2. The Importance of Planning Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established (Proverbs 15:22). Plans are established by counsel; by wise counsel wage war (Proverbs 20:18). The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty (Proverbs 21:5).

3. The Importance of Planning Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No? But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us…was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us (2 Cor. 1:17-20).

4. Where Planning Is Needed

5. In our Giving – Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come (I Corinthians 16:1-2).

6. Where Planning Is Needed In our Giving – So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7).

7. Where Planning Is Needed In Marriage – He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD (Proverbs 18:22). – An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones (Prov. 12:4).

8. Where Planning Is Needed In Marriage – Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD (Proverbs 19:14). –Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies (Prov. 31:10).

9. Where Planning Is Needed In Marriage – So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate (Mt. 19:6). I Corinthians 7:39; Malachi 2:16 – Does he/she have right to marry (Mt. 19:9)? – Is he willing to lead, love, and honor? – Is she willing to love, submit, and respect? Ephesians 5:22-33; Titus 2:5; I Peter 3:7

10. Where Planning Is Needed In Appointing Elders and Deacons – Paul and Barnabas planned for elders. Acts 14:23 – The church at Philippi matured to the point where they had elders and deacons. Philippians 1:1 (cf. Acts 16:11-40) – Planning must be done to appoint only qualified men. I Timothy 3; Titus 1

11. Where Planning Is Needed In the Work of the Church – The Lord had a plan for the spread of the gospel (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8). – Plans were made when some widows were found neglected (Acts 6:1-6). – If we are going to abound in the work of the Lord, then we must plan (I Cor. 15:58). Planning is needed in all areas of the work: evangelism, restoring the erring, discipline, gospel meetings, Bible classes, etc.

12. Where Planning Is Needed In our Lives – Many live their lives thinking only of self and their own happiness (Luke 12:21). – Always make your plans with the Lords will in mind (James 4:13-15). – Make the best use of your time (Eph. 5:15- 16; Psalm 90:12). – Make time for the most important things. Matt. 6:33; Heb. 10:24-25; Josh. 24:15

13. Where Planning Is Needed In Going to Heaven – Heaven is a prepared place (John 14:1-4) for a prepared people (Matt. 24:44). – Pauls focus and plans were upon the goal of heaven (Phil. 1:21-23; 3:12-14, 20-21). – No one will end up in heaven by accident. We must fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7-8) !

14. Where Planning Is Needed In our Giving In Marriage In Appointing Elders and Deacons In the Work of the Church In our Lives In Going to Heaven