Introduction:
1. Some things just do not go out of style.
2. Some thoughts and ideas are still true today.
3. Look at James 4:11-17.
I. Don’t speak evil of your brother (verses 11, 12).
A. Prohibition. Don’t sit in judgment of your brother. When you do you put yourself in danger of 1. Defaming the word of God. 2. You place yourself above the law.
B. Yet, people every day slander their bother. Slander-a tale uttered that injures the reputation of another. (1 Kings 21:13; Esther 3:8).
C. The Bible condemns such action (Eph. 4:31; Mt. 15:19, 20; Ps. 101:5; 15:3).
D. “Who do you think you are?”
II. Make sure that God is in your plans (verses 13-16).
A. James is not condemning certain actions but is condemning the action that leaves God out of your plans (Col. 3:17).
B. Reasons to include God in your plans.
1. Complexity of life (verse 13). There are many turns to life (Prov. 22:29).
2. Uncertainty of life (14a). (Prov. 27:1)
3. Brevity of life (14b). (Job. 7:6, 9; 14:1, 2; 1 Peter 1:24).
4. God is the one in control. We tend to think otherwise (Eph. 4:6; Ps. 135:5, 6; 66:7)
C. God must run our life and be at the helm. He is to be the captain of our ship. (2 Cor. 6:3, 4; Eph. 6:6; Ps. 119:54).
III. Always keep God in your activities (verse 17).
A. We can and do know “good”. We are to practice (Ja. 1:21; Col. 1:10; 2 Tim. 2:21). The sin of unused knowledge.
B. Particulars-sin of omission. Failure to do right (Heb. 10:26-31).
C. Application: study, pray, meditate, help others, use talents for service, teach others, etc.
Conclusion:
1. These are thoughts to work on.
2. Where are you in regards to them?
Entered on 11/22/2009
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