Resolutions for the new year!

Proverbs 3:1-32

Proverbs 3:1–32 NKJV

1 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; 2 For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. 11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; 12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights. 13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; 14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her. 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; 20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew. 21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes— Keep sound wisdom and discretion; 22 So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck. 23 Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; 26 For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught. 27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,” When you have it with you. 29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells by you for safety’s sake. 30 Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm. 31 Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways; 32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, But His secret counsel is with the upright.

Introduction

Last year at this time, some of you were saying, "This year, things are going to be different!

I’m going to change!

I’m going to be a better spouse.

I’m going to spend more time with my family.

I’m going to spend more time reading my Bible. More time praying to God. More time serving others.

This is the year I get my ducks in a row!"

WE MADE RESOLUTIONS

WHAT IS A RESOLUTION- A FIRM DECISION TO DO OR NOT TO DO SOMETHING AND TO STICK TO IT

Just by a simple show of hands, who has stuck to their new years resolutions?

TOP 5

I saw a recent article that listed the five most popular resolutions made most every year.

The 5th was to take up a new hobby.

The 4th was to make more money.

The 3rd most popular resolution was to improve relationships.

The 2nd was to stop smoking.

The most popular New Years resolution, you guessed it, losing weight.

HUMOROUS ILLUSTRATION – MAN ON SCALE

HOW QUICKLY WE FORGET

Often this time of year, after the overindulgence of the holidays we make resolutions to change our habits and our way of life.

A new year gives us an opportunity to start fresh and better ourselves.

Come the middle of January we somehow forget our resolutions and go back to our old ways.

Now by a simple show of hands who can even remember their new years resolutions?

It is so easy to forget the commitments and resolutions we make at New Year’s

CATEGORIES OF RESOLUTIONS

This is the 1st Sunday of the New Year. You know, when you think about it, all New Year’s Resolutions basically fall into 3 categories. They deal with:

1. Things to make us look better and live longer.

2. Things to make us have more.

3. Things that will help us to get along with everyone.

**** FOR THE MOST PART THEY TEND TO FOCUS ON WORLDLY THINGS****

BIBLICAL?

I went hunting for new years resolutions in scripture. Not called resolutions but what I found – well I have made them my resolutions for the New Year.

PROV CHAPTER 3 - 10 New Year’s Resolutions From The Wisest Man That Ever Lived. Proverbs - chapter 3.

BUT WE MUST REALIZE THESE ARE NOT JUST SUGGESTIONS BUT COMMANDS FROM GOD’S WORD!

OVERVIEW

Solomon starts off this 3rd chapter with a very matter of fact statement.

1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.

Then He gives very specific details of 10 principles that we should live by in order to have long life, prosperity and peace

Resolution 1. LET LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS NEVER LEAVE YOU V 3-4

Proverbs 3:3 NKJV

3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart,

Love and Faithfulness - Let these two qualities be the guiding lights in our lives - in everything we do. These must be foundational to all we do.

Definition of Love – Some define it as that fateful glance across a crowded room – I define it as a man with nails in his hands. Love is something we could define forever.

It is sacrificial, it is putting others before yourself. It is living out a life of obedience to the one that Loves us most. True love was displayed on the Cross!

Definition of Faithfulness: keeping faith; maintaining allegiance; constant; loyal - [faithful friends] , showing a strong sense of duty or responsibility; conscientious, accurate; reliable; exact. LOYALITY AND TRUSTWORTHINESS ESPECIALLY IN RELATIONSHIPS

RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST

Resolution 2. TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL OF YOUR HEART. V 5-6

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Proverbs 3:5–6 KJV 1900

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.

Definitions of the word Trust:

a) firm belief in or confidence in, the honesty, integrity, reliability, justice, etc. of another person or thing; faith in or reliance on the person or thing trusted.

b) confident expectation, anticipation, or hope [to have trust in the future]

Trust in the LORD with all your heart --

Not just part of our heart but all of it! All parts, nothing withheld!

Our own understanding and own plans get us into trouble and lead to disaster! Seek God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, apply the truths found in His Word.

Definitions of the word Acknowledge:

a) to admit to be true or as stated; confess

b) to recognize the authority or claims of

c) to recognize and answer (a greeting or greeter, an introduction, etc.)

d) to express thanks for

e) to verify receipt of (a letter, gift, favor, payment, etc.)

f) to admit or affirm as genuine; certify in legal form to acknowledge a deed

Do we acknowledge Him in all we do? Meaning do we seek to live out His truths in our lives? In our decisions? In our day to day activities? AND DO WE DO IT WITH THANKFULNESS

Resolution 3. DO NOT BE WISE IN YOUR OWN EYES V 7-8

Proverbs 3:7–8 NKJV

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.

Did you pray about your new years resolutions?

Did you ask God for guidance about what you are to work on?

Do we think we are wise by our own eyes? True wisdom is not of this world! It is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit giving the believer wisdom for living- to practically live out God’s word and walk in obedience to Him!

Do we try to depart from evil? Do we have a new relationship with Sin??? We cannot live in habitual sin and think we are okay with God! Must walk in obedience to Jesus Christ, our source of life and health. Cannot entertain sin and play around with sin. When God reveals it is sin we MUST FLEE FROM IT, not enjoy it- it is what our savior bore on the cross how dare we enjoy it!

We must not push the limit and make excuses to entertain sin--- that is being wise in our own eyes and leaning on our own understanding. This is rationalization and compromise of the truth, that is failure to acknowledge Him in all that we do!

Simply put it is rebellion against God!

Resolution 4. HONOR THE LORD WITH YOUR WEALTH V 9-10

Proverbs 3:9–10 NKJV

9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.

This includes offerings/finances but MOST IMPORTANTLY TIME AND SERVICE!

WE CAN GIVE ALL THE MONEY WE HAVE BUT STILL NOT BE RIGHT WITH GOD

HOW MUCH OF OUR MOST VALUABLE ASSETS, OUR TIME, DO WE SPEND WITH HIM? AND ARE WE OBEDIENT?

THAT WILL REVEAL WHERE OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST STANDS

Resolution 5. DO NOT DESPISE THE LORD’S DISCIPLINE V 11-12

Proverbs 3:11–12 NKJV

11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; 12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Will you make the changes that you are prompted to make? Will you even year the requests to make the changes?

MUST TAKE DAILY ALONE/QUITE TIME AND LISTEN, NOT JUST DO ALL THE SPEAKING

MUST DETERMINE, MAKE UP OUR MINDS, TO DO WHAT HE SAYS AND GO WHERE HE LEADS

IF YOU ARE LIVING IN SIN AND HAVE NO CHASTENING OR CORRECTION FROM THE LORD THEN YOU ARE NOT HIS!

WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE CORRECTS!

Resolution 6. SEARCH DILIGENTLY FOR WISDOM AND FIND IT V 13-24

Proverbs 3:13–24 (NKJV)

13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,

And the man who gains understanding;

14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,

And her gain than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies,

And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.

16 Length of days is in her right hand,

In her left hand riches and honor.

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

And all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,

And happy are all who retain her.

19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;

By understanding He established the heavens;

20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up,

And clouds drop down the dew.

21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes—

Keep sound wisdom and discretion;

22 So they will be life to your soul

And grace to your neck.

23 Then you will walk safely in your way,

And your foot will not stumble.

24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;

Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.

There is no stopping – We must find it!!!!!

WHAT IS WISDOM? WISDOM HAS TWO GROUPS OF CHARACTERISTICS.

1. INFORMATION

2. KNOW-HOW

Do an analogy of a farmer with a tractor in a field. He must have the right equipment and materials - gas etc. But he still must know what to do and what not to do with it - how to use it and how not to use it - when to use it and when not to use it - and where to use it and where not to use it - if he is going to be a successful farmer.

V 13-20 talks about those characteristics of wisdom which deal with knowlege, learning, information, intelligence, data, facts, intellect, and experience.

V 21-24 talks about those characteristics of wisdom which deal with perception, discernment, judgement, reason, insight, prudence, discretion, and just plain ol’ common sense.

SIMPLY PUT WISDOM IS VALUABLE AND SOMETHING TO BE DESIRED, IT IS ALSO SOMETHING WE AS BELIEVERS CAN OBTAIN- BY LISTENING TO GOD’S VOICE, BEING SENSITIVE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT AND SEEKING IT!

Resolution 7. HAVE NO FEAR V 25-26

Proverbs 3:25–26 NKJV

25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; 26 For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.

Do you live A LIFE CAUGHT in fear – depression, anxiety? – Think there is a catch to everything in your life?

DO YOU LIVE ENSNARED BY THE ENEMY OR THE FLESH?

GO TO THE CROSS, YOU CAN FIND HELP AND DELIVERANCE THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL EMPOWER IF WE SEEK AND DETERMINE TO BE OBEDIENT

Resolution 8. DO NOT WITHHOLD GOOD FROM THOSE WHO DESERVE IT V 27-28

Proverbs 3:27–28 NKJV

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,” When you have it with you.

WHAT IS GOOD? ONLY THOSE THINGS OF GOD!!!

GUIDANCE, LOVE, FORGIVENESS, GENTLENESS, PATIENCE, SELF CONTROL, MEEKNESS, HUMILITY, KNOWLEDGE, AND WISDOM, ETC..

EDIFY ONE ANOTHER, SHARPEN EACH OTHER, HELP HOLD EACH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE

MOST IMPORTANTLY PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER!!

If you need anything do not hesitate to call…??? You ever got a call from someone saying – you know that you said I should call if I needed anything?

Resolution 9. DO NOT PLOT HARM AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR V 29-30

Proverbs 3:29–30 NKJV

29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells by you for safety’s sake. 30 Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm.

“No I am sorry but that person must feel what it is like to be in that position. After all they have done it it to me how many times?”

SCHEMING, PLANNING TO HARM, SLANDER, GOSSIP, MANIPULATION, INTIMIDATION ETC… ARE ALL EVIL! THEY ARE OF THE FLESH AND SATAN! HAVE NO PART IN THEM! DO NOT ARGUE, FIGHT OR STRUGGLE WITH OTHERS.... LIVE IN PATIENCE AND LOVE AND INSTEAD OF YOU TRYING TO “FIX IT” GIVE IT TO GOD IN PRAYER.

Resolution 10. DO NOT ENVY A VIOLENT MAN OR CHOOSE ANY OF HIS WAYS V 31 - 32

Proverbs 3:31–32 NKJV

31 Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways; 32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, But His secret counsel is with the upright.

OPPRESSOR IS TRANSLATED MEANING WRONG OR UNRIGHTEOUS

WE SHOULD NOT SEEK THE THINGS THAT THOSE LIVING IN THE FLESH AND THE WORLD SEEK! WE SHOULD NOT PURSUE OR DESIRE THOSE THINGS, OUR DESIRE SHOULD BE FIRST AND FOREMOST FOR JESUS CHRIST AND FOR THOSE PEOPLE TO COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND SAVIOR!

CHOOSE NONE OF HIS WAYS! THE ENEMY IS THE PRICE OF THIS PRESENT AGE! HE HAS INFLUENCE IN THE WORLD SYSTEMS, GOVERNMENT, ORGANIZATIONS, MEDIA ETC!!! WE ARE TO CHOOSE NONE OF HIS WAYS!

Watch what you watch on TV this year. Satan is perverting you and yours through that box!

DO NOT LIVE IN PERVERSION ENSLAVED TO THE FLESH, THIS IS AN ABOMINATION TO THE LORD

A PERVERSE PERSON DEPARTS FROM THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORDS, THE WALK IN THEIR OWN UNDERSTANDING COMPROMISING TO THE WORLD AND FLESHLY DESIRES!

CONCLUSION

We have a lot to do…How do your resolutions marry up to what Solomon wanted??

They are steep. But there is loads of practical application from every one of those resolutions. See through your study of Proverbs 3 this week what practicality you can put to some of these resolutions

Blessing to you this year. May your mind and your heart be closely aligned to the will of God on your life and may you know his blessings for your obedience.