Preached by Pastor Mike Hess Sunday morning 04/11/2010.
The Brevity of Life
James 4:13-17
Introduction:
“Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them. The days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:16
I. Planning and the Heart (James 4:13)
Retirement_Children_Finances---- GOD--- Ministry_Marriage_Future_Employment
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
II. The Uncertainty and Brevity of Life (James 4:14)
Four things to consider here when you make plans with your life:
1. Your life is short
2. Your life is unpredictable
3. Your life is delicate
4. Your life is entirely in God’s hands
“My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass.” Psalm 102:11
“Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble. He comes out like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and continues not.” Job 14:1-2
“For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.” Psalm 103:14-16
“Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!” Psalm 39:5
III. The Alternative to Arrogance (James 4:15-16)
“remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose’.” Isaiah 46:9-10
“But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills.” 1 Corinthians 4:19
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
IV. The Sin of Disobedience (James 4:17)
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22
“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” John 13:17
Thoughts for Reflection:
1. Nothing is more urgent right now than your standing before God in Christ.
2. Never be disappointed when God changes your plans, always be disappointed when your plans conflict with God’s.
3. Since we know that God loves and cares for us, we know that we can turn our plans and future over to Him.
Download Sermon - right click; choose "Save Target As..."
To listen to sermon left click play icon on player