Study 12: James 4: 11-12: Trent Evans

The study of James 4:13-17 warns against the arrogance of self-sufficiency and the presumption of future certainty, calling believers to align their plans with God's will. James rebukes the mindset that confidently declares personal plans without seeking God's direction, reminding believers that life is but a mist—temporary and fleeting. Instead of making plans independent of God, James urges a posture of humility, where every action and decision is submitted under the phrase, “If the Lord wills.” This study highlights the importance of trusting God's sovereignty, embracing daily dependence on Him, and recognizing that true success is found in aligning with His purposes. The final verse, James 4:17, reminds us that knowing the right thing to do and failing to do it is sin, emphasizing that obedience in the present moment is more important than an unknown future. This study challenges believers to live with eternal purpose, make decisions through prayer, and steward each day as a gift from God.

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction: The Danger of Presumptuous Living (00:03 - 06:39)

• Key Scripture: James 4:13 – “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.’”

• Context: James warns believers against self-sufficient planning without considering God's will.

• Key Question: Are we making plans independently of God, assuming we control our future?

• Illustration: The illusion of control—how quickly plans change due to circumstances beyond our control.

  
  

2. The Foundation of Self-Sufficient Thinking (06:39 - 10:49)

• Key Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

• Key Point: Many believers plan their lives without seeking God's guidance, assuming they have unlimited time and ability to execute their goals.

• Illustration: The difference between someone who prays before making plans vs. someone who moves forward without seeking God.

• Application: Success in the kingdom of God is not about personal ambition but about submission to His direction.

  
  

3. Life is a Mist: The Fragility of Human Plans (10:49 - 14:40)

• Key Scripture: James 4:14 – “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.”

• Greek Word Study: Atmos (ἄτμος) – Vapor, breath, fleeting existence.

• Key Point: Our lives are temporary and uncertain—it is foolish to assume we control our future.

• Illustration: The reality of unexpected deaths, job losses, and life-changing events proving that our time is not guaranteed.

• Application: Every day is a gift from God, and we must live with eternal purpose.

  
  

4. The Right Perspective: "If the Lord Wills" (14:40 - 19:59)

• Key Scripture: James 4:15 – “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

• Key Point: Instead of presuming on the future, we should approach all plans with humility, recognizing God's authority over our lives.

• Illustration: A Christian business owner who dedicates their plans to God vs. one who operates solely on their own ambition.

• Application: Practically incorporating “If the Lord wills” into daily decision-making, both in words and in heart posture.

  
  

5. The Arrogance of Boasting in Our Own Plans (19:59 - 26:19)

• Key Scripture: James 4:16 – “As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.”

• Key Point: Boasting in our own plans is not just foolish—it is sinful.

• Illustration: The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9)—how human pride in self-sufficiency led to failure.

• Application: Pride in planning without God leads to spiritual and personal downfall.

  
  

6. The Consequences of Ignoring God's Will (26:19 - 32:00)

• Key Scripture: Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

• Key Point: When we make plans outside of God’s will, we experience stress, confusion, and failure.

• Illustration: The speaker’s personal testimony of resisting God’s call into full-time ministry and the inner turmoil it caused.

• Application: Surrendering control to God does not remove responsibility but allows His wisdom to direct our steps.

  
  

7. The Sin of Knowing What to Do But Not Doing It (32:00 - 38:56)

• Key Scripture: James 4:17 – “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”

• Key Point: Sin is not just doing wrong but also failing to do what is right when God reveals His will.

• Illustration: A person who feels convicted to share the gospel or serve in ministry but continues to delay.

• Application: Delayed obedience is still disobedience. What is the next good step God is calling you to take?

  
  

8. Understanding God's Step-by-Step Guidance (38:56 - 45:10)

• Key Illustration: The 10,000-piece puzzle analogy—God gives us one piece at a time rather than revealing the full picture.

• Key Point: God does not reveal the entire future because we would be overwhelmed—He calls us to trust Him for the next step.

• Application: Focus on obeying God in the present rather than stressing about the unknown future.

  
  

9. Living with Eternal Purpose (45:10 - 50:29)

• Key Scripture: Psalm 39:4-5 – “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.”

• Key Point: Recognizing the shortness of life should lead us to live intentionally for God's purposes.

• Illustration: A person looking back on their life and realizing they wasted time chasing temporary things.

• Application: Align your life’s priorities with God’s will to ensure lasting impact beyond this life.

  
  

10. The Call to Trust and Obey (50:29 - End)

• Final Challenge:

  1. Examine your plans—are they surrendered to God's will?

  2. Acknowledge God in your daily decisions—don’t wait for a crisis to seek Him.

  3. Do the next right thing today instead of worrying about the entire journey.

• Illustration: The testimony of how following God’s leading one step at a time resulted in an unexpected yet fulfilling purpose.

  
  

Final Reflection & Prayer (53:25 - End)

• Prayer Focus: Asking God for wisdom to discern His will, courage to obey immediately, and humility to surrender all plans to Him.

• Challenge: Live today in light of eternity—don’t waste time on things that won’t matter in the end.

Scripture References

Word Study