James 4:13-17
Introduction
In these verses James is talking about something we all do. We try to have control over our circumstances. We plan.
“Don’t plan” – Is that what James is saying? No.
- vs. 13 & 15 use the same words: “we will go and do.”
- The difference between the way we schedule our lives and how we should make plans is represented by four words:
If the Lord wills (Deo Volente, Latin)
- Without those words, it’s arrogant, boastful and evil.
“Then” .v17
- James is saying that there is a sin that is so natural, you probably don’t even see it.
- What is that sin? It’s to go about your life, make your plans and to forget God.
To be forgotten…
There’s almost nothing worse than to be ignored.
- Hurts God
- Psalm 9:17 Those who forget God, will be forgotten. Those who remember will be remembered.
- You remember what is important to you. (Jeremiah 2:32)
- When you forget God, you assume God’s place.
- The serpent’s temptation: Genesis 3:5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
- Is bad for us.
- Worry is the frustration that comes from saying, I know
- Worry is forgetting who God is and what God has done.
- If you forget God, you forget who you are. You and I don’t know.
- If you need to be in control all the time, you are forgetting God.
- If you forget God you will be both proud and anxious.
How to avoid forgetting God
- Remind yourself of the grace of God
- Avoid religious jargon
- When things are bad, let God’s grace pull you up.
- When things are good, let God’s grace take you down.
I am what I am by the grace of God
(I Corinthians 15:10)
Why does God hold us up? (Isaiah 49:15)
- On the Cross, Jesus took our forgotten.
- He always remembers us, so that we can remember him constantly.
