My Will or God's Will
James 4:13-17
Matthias Haeusel
Part of James
November 3, 2024

MY WILL OR GOD’S WILL?

Humility

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. —James 4:6-7

  • Trials
  • Temptation
  • Partiality
  • Hearing and Doing
  • The Tongue
  • Wisdom
  • Worldliness
  • Judging
  • Presumption
  • Money

I. My Proud Will

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” —James 4:13

II. Life is Uncertain

You Are Not in Control!

The heart of man plans his way,
     but the LORD establishes his steps. —Proverbs 16:9

The lot is cast into the lap,
     but its every decision is from the LORD. —Proverbs 16:33

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will —Ephesians 1:11

…yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? —James 4:14a

III. Life is Short

You are Fragile!

For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. —James 4:14b

For my days pass away like smoke,
     and my bones burn like a furnace. —Psalm 102:3

“Remember that my life is a breath;
     my eye will never again see good.” —Job 7:7

…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. —Ephesians 5:16-17

IV. Practical Atheism

Do you believe in God, but live as though He does not exist?

  • Do you claim the name Christian without submitting your life to Christ’s Rule?
  • Do you only turn to God when you are in a situation you cannot resolve in your strength?
  • Do you base on your morality on comparison with others rather than the Word of God?
  • Do you ever share your faith? Do you believe what Jesus says about salvation?
  • Do you think more about life on earth than about eternity?
  • Does your life look any different than that of the people around you who do not know Jesus?
  • Do you exclude God from your planning?

V. Repent

Trust God!

Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” —James 4:15

As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. —James 4:16-17

APPLICATION

  • Planning is not Sin
  • Living as though you are sovereign is sin
  • Scripture calls us to trusting submission
  • Every event is a summons to trust God.

Our greatest desire as a team of elders is for you to know and love and trust Jesus more.