PM Scripture Reading: James 4.13-17

Brent T. Willey

Made For This

Ecclesiastes 12.13

Introduction:

1. James asked, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4.14).
2. Solomon reminds us of purpose: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Eccl. 12.13).
3. We Were Made For This…

LIFE IS A SERIES OF CHOICES!

1. It always has been, from Adam & Eve to us today!
   1. Joshua: “Choose for yourselves…” (Josh. 24.15).
   2. Elijah: “How long will you falter between two opinions?” (1 Kings 18.21).
   3. Jesus: “No one can serve two masters…” (Matt. 6.24).
2. Today’s choices determine eternity’s destiny! (Matt. 6.19-21)

WE WERE MADE FOR THIS…

1. God wants to use us, but He does not force us!
   1. To Noah, God said, “Build!” (Gen. 6) – He did!
   2. To Abraham, God said, “Go!” (Gen. 12) – He did!
   3. To Moses, God said, “Speak!” (Exod. 3) – He did!
   4. To Joshua, God said, “Lead!” (Joshua 1) – He did!
   5. To Gideon, God said, “Fight!” (Judges 6) – He did!
   6. To Esther, God said, “Save!” (Esther 4) – She did!
2. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Eccl. 12.13; cf., Heb. 12.28-29; 1 John 5.3; 1 Cor. 6.20).

Conclusion: Sadly, many are merely meandering through life…