AFTER ONE OF THE MOST STERN PORTIONS OF GOD'S WORD, JAMES TAKES TIME TO WARN US OF PRESUMPTIVENESS

1 This is a strange passage, and as I read it, you could hear an echo from other great words
2. The terrible denunciation of Jas 4 leads us to know that this also is very important
3. We are not to judge our brothers, v.11, 12, but we are to judge ourselves carefully-

After hearing these verses- God holds us accountable for their enactment in life.-v 17

I.- AN UNUSUAL EXPRESSION "GO TO NOW" ?! Jas 4:13a

Some will read this passage with super spirituality in their eye, & not see what it says!

A.- JUST WHO IS JAMES WRITING TO IN THIS PASSAGE? Contrast 13a with 5:1a -both "Go, to now"

1. None less than the Venerable Bede explained that 4:13 to 5:6 is written to World, not church!
2. But who would doubt that Christians were so influenced by the World that they needed warning
3. The ever grasping materialism of the worldly desires- Covetousness- are dangerous for Christian

B.- " GO TO NOW" IS AN EXPRESSION DESIGNED TO GET ATTENTION, AND SHOW GREAT EXCITEMENT, -IMPORTANT

1. Isa 1:18 "Come now and let us reason together" and often Jesus said- "Verily Verily I say"
2. Note Gen 11: 3a, 4a, and 7a - "Go To"- used of great plans to "make us a name "- & God -Babel
3. These words are the marks of a very pious Jew- well schooled in the Hebrew tradition- Who?

C.- JUST WHO IS THIS MAN WHO WRITES WORDS THAT ECHO OF SOMEONE WE ONCE KNEW VERY INTIMATELY?

1. Though seemingly by purpose there is no direct quote from Jesus- words, expressions, familiar
2. In James there are 14 other passages other than this where you can hear the voice of Jesus
3. To quote might have seemed "name dropping" for 1/2 brother, but check Matt 6:25-34 -hear ring!

If John the Apostle was the one who has lain on Jesus Bosom, James then sat at His feet

II.- "YE THAT SAY 'WE WILL'" James 4:13b

Many people, to get attention, or favor,- promise great and swelling words - not all idle boasts

A.- MANY OF OUR PLANS ARE CARNAL, GRASPING FOR THINGS THAT WE OUGHT NOT TO SEEK see v. 13,

1. To say "We will go, spend a year, buy & sell, AND GET GAIN" shows a purpose for planning life
2. This carnal grasping sounds like the man who would tear down & build bigger barns- DEATH
3. Seeking such treasures- Matt 6:19-21 - causes disappointment,- and enthrones false gods

B. MANY OF THE STATEMENTS OF MEN ARE REALLY VAIN BOASTING AND CARNAL BRAGGING, v. 14

1. Some people live in dreams of the future- and are always talkers, but never doers!
2. Some people live in dread & great worry and always complain about the worst- never doing!
3. This is why Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow- each day's evil is enough-.

C.- SOME EVEN ADD TO THEIR WEAK PLANNING AND VAIN BOASTING BY ACCENTING THEIR BOASTS WITH CURSES

1. We are doubly warned in James 5:13 -& to swear at what you are going to to- or have done-sin.
2. If people won't believe you in simple statements, they surely won't after your swearing!
3. God does not want our life unplanned, and lived by accident- but HE WANTS US TO USE HIS PLAN

Note the arrangement of our "Faith Promise Offerings" stating "As God enables me"-

III.- IF THE LORD WILL, WE SHALL James 4:15

Some would read this passage & make no plans- the message is that God wants to help you plan.

A.- GOD WANTS US TO SERVE HIM WITH ALL OUR HEARTS, TO WALK WITH HIM TODAY! TOMORROW! FOREVER!

1. How can we even know God's will unless we are willing to walk close with Him- know Him personally
2. Unless you set your heart on a life goal of serving the Lord- Satan will steal your time 7 life
3. Matt 6:33 commands us "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God"- and this can't be an accident!

B.- "IF THE LORD WILL" - WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU? OU? DOES THE DOES THE LORD HAVE A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE?

1. We certainly cannot do our best at following His will if interrupted by ourselves & Satan!
2. Dale Carnegie suggests that we budget our time- & live in "day tight compartments"- what now!
3. We have revival services planned- want a blessing-? plan now to prepare & to be attentive-here

C.- JAMES DECLARES PLAINLY THAT FOR YOU TO KNOW TO DO GOOD & TO DO IT NOT IT IS SIN! v. 17

1. You had better search your heart for God's call- & do a good job at it! don't criticize others for doing your job if you won't work
2. Make provision for your eternity Plan now! Accept Christ - settle it now
3. Make provision for your life on earth- Plan, get best education, do best job for the Lord
4. Make provision for your death! -Rent an estate for family-(Insurance); & plan it- (Will)

WHO DO YOU WANT TO DIRECT YOUR LIFE, AND HANDLE YOUR BUSINESS AFTER YOU ARE GONE?

1. Have a conference with God- plan your eternity tonight by accepting Christ as savior!
2. Think seriously with the Lord about what to do with your life! -plan it seriously
3. Use the help of the counselors that God has trained- your pastor, & Personal workers.-