James: Has the Will of God Captured Your Imagination?
Scripture References: James 4:13-17; Isaiah 14:12-15; Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 6:33; John 4:34; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Intro: Welcome. We continue our series in James, today looking at James 4:13-17. James confronts a specific way of speaking and planning: "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go... trade, make a profit...'" He's not condemning planning itself, but the arrogant presumption behind making plans without acknowledging God's sovereignty.
Key Points:
- The Problem: Arrogant Boasting (vv. 13, 16): James identifies the attitude of saying "I will do this..." without reference to God as arrogant boasting, calling it "evil." It stems from pride and selfish ambition – acting as if we are the sole authors and controllers of our lives. This echoes Satan's original "I will..." statements (Isa 14).
- The Reality Check: Life is Brief & Uncertain (v. 14): James counters this arrogance by reminding us:
- We "do not know what tomorrow will bring."
- Our life is incredibly short and fragile, like a "mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." Our control is an illusion.
- The Proper Posture: Submission to God's Will (v. 15): Instead of arrogant self-determination, James instructs: "you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'" This acknowledges His sovereignty over our very lives and plans. It's a posture of surrendered pursuit.
- God's Will is Desirable: We often resist submitting to God's will, fearing it's burdensome or will hinder our happiness. But Jesus found His deepest satisfaction ("My food") in doing the Father's will (John 4:34). God's will aligns with His good design for us and leads to true flourishing. His vision for us is greater than our own. Don't let the world's offerings capture your imagination more than His will.
- Discerning God's Will: Start with His clearly revealed general will (love Him, love others, rejoice, pray, give thanks, share faith, seek justice - 1 Thess 5:16-18, Matt 6:33). As we walk obediently in what we do know, specifics often become clearer through relationship with Him.
- The Sin of Omission (v. 17): Knowing the right posture ("If the Lord wills") or the right thing to do (God's revealed will) and failing to do it is itself sin. We are accountable for inaction prompted by pride or unbelief.
Conclusion: Planning is wise, but planning with arrogant self-sufficiency is sinful pride. James calls us to humble ourselves, acknowledge God's sovereignty over our brief and uncertain lives, and submit our plans to His good and desirable will ("If the Lord wills..."). True life is found in alignment with Him.
Call to Action: Examine your attitude toward planning and the future. Do you acknowledge God's sovereignty, or presume control? Confess any arrogant boasting or failure to submit plans to Him. Practice saying (and meaning) "If the Lord wills" this week. Prioritize aligning with His revealed general will.
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