Life is a Vapor (James 4:13-17) 

Sermon Outline

1. The Arrogance of Our Assumptions

James 4:13, 16

Our problem is not planning; our problem is planning without God. We can make schedules, establish goals, build careers, manage finances, and make plans for the future while practically ignoring the God who controls the future. This is the arrogance of assuming that tomorrow belongs to us.

2. The Brevity of Our Breath

James 4:14

We do not know what tomorrow will bring, and our lives are “even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” Life is short, fragile, and completely dependent upon God. The brevity of life should humble us, awaken us, and move us to live for God today rather than presuming upon tomorrow.

3. The Comfort of God’s Control

James 4:15, 17

“For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” God’s sovereignty is not something to fear; it is the comfort of God’s control. We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know the God who holds tomorrow—and because He is wise, powerful, loving, and good, we can trust Him. Therefore, knowing what is right, we must not delay obedience.

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. Who Is on the Throne?

James 4:13–16

“Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain... But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.”

What are some areas of your life where you are most tempted to act as though you are in control rather than God?

2. Planning Without Presumption

Proverbs 16:9

“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.”

How can we make wise and responsible plans without becoming presumptuous about what God will allow?

3. The Idol of Control

Proverbs 3:5–6

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

How does the desire to control circumstances contribute to anxiety, anger, disappointment, or conflict with other people?

4. Remembering Our Ignorance

Proverbs 27:1

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”

Why can remembering that we do not know the future actually strengthen our faith rather than weaken it?

5. Living as a Vapor

Psalm 90:12

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

If you genuinely believed that your life is a vapor, what would you do differently with the time God has given you?

6. The Comfort of God’s Control

Matthew 10:29–31

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father... Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

How should God's sovereign control change the way you respond when something happens that you did not plan or cannot control?

7. Trusting God When We Don't Understand

Romans 8:28

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Why is it possible to trust God's will even when we cannot understand why He has allowed something to happen?

8. “If the Lord Will”

James 4:15

“For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”

What would it look like for “If the Lord will” to become an attitude of your heart, rather than merely a phrase you say?

9. Do It Today

James 4:17

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

Is there something God has already shown you that you need to obey, but you have been postponing?

10. Everything Is Grace

1 Corinthians 4:7

“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?”

What changes in your attitude toward your life when you begin to see your family, possessions, opportunities, plans, and even your next breath as gifts of God's grace rather than things you have earned?