PREPARING FOR THE SERMON

May 26, 2024

James 4:13-17

Context:

            James begins with an aside to introduce material he will use to build into a conclusion. “Come now” does not in itself convey any information, but here, and again in James 5:1, the author takes a form of person from his preceding message and applies a hypothetical case that stands for a larger class of people. In James 4:13, the brothers and sisters claim wisdom over their future but clearly do not consult God before making plans. People claiming wisdom reflects back on the end of James 3. It picks up on the principle of submitting to God found in James 4:7. At least indirectly, the teaching point relates to the major theme found throughout James related to doing what you know to do. It can be viewed as an alternate expression of works demonstrating faith.

           

Structure:

The pericope contains a single paragraph. It begins with an introductory aside and concludes with the teaching takeaway.

  • 13-17 “it is sin to know the good and yet not do it.” (v 17)

Theology:  obedience, dependence, following God

 

Some things to think about:

  • How do you determine where you will go and what you will do?
  • What are the primary guiding principles in your life?
  • Is there anything you know you should be doing that you don’t do? Why aren’t you doing it?

 

PREPARING FOR WORSHIP

Call to Worship

Galatians 5:26

Praise to the Lord

Theme: Adoration, Character

Why sing it? To recognize the character of God. He is King, reigning over all His creation, sheltering us, sustaining us.

Praise You Anywhere

Theme: Faithfulness, Perseverance.

Why sing it? To continue our response with praise, knowing that He will always be faithful.

Scripture Reading

1 Peter 2:24

Hallelujah for the Cross

Theme: Gospel, Victory

Why sing it? We sing because of the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for our sins. Let there not be a day that passes where we don’t thank Him for this truth.

Be Thou My Vision

Theme: Confession, Sanctification

Why sing it? To confess that we continually need the Holy Spirit to make us more like Christ. To see like Him, think like Him, and respond like Him.