Topical Encyclopedia Presumption, in the context of planning for the future, refers to the act of making plans with an overconfident reliance on one's own understanding and abilities, often neglecting the sovereignty and will of God. This attitude is cautioned against in Scripture, as it reflects a lack of humility and acknowledgment of God's ultimate control over the course of events.Biblical Warnings Against Presumption The Bible provides several warnings against presumptuous planning. One of the most direct admonitions is found in the Epistle of James. James 4:13-15 states: "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.' 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. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.'" This passage highlights the uncertainty of life and the necessity of submitting one's plans to the will of God. Examples of Presumption in Scripture 1. The Rich Fool: In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool, a man who planned to store up his abundant crops and live a life of ease. However, God said to him, "You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?" (Luke 12:20). This account illustrates the folly of presuming upon the future without regard for God's plans. 2. The Tower of Babel: In Genesis 11:1-9, humanity's attempt to build a tower reaching the heavens was an act of presumption, as they sought to make a name for themselves apart from God. The Lord disrupted their plans by confusing their language, demonstrating His authority over human endeavors. 3. King Saul's Sacrifice: In 1 Samuel 13:8-14, King Saul presumptuously offered a burnt offering in Samuel's absence, acting against God's command. Saul's failure to wait for the prophet Samuel and his assumption of priestly duties led to his rejection as king, underscoring the consequences of presumptuous actions. Theological Implications Presumption in planning reflects a deeper theological issue: the failure to recognize God's sovereignty and providence. Proverbs 16:9 reminds believers, "A man's heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." This verse emphasizes that while humans may make plans, it is ultimately God who directs the outcome. Practical Application for Believers Believers are encouraged to plan with humility and dependence on God. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage calls for a reliance on God's wisdom rather than one's own. In planning for the future, Christians are urged to seek God's guidance through prayer and Scripture, remaining open to His leading and willing to adjust their plans according to His will. By doing so, they demonstrate trust in God's perfect plan and timing, avoiding the pitfalls of presumption. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 12:18And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. Torrey's Topical Textbook James 4:13 Library An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality. Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... The Iranian Conquest Resources What are patron saints? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.org Presumption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Presumption in Asking Jesus, "What Will This Man Do?" Presumption in Objecting to Jesus' Statement That Jesus Must be Killed Presumption in Objecting to Jesus Washing Peter's Feet Presumption in Reflecting Upon his Knowledge when he Asked, Amid a Throng, Who Touched Jesus Presumption: A Characteristic of Antichrist Presumption: A Characteristic of the Wicked Presumption: Abraham, in Questioning About Sodom Presumption: Builders of Babel Presumption: Complaining at Meribah Presumption: David, in Numbering Israel Presumption: David's Anger on Account of Uzzah's Death Presumption: Exhibited in Esteeming Our own Ways Right Presumption: Exhibited in Opposing God Presumption: Exhibited in Planning for the Future Presumption: Exhibited in Pretending to Prophecy Presumption: Exhibited in Seeking Precedence Presumption: Exhibited in Self-Righteousness Presumption: Exhibited in Spiritual Pride Presumption: Exhibited in Wilful Commission of Sin Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Presumption: Israelites, in Ascending to the Top of the Hill Against the Amalekites Presumption: James and John, in Desiring to Call Down Fire Upon the Samaritans Presumption: Job, in Cursing the Day of his Birth Presumption: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Presumption: Men of Bethshemesh Presumption: Men of Beth-Shemesh Presumption: Moses, in Rebuking Jehovah Presumption: Pray to be Kept from Sins of Presumption: Reproved by Eliphaz Presumption: Satan, when he Said to Eve, "You Will Surely not Die" Presumption: Saul, in Sacrificing Presumption: Sparing the Amalekites Presumption: The Disciples, in Rebuking Those Who Brought Little Children to Jesus Presumption: The Disciples, in Their Indignation at the Anointing of Jesus Presumption: The Sons of Sceva Presumption: Those Who Reviled Jesus Presumption: Uzzah, in Steadying the Ark of the Covenant Related Terms Presumptuously (10 Occurrences) |
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