So, What About Resolutions, Are They Right For Us?
INTRO: So, what about all the resolutions that are made? Have you made any? Kept any? Should we? Should we bother? Should we give up? I want to answer some of these today as we start a short series on resolutions.
When we look to the Lord for help - James 4:13-17
James 4:13-17
13Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:14
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.15
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.16
But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.We need to recognize
Our need to do better
Our weaknesses
Our frailty
Our strength is in Him
Our future is in Him
Our improvement comes through Him
Pro. 16:9
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.Pro. 19:21There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
When we look to the Lord to please Him
Our goal is (we resolve) to be pleasing to Him - 2 Cor. 5:9
2 Cor. 5:9
Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.Our goal is (we resolve) to use the scriptures to help us stay on track
2 Tim 3:14-17
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;15
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.So, What About Resolutions, Are They Right For Us?
- page 2Our goal is (we resolve) to finish well for the Lord
2 Tim 4:1-8
1I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;2
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.3
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;4
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.5
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.6
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:8
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Our goal is (we resolve) to live godly/holy - 1 Jn. 3:3; Heb. 12:1-2; Heb. 12:14
1 John 3:3
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.Heb. 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Heb. 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
When we look to the Lord for counsel - Pro. 3:5
Pro. 3:5
5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.Our plans include godly prayer - James 5:16; Psalms 91:15
James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.Psalms 91:15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
Our plans include godly counsel - Pro 12:15; 13:10; 15:22; Matt 18:19
Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
Proverbs 15:2222Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
So, What About Resolutions, Are They Right For Us?
- page 3Matt 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
Our plans include godly goals - Romans 12:1-2; Matt 6:33; Psalms 37:5
Romans 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Psalms 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 011605am