New Years Resolutions 2023

1 John 1:1–10 ESV

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

We all want to make New Years resolutions every year. They are great and many times we actually mean it.

We want to manage our money more wisely. Get out of debt, plan a vacation, prioritize our time better, or be healthier.

These are all wonderful goals. But many times we neglect the most important area of our life. That is our spiritual life. What are our New Years resolution as far as our spiritual life?

Many times we do not give this much thought. When the opposite is true. The spiritual side, our soul, will live forever. Why do we focus so much time on something that will rot and perish and neglect the eternal?

Do we have a goal to grow closer to the Lord?

To share the gospel with more people?

Now these goals are admirable and worth seeking after and praying for.

But it must start with a revival in the heart or just like most New Years resolutions, they will fail.

1 Thessalonians 5:22–23 ESV

Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now the preceding verses give us great guidelines especially when utilizing our tools that the Lord has given us.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–21 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.

These are all very important, but sin destroys all these great attempts.

If we want to see the power of God like never before in our lives, in our families, in our church, and in our community, then we must avoid the appearance of evil.

Sin does not just happen. It is a process. You have to be exposed to it at first.

James 1:14–15 ESV

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

lured

2. enticed by his own desire

3. desire gives birth to sin

4. sin brings death once fully grown