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Resolutions
Introduction: How many of you stayed up to see the New Year begin? How many of you made some “New Year’s Resolutions?” I tend to agree with Dr. Laura when she says the problem with resolutions is people make them and then think they are a plan. I want us to think about resolutions and perhaps direct us toward some worthy ones. I. WHAT IS A RESOLUTION? Resolution: 1. a formal expression of opinion or intention… 2. a resolve or determination; to make a firm resolution to do something. 3. the act of resolving or determining, as upon an action or course of action, method, or procedure, 4. the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose. Synonym. Declaration, decision, motion, ruling Resolve – 1. to fix or settle on by deliberate choice and will; determine to do something. Synonym-- Determination, steadfastness, tenacity, firmness II. WHY DO WE MAKE RESOLUTIONS? a. Conviction – there are things we may feel compelled to do. John 16.8-11 i. A person that is convicted will do something. b. Realize there are things we need to correct in our lives. Galatians 6.4 i. Things we should be doing and are not doing. (Exercise, read more, do more visiting, etc.) ii. Things we are doing and should not do. (Snacking, watching too much TV, spending too much money, etc.) iii. It is up to us to make these changes and no one else. This is called individual responsibility. c. Realize our time here is limited and we need to do (b) now. i. The first of the year tends to make us think about the past year. Where has all the time gone? ii. The New Year is just beginning but it to will be gone before we know it. Psalms 90.10-12. III. THE TRUTH ABOUT RESOLUTIONS a. Most are broken within the first 2 weeks. i. Bible warns us of making rash vows. Ecc. 5.5. ii. Let your yea be yea and no be no. b. Some are not worthy or our labors. i. Many things people determine to do are temporary at best. ii. Even then some are just not worth it. Colossians 3.1-3 c. Some people are not determined to do what should be done. i. The Bible warns of procrastination. James 4.17 ii. To not cease sin is to continue to live in sin. iii. To not serve God is to serve the devil, Col. 1.13. iv. Today is the day. Matthew 21.28ff IV. BIBLICAL RESOLUTIONS a. Jehosaphat – 2Chronicles 20.3 feared the Lord and set himself to seek the Lord. i. What could have been a better cause? ii. The following passages show this was jus the first step, Jehosaphat had to actually “seek the Lord.” b. David wrote, Psalm 17.3 “that my mouth will not sin” c. Daniel 1.8 “purposed in his heart not to defile himself” d. Matthew 16.21 Jesus must go up to Jerusalem.. See, Luke 9.53. e. Acts 5.28-29 the apostles were determined to preach the gospel. f. 1 Corinthians 15.38 God gives us a body as He has determined. V. A LIST OF RESOLUTIONS a. To serve God each day, James 4.13ff. i. The first step is be in the right relationship with God, become a child of God. ii. Then to live as a Christian by praying, studying, attending services faithfully, etc. iii. The next step is not to take each day for granted but be thankful for each day and use it properly. b. To try and improve each day i. To excel still more, 1 Thess. 4.9-12. ii. Patience, virtue, love, knowledge, etc. c. To keep one’s priorities in order, Matthew 6.33. i. Put first things first. ii. Often the first thing to do is simplify. d. To not hold grudges, Luke 17.3-4. i. Forgiveness is conditional but it is extended. ii. Carrying a grudge just hurts the one with the added weight. e. To say I love you more often “As you wish” i. To God and to others, Matthew 22.37-ff. ii. Spend time with family, rear your children, and serve God faithfully. Conclusion: Whatever you become is because of what you do! Wherever you go is because of your choices! |