he plans that he has lost sight of his own limitations and the reality of an unknown future. Instead of humility, he displays arrogance and presumption, as if he controls all aspects of his life. James is highlighting the need for a humble acknowledgment of our human frailty and dependence on God.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
- The text is a transcript of a sermon by Alastair Begg on planning properly from the book of James.
- The text covers James 4:13-17 and part of James 1:9-11.
- The main points of the text are:
- Presuming upon the future is foolish and arrogant, because we do not know what will happen tomorrow and our lives are like a mist that vanishes.
- We should humble ourselves and submit our plans to God's will, saying "if it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that".
- We should avoid the temptation to seek the future through pagan means like horoscopes or tarot cards, and trust in God who knows the future and works it for our good.
- We should not boast or brag about our plans or achievements, but do the good that God has prepared for us.
Some possible facts for each document are:
- Document 1: The text introduces the topic of planning properly and contrasts the planners who say "we will" without reference to God with those who say "if it is the Lord's will".
- Document 2: The text explains how our ignorance of the future should humble us and help us, and how God knows the future and we don't.
- Document 3: The text illustrates how our lives are transient like a vapor or a painted cloud, and how we should rejoice in our ignorance of the future.
- Document 4: The text warns against seeking the future through pagan means like horoscopes or tarot cards, and urges us to submit our plans to God's will.
- Document 5: The text concludes the sermon and offers a book for children titled "God's Big Promises: Stories of Jesus" as a thank you gift for donating to Truth For Life.