If the Lord Wills – James 4:13-17

The sermon opens with the foundational question: who is truly in control of one's life? The pastor points out that the clearest difference between a believer and an unbeliever lies in how they answer this question. For the believer, God holds sovereign authority over all of life; for the unbeliever, either they themselves are in control, or Satan as the ruler of this age holds sway over them. James warns believers not to live as though they do not know God or do not regard Him as Lord of their lives.

The first attitude examined is ignoring God's lordship. The pastor explains that some believers hear God's Word but keep their minds fixed on their own plans—traveling to various cities to trade, grow wealthy, and build careers. They may pray, but their goal is to ask God to bless their own agenda rather than first seeking whether their plans align with His will. James reminds readers that human life is as fleeting as a vapor, and numerous scriptures in Job, Psalms, and the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12 all underscore the transience of earthly wealth and human ambition.

The second attitude is actively resisting God's lordship. These are people who deliberately deny the existence and authority of God, as seen in the growing atheist movement in the United States. The pastor clarifies that atheists are not necessarily immoral people, but they completely reject God's will and His right to rule over their lives. He also warns believers that the line between ignoring and resisting God is dangerously thin, and gradual spiritual coldness can lead to complete abandonment of faith.

The third and commended attitude is submitting to God's lordship. The phrase 'If the Lord wills' must not be merely a habitual expression but a constant posture of the heart. The pastor emphasizes that God's will is not a chain that enslaves but a source of hope and abundant life, citing John 10:10. To discern God's will, believers should read Scripture, seek counsel from parents, pastors, and mature Christians, pray, and think carefully and wisely.

The sermon concludes with a warning against the common mistake of thinking that prayer alone is sufficient to know God's will without also consulting Scripture and the counsel of those God has placed in one's life. The pastor echoes James's teaching that faith without works is dead, and prayer must be accompanied by engagement with God's Word and the wisdom of trusted, godly advisors.