A Time for Every Purpose
James 4 & Ecclesiastes 3
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Man PLANS.
God DIRECTS.
Proverbs 16:9
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
The Illusion
of Control
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
The Reality
Every obituary proves life is uncertain.
The problem is not goals.
The problem is forgetting God runs the clock.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Ecclesiastes
God Sets the Time
James
Man Must Submit
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Thesis
Faith rejects self-reliant planning and places every plan under God’s Will.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
POINT I
Sovereign
Control
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
“MY TIMES ARE IN YOUR HAND”
Psalm 31:15
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Life is not drifting.
It is not ruled by luck.
It is held by God.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
He Changes the Times
He removes kings.
He establishes kings.
He rules history.
Daniel 2:21
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Appointed
Time
For Every Event Under Heaven
Ecclesiastes 3:1
BIRTH
PLANT
DEATH
UPROOT
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Limits of Control
We don’t choose birth/death.
Farmers wait for rain.
Worry adds nothing.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Kill / Heal
Tear / Build
Weep / Laugh
Keep / Throw
Silent / Speak
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
God’s Timing
Don’t rush outcomes.
Don’t force seasons.
Trust His Order.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
POINT II
Danger of
Arrogance
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
THE PRESUMPTUOUS PLAN
TIME: “Today/Tomorrow”
PLACE: “This City”
TERM: “A Year”
GOAL: “Profit”
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
The Sin
It’s not planning.
It’s planning WITHOUT GOD.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
VAPOR
“You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow.”
James 4:14
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Do Not Boast
You do not know what a day may bring.
Boasting = Pride.
Proverbs 27:1
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Priorities
Life is short.
Do not delay obedience.
Every day is a gift, not a guarantee.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
POINT III
Humble
Submission
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
INSTEAD, YOU OUGHT TO SAY:
“IF THE LORD WILLS”
James 4:15
We will live…
And do this or that.
Everything is under His permission.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Proverbs 19:21
Many plans are in a man’s heart…
But the Counsel of the LORD will stand.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Arrogance is Evil
✖ Pride pushes God out.
✖ God resists the proud.
✔ Grace to the humble.
James 4:16
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Application
Remove proud talk.
Give God the credit.
Humility keeps the heart close to Him.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
PLANNING IS GOOD.
PRESUMPTION IS SIN.
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Repent of the
“I Will”
Rest in the
“If The Lord Wills”
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ
Come Now
While it is still “Today”
Hear • Believe • Repent • Confess • Baptism
Preacher Ed | Waupaca Church of Christ