PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
James 4:13-17 (893)
Introduction
A. During the new year, we’ll be making plans of some sort. Examples:
B. I have a question for each of us to answer:
C. Let’s consider three mistakes that we need to avoid as we plan for the future. James 4:13-
17
I. The first mistake is planning without God. Vv 13,15
A. Businessmen and their plans
1. They had determined:
When:
Where:
How long:
How:
Purpose:
2. The problem: They left God out of the plan. V15
B. When we make plans without considering God, what are we telling Him? V16; Jeremiah
10:23 (565); Proverbs 16: 5,18 (495)
C. The solution: Include God in our plans. James 4:15; Proverbs 3:5-7 (487)
II. The second mistake is presumption about tomorrow.. James 4:14,16
A. Failure of these businessmen:
1. To comprehend the complexity of life. V14
2. To comprehend the uncertainty of life. Job 14:1-2 (414)
3. To comprehend the brevity of life. Luke 12:15-21 (764)
B. The solution: Live with God one day at a time. Matthew 6:33-34 (707). Article:
“A Prayer For Today”
III. The third mistake is a failure to do good. James 4:16-17
A. Will our plans involve doing good?
B. The solution: Go ahead and do good. Proverbs 3:27-28 (487)
Conclusion: As we make plan for the future, let’s include God, have faith in God no matter what
happens and do good with God’s help because life is short.