Table Of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Foolishness of Ignoring God’s Will
3. The Arrogance of Denying God’s Will
4. The Sin of Disobeying God’s Will
5. Conclusion

Introduction

Submitting to the will of God is one of the clearest marks of genuine saving faith. Every believer who has been born again through the Gospel of the water and the Spirit has received not only forgiveness of sins but also a new heart that desires to obey God. Scripture consistently reveals that submission is not merely an outward act but the natural response of a heart transformed by God. Jesus Himself declared that those who do the will of God are His true family (Mark 3:31–35). Likewise, Psalm 40:8 expresses the longing of every believer: “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” God’s people do not obey Him because they are forced to, but because He graciously works within them, giving both the desire and the power to follow Him.

While believers possess this new desire, we continue to live in a world that encourages independence from God. The culture around us teaches self-confidence, self-determination, and self-sufficiency, often leaving little room for acknowledging God’s sovereignty. It is easy to become occupied with our own plans, ambitions, and accomplishments while gradually pushing God to the margins of our lives. When we no longer seek His direction or submit our decisions to Him, we begin walking in the same pattern as the world, forgetting that our lives are entirely dependent upon His sovereign hand.

Apostle James reminds us that true faith is demonstrated through humble dependence upon God in every area of life. Our plans, our future, our work, and even our next breath belong to Him. As those redeemed by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are called to submit ourselves joyfully to God’s perfect will, trusting that His purposes are always wiser and better than our own. To help us understand this truth more clearly, we will consider three important realities: The Foolishness of Ignoring God’s Will, The Arrogance of Denying God’s Will, and The Sin of Disobeying God’s Will.

The Foolishness of Ignoring God’s Will

James 4:13–15 presents the example of a businessman who confidently plans his future. He decides when he will travel, where he will go, how long he will stay, what business he will conduct, and the profit he expects to make. Remarkably, throughout all of his planning, there is no mention of God. His mistake was not that he planned ahead, for careful planning is both wise and responsible. His folly was planning as though God had no place in his life. James immediately confronts this mindset by reminding us of the uncertainty of life: “You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Human life is fragile, temporary, and entirely dependent upon God’s sovereign will. We are not omniscient, omnipotent, or sovereign. Every breath we take is sustained by the Lord Himself.

This truth calls us to cultivate humility in all our decisions. Rather than assuming complete control over our future, we should acknowledge God in everything we do. James therefore says, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that” (James 4:15). These words are more than a familiar expression; they reflect a heart that genuinely recognises God’s authority over every circumstance. Jesus illustrated this same truth in the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16–21). The man’s fields produced abundantly, and he confidently planned to build larger barns and enjoy many years of comfort. Yet God declared, “You fool! This night your soul will be required of you.” His confidence rested in his possessions rather than in the Lord who held his life.

For believers, this passage reminds us that our greatest security is never found in our achievements, careers, or carefully arranged plans. Since we have been born again through the Gospel of the water and the Spirit, we belong to God, and our lives are His. The Holy Spirit continually teaches us to seek His wisdom before making decisions, trusting that His purposes far exceed our own understanding. As we surrender our plans to Him, we discover that true wisdom begins with acknowledging God’s sovereign rule over every aspect of our lives.

The Arrogance of Denying God’s Will

James continues by exposing another dangerous attitude: “As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil” (James 4:16). While the first group simply ignored God, this second attitude goes even further. It knowingly places human plans above God’s will, believing that personal wisdom and accomplishments are sufficient. Pride has always been the root of rebellion against God. It was pride that caused Satan to exalt himself against the Lord, and it remains one of the greatest dangers facing every believer today. Whenever we begin speaking and acting as though our success depends solely upon our own abilities, we subtly deny God’s sovereign hand at work in our lives.

The world celebrates self-made success and encourages people to boast in their accomplishments. Yet Scripture consistently points us in the opposite direction. James reminds us that every good gift comes from God. Whatever we have achieved, whatever opportunities we have received, and whatever blessings we enjoy are all expressions of His grace rather than reasons for self-exaltation. Humility, therefore, becomes the proper response of those who know Christ. We recognise that everything we possess has been entrusted to us by God. Instead of boasting about our plans, we gladly acknowledge that the Lord directs our steps. Even when we succeed, we give Him the glory because we understand that apart from Christ we can do nothing.

The Gospel itself continually produces this humility within us. Our salvation was never earned through our own efforts. Jesus willingly received the baptism that bore our sins, carried those sins to the cross, fully satisfied God’s righteous judgment, and rose again to give us eternal life. Since our salvation is entirely the work of God’s grace, there is no room for pride. Every blessing we receive flows from His mercy alone. As we walk with Christ, we should guard our hearts against boasting and self-confidence. Instead of placing confidence in ourselves, we learn to depend daily upon the Lord, trusting that His wisdom is greater than ours and that His plans are always perfect. A humble heart remains teachable, grateful, and fully submitted to God’s leading.

The Sin of Disobeying God’s Will

James concludes with a sobering warning: “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). This is more than ignorance or arrogance. Here, God’s will is already known, yet it is deliberately neglected. James identifies this as sin because genuine faith is not measured merely by what we know but by our willingness to obey what God has revealed. Many people spend much of their time asking, “What is God’s will for my career? Whom should I marry? Where should I live?” While these are important questions, Scripture first directs us to obey the aspects of God’s will that have already been clearly revealed. Before seeking God’s direction in life’s personal decisions, we must first walk faithfully in the areas He has plainly commanded. His Word reveals five foundational areas of His will that every believer should faithfully pursue:

1. Receive God’s Gift of Salvation (1 Timothy 2:4)
   God’s greatest desire is that all people come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. Salvation is found through the Gospel of the water and the Spirit. Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world through His baptism, bore their judgment on the cross, and rose again to give eternal life. Those who believe receive the forgiveness of sins and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
2. Be Filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:17–18)
   God calls believers to continually walk under the leading of the Holy Spirit rather than following the desires of the flesh. As we meditate on His Word, pray, and seek Him daily, the Spirit empowers us to live according to God’s will.
3. Live a Holy and Sanctified Life (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
   God’s will is for His people to pursue holiness by turning away from sexual immorality and every form of impurity. As those redeemed by Christ, we are to remain pure, honour God with our lives, and be set apart for His service.
4. Submit to God-Ordained Authority (1 Peter 2:13–15)
   God desires His children to respect and submit to the authorities He has established, both within the church and in society. A humble and submissive spirit demonstrates our trust in God’s sovereign order and reflects a life yielded to Him.
5. Remain Faithful When Suffering for Doing Good (1 Peter 3:17)
   Believers should never compromise God’s truth simply to avoid hardship. Even when suffering for doing what is right, we are called to remain faithful, trusting that God will sustain and honour those who persevere.

As we faithfully obey these five revealed aspects of God’s will, the Holy Spirit guides us in the many personal decisions we face. Submission to God’s will is not merely about making the right choices—it is about cultivating a life of daily obedience, trusting that God’s plans are always wiser and better than our own.

Conclusion

Every day presents us with opportunities either to rely upon ourselves or to submit to the sovereign will of God. James reminds us that ignoring God’s will is foolish, denying His will is arrogant, and knowingly disobeying His will is sin. Yet God has not left us to walk this journey alone. Through the finished work of Jesus Christ in His baptism, death, and resurrection, we have been forgiven, made new, and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to delight in doing the Father’s will. As we continually acknowledge God’s sovereignty, seek His wisdom, walk humbly before Him, and obey His Word, we will find ourselves growing in spiritual maturity and experiencing the peace that comes from trusting His perfect plan. As we continue to walk with Christ, may we remain faithful to His Word, maintain holiness, remain steadfast in the faith, and live in faithful expectation of His return.