Return to Series

Sermon Introduction

Everybody plans, whether long-term, mid-term, short-term or super short-term; yet not everyone makes the usual mistakes in planning. This sermon will tackle two. The first is not listening to wise advice, and the other is related to the first, rushing in and pressing forward with limited knowledge. But, conversely, there are necessary ingredients to planning. So this sermon will address two as well. One is listening to many advisers, and the other is exercising diligence. Yet despite all our work, God’s purpose, plan, and design will prevail. And we should see this as a good thing because He knows much more than us in every way imaginable.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Proverbs 15:22 ESV

22 Without counsel plans fail,
     but with many advisers they succeed.

Proverbs 21:5 ESV

5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,
but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

Proverbs 19:21

21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Notes

Everybody plans, whether long-term, mid-term, short-term or super short-term; yet not everyone makes the usual mistakes in planning. This sermon will tackle two. The first is not listening to wise advice, and the other is related to the first, rushing in and pressing forward with limited knowledge. But, conversely, there are necessary ingredients to planning. So this sermon will address two as well. One is listening to many advisers, and the other is exercising diligence. Yet despite all our work, God’s purpose, plan, and design will prevail. And we should see this as a good thing because He knows much more than us in every way imaginable.

1. One Way to Fail

   One sure way to fail is to plan without listening to wise counsel. As a result, plans get frustrated, and the planner gets frustrated when many unforeseen events happen. But with many advisers, plans succeed.
   
   22 Without counsel plans fail,
        but with many advisers they succeed (Prov. 15:22).
   
   

2. Another Way to Fail

   Another sure way to fail is to rush it, press it on, and have a narrow perspective. The opposite is diligently implementing a wise plan, which leads to gain. Of course, it is expected that the diligent have planned properly.
   
   5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,
   but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty (Prov. 21:5).
   
   

3. God’s Purpose Prevails

   People must plan, and they must plan well, yet even if they do, there is still One that overshadows all. And that is the purpose of God. So who can stand against the plans and intents of God? No one.
   
   21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
   but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand (Prov. 19:21).
   
   

Application

1. Listen to Many Advisers

   We should learn to seek out and listen to many advisers. More advisers should give us a better perspective on our plans. But if we plan with our limited knowledge, we will surely fail.
   
   

2. Be Diligent, Avoid Haste

   Whenever we feel obsessed or convinced about a specific direction, let us take the time to step back. Stepping back helps us evaluate things in a detached manner. By detaching, we help our minds think clearer and sharper.
   
   

3. Surrender to His Will

   We should listen to the wise counsel of many and execute the plan with diligence. We hope we will gain, yet we must surrender all we do to Him. Because His purpose will always prevail.
   
   
   

Reflection & Discussion

1. Give two reasons why plans fail.

2. Cite two reasons why plans might succeed.

3. We know that God’s purpose will prevail. How then should we plan?