James 4:13-5:12
Part of James
August 7, 2024

Faith and the future

James 4:13-5:12

(

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) Our Plans to God (13-17)

Arrogance and (

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) are contrary to kingdom living.

There’s nothing (

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) about putting things on a calendar.

Two (

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) examples like: (
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), The (
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) (Exodus 16:20)

Consider (

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), the mother of Jesus. (Luke 1, 1:38).

Our planning and preparation is not bad, but our (

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) when things don’t go our way should be more like Mary, less like the Israelites in the desert or Abraham with Hagar. (Genesis 16:10-13).

His (

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) are Greater (Ephesians 3:20-21, Isaiah 55:8)

James points out that we are a (

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)

We are to be people who (

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) God and love others and (
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) the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. (Ephesians 3:20)

Build (

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’s) Kingdom, Not Our Own (5:1-6)

Someone said there are two seasons in life: a season of peace, and a season of (

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) for peace. (James 5:7-12)

Be (

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). Be patient, if (
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), until the coming of the Lord. (
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) your heart. Don’t (
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) against each other. Look to (
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) examples of faith-under-duress. Don’t (
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) oaths or make rash vows.

Wherever you are at present—whether in a season of peace or a season of waiting for peace—remember that your life’s purpose is to (

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) your Lord. (Micah 6:8).

Reflect:

What is your response when plans don’t go your way? How has God shown you lately that you’re not ultimately in control, but he is?

What current plans do you have that you need to bring before God and humbly submit to him?

When in your life have you known the right thing to do and avoided doing it? Take time to confess if you haven’t yet, and pray for wisdom and insight as you move forward.

What material things do you tend to put your hope and trust in? Money? A sense of security? Your plans? Your job? Abilities? Etc.? What does trusting God instead of those things look like in your life this week?
We don’t drift toward justice and generosity. How can you fight your natural inclination toward selfishness and live justly and generously instead? What could it look like in your life to pursue justice and generosity on an individual level as well as a systemic level?