Planning our future
Rev. Joey Crisostomo
Director for Central Operations
July 18, 2010
Key Scripture
James 4:13-17
13Now 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.” 14Why, 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. 15Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 17Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.
A Brief Introduction
* This subject is very relevant for us today, for we all make plans.
* God is a God who plans. (Jeremiah 29:11)
* Being a good steward of our lives necessitates the making of plans.
* But there is a “right” way to plan, and a “wrong” way; and James discusses both!
The Wrong Approach Toward the Future. Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”
1. Self-Sufficiency. Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.
… planning without the thought of God and His will in mind.
There’s not a single mention of God in this entire business plan. He knew what he wanted, he knew how to get there, and He forgot to include God.
The Wrong Approach Toward the Future. ” 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow ..1 What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
2. Presumption. 1 What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
…When we act like we are the ones who determine our future
* LIFE IS UNPREDICTABLE
* LIFE IS BRIEF
The Wrong Approach Toward the Future. 16As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.
3. Boasting. 16As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.
This sin of boasting is based on the invalid assumption that we are able to control our own destiny.
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Prov. 27:1)
The Wrong Approach Toward the Future. Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow
4. The sin of omission. 17Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.
* Delay of what should be done
The Right Approach Toward the Future. 15Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
1. Plan with the purposes of God in mind.
In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9
2. Remember God’s plans are the most important.
34″My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. John 4:34
3. We can make our plans, but we should make them contingent to God’s approval.
15Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:15)
In Acts 18:21, he told the church at Ephesus, “I will come back if it is the Lord’s will.”
1 Cor. 4:19, “But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing.”
1 Cor. 16:7, “I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.”
4. Ask God’s plan for your life.
* Help me find Your plan
* Help me understand Your plan
* Help me submit to Your plan
* Help me accomplish Your plan
5. We are to commit our plans to God.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. (Pro. 3:5-6)
PLANNING OUR FUTURE
Conclusion: The Three Options
1. You can choose to plan your future in folly.
2. You can choose to plan your future in fear.
3. You can choose to plan your future in faith.
Someone once said. “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” – Corrie Tin Boom