Title
When Knowledge is Not Enough 仅知道仍旧不够
Date
02/08/2026
Description
James 4:13-17: Listen, those of you who are boasting, “Today or tomorrow we’ll go to another city and spend some time and go into business and make heaps of profit!” But you don’t have a clue what tomorrow may bring. For your fleeting life is but a warm breath of air that is visible in the cold only for a moment and then vanishes! Instead you should say, “Our tomorrows are in the Lord’s hands and if he is willing we will live life to its fullest and do this or that.” But here you are, boasting in your ignorance, for to be presumptuous about what you’ll do tomorrow is evil! So if you know of an opportunity to do the right thing today, yet you refrain from doing it, you’re guilty of sin.
雅 各 書 4:13-17: 你们一些人说∶“今天或明天，我们要到某个城市去。我们要在那里住上一年，做生意，赚大钱。”听着！想想这点： 你们甚至不知道明天会发生什么！你们不过是雾，出现片刻便逝去了。 所以，你们应该说∶“如果主愿意，我们就可以活着，做这事，做那事。” 但是，现在你们却骄傲、自夸。这样的夸耀都是不对的！ 如果一个人知道如何去行善，却不去那么做，他就是在犯罪。(page 1963)
Matt 26:41: “Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
馬 太 福 音 26:41: “清醒吧，祈祷吧，免受诱惑。虽然你们的心灵愿意，但是你们的肉体却是软弱的。” (page 1609)
Matthew 7:24:"Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock."
馬 太 福 音 7:24: 所 以 ， 凡 听 见 我 这 话 就 去 行 的 ， 好 比 一 个 聪 明 人 ， 把 房 子 盖 在 磐 石 上 ；。(page 1568)
Zechariah 4:10: Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.
撒迦利亚书 4:10: 谁敢藐视这微不足道的日子？(page 1539)
雅 各 書 4:13-17: 你们一些人说∶“今天或明天，我们要到某个城市去。我们要在那里住上一年，做生意，赚大钱。”听着！想想这点： 你们甚至不知道明天会发生什么！你们不过是雾，出现片刻便逝去了。 所以，你们应该说∶“如果主愿意，我们就可以活着，做这事，做那事。” 但是，现在你们却骄傲、自夸。这样的夸耀都是不对的！ 如果一个人知道如何去行善，却不去那么做，他就是在犯罪。(page 1963)
Matt 26:41: “Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
馬 太 福 音 26:41: “清醒吧，祈祷吧，免受诱惑。虽然你们的心灵愿意，但是你们的肉体却是软弱的。” (page 1609)
Matthew 7:24:"Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock."
馬 太 福 音 7:24: 所 以 ， 凡 听 见 我 这 话 就 去 行 的 ， 好 比 一 个 聪 明 人 ， 把 房 子 盖 在 磐 石 上 ；。(page 1568)
Zechariah 4:10: Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.
撒迦利亚书 4:10: 谁敢藐视这微不足道的日子？(page 1539)
Creator
Pastor: Mike Koger
Contributor
Hillside United Methodist Church
3737 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
3737 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
Transcription
When Knowledge is Not Enough
From Delay to Obedient Movement
Weekends pass by so fast…
Last Monday morning started early for me – and soon my mind was filled with things I knew I needed to do
Actions I had been delaying – some for quite a while.
Most of us have reminders on our phones.
A reminder to call someone. A reminder to finish something.
A reminder to start something we already know needs to be done.
And the interesting thing is… having the reminder doesn’t actually change anything.
You can know exactly what needs to be done and still swipe it away…
“I’ll get to that later.”
Knowing is important. But knowing alone doesn’t move anything forward.
That’s why Scripture doesn’t just call us to believe — it invites us to walk.
You probably have people in your life that always say, “I know” (even when they don’t)
And today we’re talking about the moment when knowing isn’t enough…
and grace invites us to move.
What we “know” – what we believe – should propel us forward into actions
Most of us don’t struggle with knowing what to do. We struggle with doing it now.
It’s not rebellion. It’s not unbelief. It’s delay.
We know the conversation we need to have. We know the habit we need to change.
We know the step we need to take.
“I’ll do it later.” “When things settle down.” “When I feel more ready.”
But over time, delay becomes heavy.
Not because God is angry—
- but because our hearts know we’re living out of alignment.
This precious earthly, physical life we have is not forever.
James 4:14: What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
When we come to the end, do we want to hear the words, “Well done, though good and faithful servant?”
“Well done” indicates we did something with this short life of ours.
Delay Is Rarely About Information
Scripture says: “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” (James 4:17)
That sounds strong—but James isn’t condemning. He’s diagnosing.
He’s encouraging us to re-align with our true purpose.
The issue isn’t lack of knowledge. It’s lack of movement.
And often the reason we delay is not fear of failure—
it’s fear of what obedience will cost.
Jesus told His disciples, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Delay can sometimes be disguised as “Wisdom”
We call it: “Being cautious” - “Waiting on the Lord” - “Not rushing ahead”
…and sometimes that is wisdom.
But sometimes… it’s just hesitation but wearing a spiritual name.
Paul says: “As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” (Colossians 2:6)
Notice: He doesn’t say analyze in Him or plan endlessly in Him. He says: walk.
Walking requires movement—even if the steps are small.
One of the dangers of misunderstanding grace is thinking:
“If it’s grace, then nothing is required.”
But grace doesn’t eliminate obedience. Grace removes fear from our obedience.
Paul also writes: “Now is the time of God’s favor.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Grace creates momentum. Delay creates stagnation.
And stagnation is where joy quietly drains away.
Obedience Is Often Simpler Than We Imagine
We think obedience means:
• Big changes - Dramatic leaps - Perfect timing
…But often it’s just:
• Making the call Taking the walk Saying the truth Starting the thing
Jesus said: “everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock.” (Matt 7:24)
Small steps taken today are more powerful than big intentions postponed indefinitely.
It’s not that our delays are producing punishment.
We’re just sadly missing out on the bigger blessings GOD has waiting for us on the other side of our obedience.
Delay Keeps Us Living in the Past or the Future
Delay says:
“One day I’ll change.” “Someday I’ll act.” “Eventually I’ll obey.”
But faith always lives in the present.
That’s why Scripture keeps saying: “Today” “Now” “At hand”
Because obedience only exists in the now.
Can you reflect on a past moment in your life when you did answer the call?
When you stepped up and stepped out? How did that feel?
This message is an invitation.
It’s an opportunity to move to life’s next level by a simple step of faith.
Faith in a faithful GOD. We trust in GOD’s faithfulness.
If you are a loving parent, you always had your children’s best interest at heart
“If you, being evil…”
? What is the one thing you already know God has been nudging you toward?
Not five things. Not everything. Just one.
Action taken today — no matter how small — breaks the power of delay.
“Small beginnings can lead to big futures.”
Zech 4:10: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
Movement Restores Alignment
When we act on what we already know:
• peace returns - clarity increases - joy follows movement
Not because we earned anything—
but because we came back into alignment with grace.
Today’s message is very simple, because chances are, you already know what you need to do next.
It is closing the gap between who were are now and who we are called to be.
Prayer
Lord, You have been faithful to show us the next step.
Forgive us for delaying out of fear, comfort, or distraction.
Give us the courage to act—not in striving, but in trust.
Teach us to walk in You, one step at a time.
Amen.
This sermon is not about doing more. It’s about doing the next right thing—
- with Jesus, from grace, without delay.
If you’re here today and you know there’s something God has been nudging you toward —
not something you don’t know, but something you haven’t acted on yet —
- then this moment is for you.
Jesus: “Take up your bed and walk” So, let’s just get out of bed. “Awake”
Just open your heart and say, “Lord, I’m ready to take the next step.”
Not tomorrow. Not when it feels easier. But today.
As 2 Cor 4:13 says: “I believed, therefore I spoke.”
(listen) “You don’t have to have the whole picture figured out.
God isn’t asking you to finish — He’s asking you to start.
If you’ll take the step He’s already been nudging you toward,
God will take care of what comes next.|
Knowing isn’t enough — but His grace will empower our movement.”
If that’s you, quietly respond to God right now —
- because grace isn’t just here to forgive… it’s here to move us forward.
Lord, we receive Your grace for this moment.
Give us courage for the next step,
and peace to trust You with the rest.
“Fill me with the grace, wisdom and courage to do Your will in all things.”
amen.
Arise and take the first step.
From Delay to Obedient Movement
Weekends pass by so fast…
Last Monday morning started early for me – and soon my mind was filled with things I knew I needed to do
Actions I had been delaying – some for quite a while.
Most of us have reminders on our phones.
A reminder to call someone. A reminder to finish something.
A reminder to start something we already know needs to be done.
And the interesting thing is… having the reminder doesn’t actually change anything.
You can know exactly what needs to be done and still swipe it away…
“I’ll get to that later.”
Knowing is important. But knowing alone doesn’t move anything forward.
That’s why Scripture doesn’t just call us to believe — it invites us to walk.
You probably have people in your life that always say, “I know” (even when they don’t)
And today we’re talking about the moment when knowing isn’t enough…
and grace invites us to move.
What we “know” – what we believe – should propel us forward into actions
Most of us don’t struggle with knowing what to do. We struggle with doing it now.
It’s not rebellion. It’s not unbelief. It’s delay.
We know the conversation we need to have. We know the habit we need to change.
We know the step we need to take.
“I’ll do it later.” “When things settle down.” “When I feel more ready.”
But over time, delay becomes heavy.
Not because God is angry—
- but because our hearts know we’re living out of alignment.
This precious earthly, physical life we have is not forever.
James 4:14: What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
When we come to the end, do we want to hear the words, “Well done, though good and faithful servant?”
“Well done” indicates we did something with this short life of ours.
Delay Is Rarely About Information
Scripture says: “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” (James 4:17)
That sounds strong—but James isn’t condemning. He’s diagnosing.
He’s encouraging us to re-align with our true purpose.
The issue isn’t lack of knowledge. It’s lack of movement.
And often the reason we delay is not fear of failure—
it’s fear of what obedience will cost.
Jesus told His disciples, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Delay can sometimes be disguised as “Wisdom”
We call it: “Being cautious” - “Waiting on the Lord” - “Not rushing ahead”
…and sometimes that is wisdom.
But sometimes… it’s just hesitation but wearing a spiritual name.
Paul says: “As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” (Colossians 2:6)
Notice: He doesn’t say analyze in Him or plan endlessly in Him. He says: walk.
Walking requires movement—even if the steps are small.
One of the dangers of misunderstanding grace is thinking:
“If it’s grace, then nothing is required.”
But grace doesn’t eliminate obedience. Grace removes fear from our obedience.
Paul also writes: “Now is the time of God’s favor.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Grace creates momentum. Delay creates stagnation.
And stagnation is where joy quietly drains away.
Obedience Is Often Simpler Than We Imagine
We think obedience means:
• Big changes - Dramatic leaps - Perfect timing
…But often it’s just:
• Making the call Taking the walk Saying the truth Starting the thing
Jesus said: “everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock.” (Matt 7:24)
Small steps taken today are more powerful than big intentions postponed indefinitely.
It’s not that our delays are producing punishment.
We’re just sadly missing out on the bigger blessings GOD has waiting for us on the other side of our obedience.
Delay Keeps Us Living in the Past or the Future
Delay says:
“One day I’ll change.” “Someday I’ll act.” “Eventually I’ll obey.”
But faith always lives in the present.
That’s why Scripture keeps saying: “Today” “Now” “At hand”
Because obedience only exists in the now.
Can you reflect on a past moment in your life when you did answer the call?
When you stepped up and stepped out? How did that feel?
This message is an invitation.
It’s an opportunity to move to life’s next level by a simple step of faith.
Faith in a faithful GOD. We trust in GOD’s faithfulness.
If you are a loving parent, you always had your children’s best interest at heart
“If you, being evil…”
? What is the one thing you already know God has been nudging you toward?
Not five things. Not everything. Just one.
Action taken today — no matter how small — breaks the power of delay.
“Small beginnings can lead to big futures.”
Zech 4:10: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
Movement Restores Alignment
When we act on what we already know:
• peace returns - clarity increases - joy follows movement
Not because we earned anything—
but because we came back into alignment with grace.
Today’s message is very simple, because chances are, you already know what you need to do next.
It is closing the gap between who were are now and who we are called to be.
Prayer
Lord, You have been faithful to show us the next step.
Forgive us for delaying out of fear, comfort, or distraction.
Give us the courage to act—not in striving, but in trust.
Teach us to walk in You, one step at a time.
Amen.
This sermon is not about doing more. It’s about doing the next right thing—
- with Jesus, from grace, without delay.
If you’re here today and you know there’s something God has been nudging you toward —
not something you don’t know, but something you haven’t acted on yet —
- then this moment is for you.
Jesus: “Take up your bed and walk” So, let’s just get out of bed. “Awake”
Just open your heart and say, “Lord, I’m ready to take the next step.”
Not tomorrow. Not when it feels easier. But today.
As 2 Cor 4:13 says: “I believed, therefore I spoke.”
(listen) “You don’t have to have the whole picture figured out.
God isn’t asking you to finish — He’s asking you to start.
If you’ll take the step He’s already been nudging you toward,
God will take care of what comes next.|
Knowing isn’t enough — but His grace will empower our movement.”
If that’s you, quietly respond to God right now —
- because grace isn’t just here to forgive… it’s here to move us forward.
Lord, we receive Your grace for this moment.
Give us courage for the next step,
and peace to trust You with the rest.
“Fill me with the grace, wisdom and courage to do Your will in all things.”
amen.
Arise and take the first step.