AVOIDING FUTURE MISTAKES

(JAMES 4:13-17)
Intro:
- James deals with this idea in these verses. He tells his readers that even though they cannot
know the future, they should deal with it honestly. They are told not to presume on a future
which they cannot control, or makes plans regarding the future without taking God into
consideration.
- There were three mistakes being made by these early believers that many in our day still make.
I. AVOID THE MISTAKE OF FOOLISH PLANS (V. 13)
- He was ignored in their planning.
A. Here is their plan
1. The Plan Is Constructed - Today or Tomorrow.
2. The Place Is Chosen
3. The Period Is Calculated - They would need only a year to succeed.
4. Their Purpose Is Considered - “Buy and sell” They are going retail!
5. Their Profit Is Computed - “Get gain”
- This became their focus!
B. Their problem was two-fold:
1. They lived their lives with no regard for God’s will.
2. They planned their future with no regard for God’s will.
II. AVOID THE MISTAKE OF FOOLISH PRESUMPTIONS (VS. 14-16)
- They thought that what they are doing is good
- They thought that material things is the only important in life
A. They Failed To Grasp The Complexity Of Life
- Life is filled with too many complications.
B. They Failed To Grasp The Uncertainties Of Life
- Therefore, the advice given in verses 15 is of note. The phrase “If the Lord wills…” should be
a way of life!
C. They Failed To Grasp The shortness Of Life
- 1 Chron. 29:15; Job 7:6; Job 9:25-26; Psa. 103:15-16
III. AVOID THE MISTAKE OF FOOLISH POSTPONEMENTS (V. 17)
A. Procrastination is nothing new.
1.) Pharaoh - Ex. 8:10
2.) Belshazzar – Dan. 5:1-31
There are two areas of life where this is vitally important.
1. The matter of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2; Pro. 27:1)
The pits of Hell are filled with men and women who said, “I’ll do it later.”
2. The matter of service
- When we put off what we know we ought to do, in the Lord’s work, it is sin! It is the sin of
omission.

Ohelen Langkit BizSERMON OUTLINES (Scriptural)