Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to be diving into a powerful passage from the book of James that teaches us some important lessons about the futility of boasting about tomorrow, the need to prepare for the future, and trusting in God's sovereignty.

To kick things off, I want to share a quote from a respected Christian author, C.S. Lewis, who once said, "The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is." This simple yet profound statement reminds us that no matter who we are or what we do, we cannot escape the passage of time, and we must rely on God to guide us through it.

Let's take a moment to read James 4:13-17:

"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.' But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin."

The Futility of Boasting about Tomorrow

The futility of boasting about tomorrow is a concept that is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of our human limitations and our utter dependence on God's sovereignty. In James 4:13-17, the apostle James confronts his readers with the reality that they have no control over the future and that their boasting about their plans and ambitions is not only foolish but also sinful. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that we should not be consumed with our own plans and ambitions, but rather, we should be constantly seeking God's will for our lives and trusting in His sovereignty.

One aspect of the futility of boasting about tomorrow is the uncertainty of life. James reminds his readers that they do not know what will happen tomorrow, and that their lives are like a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. This imagery of life as a vapor is a stark reminder of the brevity and fragility of human existence. We are not promised tomorrow, and we cannot predict the future with certainty. Our lives are subject to countless variables and unforeseen circumstances, and it is foolish to boast about our plans for the future as if we have control over these things.

Pastor, would you please share a personal story about a time when you realized the futility of boasting about tomorrow and the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty?

Another aspect of the futility of boasting about tomorrow is the arrogance that often accompanies such boasting. James describes those who boast about their plans as being arrogant, and he goes on to say that all such boasting is evil. This is a strong condemnation of the pride and self-sufficiency that often characterize our attitudes toward the future. When we boast about our plans and ambitions, we are essentially saying that we know better than God and that we can chart our own course through life without His guidance. This arrogance is not only foolish but also sinful, as it reflects a heart that is not submitted to God's sovereignty and His will for our lives.

The futility of boasting about tomorrow is also evident in the fact that our plans and ambitions are often misguided and shortsighted. We may think that we know what is best for our lives and that our plans will lead to happiness and success, but the reality is that we are often blind to the true needs of our souls and the ultimate purpose for which God has created us. Our plans may be focused on worldly success, material wealth, or personal achievement, but these things are ultimately empty and fleeting in comparison to the eternal riches and rewards that God has in store for those who seek His will and trust in His sovereignty.

Furthermore, the futility of boasting about tomorrow is underscored by the fact that our plans and ambitions are often subject to change. We may have a clear vision of what we want to accomplish in the future, but life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs that can derail even the most carefully laid plans. Illness, job loss, financial setbacks, and relational challenges are just a few of the many unforeseen circumstances that can force us to reevaluate our priorities and adjust our plans for the future. When we boast about our plans, we are essentially setting ourselves up for disappointment and frustration, as we are placing our hope and confidence in things that are ultimately uncertain and beyond our control.

In contrast to the futility of boasting about tomorrow, James offers a better approach to planning for the future: seeking God's will and trusting in His sovereignty. Instead of arrogantly asserting our own plans and ambitions, we should humbly submit our lives to God's guidance and direction, recognizing that He alone knows what is best for us and that His plans for our lives are far greater than anything we could ever imagine or achieve on our own. This attitude of submission and trust is beautifully captured in the phrase, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." This simple yet profound statement acknowledges our dependence on God's sovereign will and our desire to align our lives with His purposes.

The Need to Prepare for the Future

The second point of this sermon, the need to prepare for the future, is an essential aspect of living a life that is centered on God's will ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO