Study 12: James 4: 11-12: Trent Evans

The study of James 4:13-17 warns against the arrogance of self-sufficiency and the presumption of future certainty, calling believers to align their plans with God's will. James rebukes the mindset that confidently declares personal plans without seeking God's direction, reminding believers that life is but a mist—temporary and fleeting. Instead of making plans independent of God, James urges a posture of humility, where every action and decision is submitted under the phrase, “If the Lord wills.” This study highlights the importance of trusting God's sovereignty, embracing daily dependence on Him, and recognizing that true success is found in aligning with His purposes. The final verse, James 4:17, reminds us that knowing the right thing to do and failing to do it is sin, emphasizing that obedience in the present moment is more important than an unknown future. This study challenges believers to live with eternal purpose, make decisions through prayer, and steward each day as a gift from God.

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction: The Danger of Presumptuous Living (00:03 - 06:39)

• Key Scripture: James 4:13 – “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’”

• Context: James warns believers against self-sufficient planning without considering God's will.

• Key Question: Are we making plans independently of God, assuming we control our future?

• Illustration: The illusion of control—how quickly plans change due to circumstances beyond our control.

  
  

2. The Foundation of Self-Sufficient Thinking (06:39 - 10:49)

• Key Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

• Key Point: Many believers plan their lives without seeking God's guidance, assuming they have unlimited time and ability to execute their goals.

• Illustration: The difference between someone who prays before making plans vs. someone who moves forward without seeking God.

• Application: Success in the kingdom of God is not about personal ambition but about submission to His direction.

  
  

3. Life is a Mist: The Fragility of Human Plans (10:49 - 14:40)

• Key Scripture: James 4:14 – “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

• Greek Word Study: Atmos (ἄτμος) – Vapor, breath, fleeting existence.

• Key Point: Our lives are temporary and uncertain—it is foolish to assume we control our future.

• Illustration: The reality of unexpected deaths, job losses, and life-changing events proving that our time is not guaranteed.

• Application: Every day is a gift from God, and we must live with eternal purpose.

  
  

4. The Right Perspective: "If the Lord Wills" (14:40 - 19:59)

• Key Scripture: James 4:15 – “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

• Key Point: Instead of presuming on the future, we should approach all plans with humility, recognizing God's authority over our lives.

• Illustration: A Christian business owner who dedicates their plans to God vs. one who operates solely on their own ambition.

• Application: Practically incorporating “If the Lord wills” into daily decision-making, both in words and in heart posture.

  
  

5. The Arrogance of Boasting in Our Own Plans (19:59 - 26:19)

• Key Scripture: James 4:16 – “As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.”

• Key Point: Boasting in our own plans is not just foolish—it is sinful.

• Illustration: The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9)—how human pride in self-sufficiency led to failure.

• Application: Pride in planning without God leads to spiritual and personal downfall.

  
  

6. The Consequences of Ignoring God's Will (26:19 - 32:00)

• Key Scripture: Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

• Key Point: When we make plans outside of God’s will, we experience stress, confusion, and failure.

• Illustration: The speaker’s personal testimony of resisting God’s call into full-time ministry and the inner turmoil it caused.

• Application: Surrendering control to God does not remove responsibility but allows His wisdom to direct our steps.

  
  

7. The Sin of Knowing What to Do But Not Doing It (32:00 - 38:56)

• Key Scripture: James 4:17 – “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”

• Key Point: Sin is not just doing wrong but also failing to do what is right when God reveals His will.

• Illustration: A person who feels convicted to share the gospel or serve in ministry but continues to delay.

• Application: Delayed obedience is still disobedience. What is the next good step God is calling you to take?

  
  

8. Understanding God's Step-by-Step Guidance (38:56 - 45:10)

• Key Illustration: The 10,000-piece puzzle analogy—God gives us one piece at a time rather than revealing the full picture.

• Key Point: God does not reveal the entire future because we would be overwhelmed—He calls us to trust Him for the next step.

• Application: Focus on obeying God in the present rather than stressing about the unknown future.

  
  

9. Living with Eternal Purpose (45:10 - 50:29)

• Key Scripture: Psalm 39:4-5 – “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.”

• Key Point: Recognizing the shortness of life should lead us to live intentionally for God's purposes.

• Illustration: A person looking back on their life and realizing they wasted time chasing temporary things.

• Application: Align your life’s priorities with God’s will to ensure lasting impact beyond this life.

  
  

10. The Call to Trust and Obey (50:29 - End)

• Final Challenge:

  1. Examine your plans—are they surrendered to God's will?

  2. Acknowledge God in your daily decisions—don’t wait for a crisis to seek Him.

  3. Do the next right thing today instead of worrying about the entire journey.

• Illustration: The testimony of how following God’s leading one step at a time resulted in an unexpected yet fulfilling purpose.

  
  

Final Reflection & Prayer (53:25 - End)

• Prayer Focus: Asking God for wisdom to discern His will, courage to obey immediately, and humility to surrender all plans to Him.

• Challenge: Live today in light of eternity—don’t waste time on things that won’t matter in the end.

Scripture References

1. James 4:13 – “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’”

📌 Timestamp: 06:39

📖 Context: James rebukes the presumption of self-sufficient planning, warning that we often make plans without considering God’s will. The study highlights how many believers assume they have full control over their future, which is both arrogant and foolish.

2. Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

📌 Timestamp: 08:49

📖 Context: The right response to uncertainty is trusting in God rather than relying on our own wisdom. The study contrasts those who make decisions prayerfully vs. those who lean on their own understanding.

3. James 4:14 – “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

📌 Timestamp: 10:49

📖 Context: James compares life to a mist, emphasizing its temporary and fleeting nature. The study stresses that we cannot take time for granted, and making plans without God's guidance is both prideful and dangerous.

4. Ecclesiastes 1:2 – “Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”

📌 Timestamp: 11:10 (Implied)

📖 Context: Solomon acknowledges the fragility and fleeting nature of life, reinforcing James’ teaching that life is brief and should be lived with eternal purpose.

5. Luke 12:16-21 – The Parable of the Rich Fool

📌 Timestamp: 12:30

📖 Context: Jesus tells the story of a man who made big plans to store wealth but died suddenly, showing the danger of self-reliance over dependence on God. The study applies this parable to modern believers who assume they have years ahead of them but neglect seeking God's will.

6. James 4:15 – “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

📌 Timestamp: 14:40

📖 Context: James presents the correct mindset—humility before God’s will. The study warns against using "If the Lord wills" as a casual phrase and instead embracing it as a heart posture of surrender.

7. Acts 18:21 – “But as he left, he promised, ‘I will come back if it is God’s will.’”

📌 Timestamp: 15:10

📖 Context: Paul exemplifies a life submitted to God's will, modeling humility in making plans. The study encourages believers to follow Paul’s example, living with open hands rather than closed fists toward the future.

8. James 4:16 – “As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.”

📌 Timestamp: 19:59

📖 Context: James calls out self-reliance and arrogance, warning that boasting about our plans without acknowledging God's role is not just foolish but sinful.

9. Genesis 11:1-9 – The Tower of Babel

📌 Timestamp: 21:30

📖 Context: The builders of Babel presumed they could control their destiny without God, leading to disaster. The study compares this to modern believers who attempt to construct their own futures without seeking God’s guidance.

10. Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

📌 Timestamp: 26:19

📖 Context: This verse affirms God's sovereignty over human plans, emphasizing that true success comes from submitting to His direction. The study contrasts those who make plans prayerfully vs. those who act independently.

11. James 4:17 – “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”

📌 Timestamp: 32:00

📖 Context: James redefines sin, showing that failure to obey God's will when we know what we should do is just as sinful as actively doing wrong. The study challenges believers to step into obedience immediately rather than delaying.

12. 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”

📌 Timestamp: 32:30

📖 Context: Partial obedience or delayed obedience is disobedience. The study applies this to believers who hear God’s call but delay responding.

13. John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.”

📌 Timestamp: 38:56

📖 Context: Jesus is our guide, and trusting Him one step at a time prevents spiritual darkness and confusion. The study emphasizes that we don’t need to know the whole plan—just the next step.

14. Psalm 39:4-5 – “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.”

📌 Timestamp: 45:10

📖 Context: The psalmist recognizes life’s brevity, encouraging believers to live intentionally for eternal purposes rather than pursuing temporary ambitions.

15. 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we live by faith, not by sight.”

📌 Timestamp: 49:10

📖 Context: Faith requires trusting God one step at a time, even when the full picture is unclear. The study relates this to a puzzle analogy—God gives us one piece at a time rather than revealing the entire plan.

16. Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

📌 Timestamp: 50:29

📖 Context: This verse reinforces that discerning God's will requires transformation, not just knowledge. The study challenges believers to seek God's will in every decision rather than defaulting to cultural expectations.

17. Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

📌 Timestamp: 52:25

📖 Context: Jesus promises provision when we prioritize God's kingdom. The study urges believers to put God first and trust Him with their needs rather than chasing their own ambitions.

Word Study

1. Ἄτμος (Atmos) – "Mist, Vapor, Breath"

📖 James 4:14 – “What is your life? You are a mist (ἄτμος – atmos) that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”📌 Timestamp: 10:49

Definition & Context:

• Atmos (ἄτμος) means mist, vapor, or breath, signifying something that quickly disappears.

• James compares life to a fleeting mist, emphasizing its fragility and temporary nature.

• In Greek literature, this word often symbolized the uncertainty of human existence—things that seem stable but quickly fade.

Application:

• Recognizing that life is short should lead us to live with eternal purpose.

• Example: Jesus’ parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21)—a man who planned his future without considering that he would die that night.

  
  

2. Καυχάομαι (Kauchaomai) – "To Boast, To Glory in"

📖 James 4:16 – “As it is, you boast (καυχᾶσθε – kauchaomai) in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.”📌 Timestamp: 19:59

Definition & Context:

• Kauchaomai (καυχάομαι) means to boast, brag, or take pride in something.

• James condemns arrogance in planning—when we assume our own success and future security without acknowledging God's role.

• Paul uses this word differently in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where he says he boasts in his weakness so that Christ’s power may rest upon him—showing that boasting should only be in the Lord, not in human plans.

  Application:

  • Godly boasting is about recognizing God’s hand in everything, not taking credit for our own achievements.

  • Example: The builders of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) boasted in their ability to control their destiny, but God humbled them.

3.  Ἐπιστάμαι (Epistamai) – "To Know, To Understand, To Be Aware Of"

📖 James 4:17 – “If anyone, then, knows (ἐπιστάμενος – epistamenos) the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”📌 Timestamp: 32:00

Definition & Context:

• Epistamai (ἐπιστάμαι) means to have full knowledge or understanding of something.

• James uses this word to describe a person who is fully aware of the right thing to do but still chooses not to act.

• This implies that sin is not just committing wrong actions but also failing to obey when we know what is right (sins of omission).

Application:

• Knowing God’s will isn’t enough—we must act on it.

• Example: Jonah knew God’s will for him to go to Nineveh, but his disobedience led to consequences (Jonah 1:1-3).

1. Hupsos (ὕψος) – "High Position"

Scripture Reference: James 1:9 – “Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.”

• Definition: Hupsos refers to elevation, height, or exaltation. In this context, it symbolizes a spiritual elevation that comes from being in Christ, regardless of earthly circumstances.

• Sermon Context: The sermon contrasts the "high position" of believers with their humble circumstances, emphasizing that their identity and value are rooted in their relationship with Christ, not in worldly wealth or status.

• Application: Believers are called to rejoice in their spiritual status in Christ, which is unshaken by external trials or material losses.

2. Tapinosis (ταπείνωσις) – "Humiliation" or "Low Condition"

Scripture Reference: James 1:10 – “But the rich should take pride in their humiliation…”

• Definition: Tapinosis refers to being brought low, humility, or a state of abasement. In the sermon, it is tied to the temporary and fleeting nature of worldly riches.

• Sermon Context: The rich are reminded to find humility in the reality that material wealth fades, and only a relationship with Christ offers eternal significance.

• Application: This word underscores the importance of spiritual humility, urging believers to shift their focus from temporary wealth to eternal treasures in Christ.

3. Peirasmos (πειρασμός) – "Trial" or "Temptation"

Scripture Reference: James 1:2-3, 1:13 – “Consider it pure joy... when you face trials...” / “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’”

• Definition: Peirasmos can mean either a trial (testing of faith) or a temptation (enticement to sin), depending on the context.

• Sermon Context: The sermon differentiates between trials, which God allows to refine and strengthen faith, and temptations, which arise from personal desires and lead to sin.

• Application: Believers are encouraged to endure trials with joy and to resist temptation by seeking wisdom and strength from God.