Sermon Theme

Philosophy asks the question as to ‘Why am I here?’ ‘What is the reason for my existence?” In this service as we turn to Psalm 90 and James 4:13-17, we are given the answer… as they say “it is not rocket science’ if only we take in what God tells us in His Word. So as we make plans for our life it is important we ask those most important questions as to whether we are living out the reason for our existence. ‘WHO are our plans for’ and ‘WHAT is the purpose of all we plan?’ At the beginning of a new year it is good to humbles ourselves before God and seek His DIRECTIONS as to how we should live in this new year and beyond.

Sermon outline

  • THE DANGER OF GETTING AHEAD OF OURSELVES
  • THE LORD’S TAP ON OUR SHOULDER
  • LIVING FOR THE GLORY OF GOD OUR CHIEF PURPOSE IN LIFE

Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan

Readings

Psalm 90 (NIV84)

1Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

2Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

3You turn men back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, O sons of men.”

4For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.

5You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning—

6though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered.

7We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation.

8You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.

9All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan.

10The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

11Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.

12Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

13Relent, O Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants.

14Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

15Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.

16May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.

17May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.

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Text

James 4:13–17 (NIV84)

13Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”

14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

15Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

16As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.

17Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins