

Discussion:

I. The Self-Deceit of Self-Sufficiency

A. “Come now…” indicates the need to redirect their attention.

B. The Bible repeatedly warns against feeling self-sufficient:

1. God warned Israel of this danger (Deuteronomy 8:1-18; esp. vs. 17).

2. Nebuchadnezzar fell into this folly (Daniel 4; esp. vs. 30).

3. What does any of us have that we did not receive? (1 Corinthians 4:7)

C. James’ audience felt they were the captains of their own ship.

II. The Brevity and Uncertainty of Life

A. Job often spoke of life’s brevity (Job 7:6-7; 9:25-26; 14:1-2).

B. Life is as uncertain as it is brief (Luke 12:16-21).

C. Human pursuits are as uncertain as life (Proverbs 23:5; 27:24; Ecclesiastes 9:11-12; 1 Timothy 6:17; James 1:9-11; 1 Peter 1:23-25).

III. The Reality of Dependence on God

A. Israel forgot the source of their blessings (Deuteronomy 8:18; 32:9-15; Psalms 127:1-2; Ezekiel 16:10-15).

B. Paul masterfully educated the philosophers on Mars Hill of the source of life and all things (Acts 17:24-28).

C. James reminded his readers of their dependence on God and the need to humbly confess it (James 4:15-16).

Conclusion:

1. There is nothing wrong with making plans and pursuing them.

2. Making them without considering God’s will is evil, arrogant, boastful, and sinful (James 4:16-17).