Life as a Vapor (James 4:13-17)
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James 4:13-17
Bringing the sermon home:
Having called us to humble ourselves before the Lord in verse 10 and having spoken against one particular form of presumption in verses 11 and 12, James then continues to address these topics by rebuking our presumption about what tomorrow will bring. The fact that you have been given today does not mean that you have been promised tomorrow.
As you make and speak of your plans for the future, are you doing so with God in view? Are you holding your plans in an open palm or a clenched fist? Are you praying for your will to be aligned with His will? Are you praying for His blessing? Are you considering all that He has revealed in His Word?
James’s point can be made, not simply by asking “what is your life”, as he does in verse 14, but by asking “whose is your life?” If you have been purchased by the blood of Christ, “you are not your own, for you were bought with a price” (1 Cor 6:19-20). So then, live your life with the Giver of Life ever in view.
Sermon Outline:
- “Know thyself”: you are a vapor. (vv. 13-14)
- Live your life with the Giver of Life ever in view. (v. 15)
- Repent of the sin of presumption. (vv. 16-17)
