Sunday Sermon

Forecasting the Future Dave Shaner September 7, 2003

Introduction: James discusses being a Christian in the marketplace. Some feel that what is my business is nobody else's business. But the New Testament says that all your business is God's business.

Text: James 4:13-17

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

I. The marketplace often fosters the ____________ of ____________.

A. The world's wisdom is characterized by the arrogant assumption of self-sufficiency.

B. Have you ever had plans disrupted by unforeseen circumstances?

C. God will not be dismissed by mists.

II. Three mistakes we often make about the future:

A. ______________ without ____________.

1. James is not condemning wise planning.

a. Luke 14

b. Proverbs 21:5

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.

2. Proverbs 16:9

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

3. "If God wills" is all through the Bible.

a. Acts 18:21

But as he left, he promised, "I will come back if it is God's will." Then he set sail from Ephesus.

b. I Corinthians 16:7

I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.

c. Romans 1:10

in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.

4. Proverbs 16:3

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

B. ______________ about ____________.

1. Proverbs 27:1

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

2. We plan for the future, but we can only live now.

C. ______________ off doing ____________.

1. Proverbs 3:27-28

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"--when you now have it with you.

2. Galatians 6:10

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

II. Two Warnings:

A. Be ____________ to discuss ____________ ____________.

1. The sin of pride is behind most marketplace sins.

2. Be slow to assume the role of expert.

3. Proverbs 10:19

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

B. Be ____________ to pursue ____________ ____________.

1. Wisdom includes God's permission to change your plans.

2. God has a higher view.

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