New Years Resolutions

Isaiah 19:20–21 NASB95

It will become a sign and a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the Lord because of oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Champion, and He will deliver them. Thus the Lord will make Himself known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day. They will even worship with sacrifice and offering, and will make a vow to the Lord and perform it.

Introduction. In this passage, Isaiah speaks of the time when Egypt will know the Lord, and worship Him—Not only would they worship the Lord, they would make a vow to Him and keep it … (1) Note the reason for their making and keep this vow—verse 20; (2) Every Christian is a recipient of God’s grace and mercy; therefore, ought to make vows to God, and keep them …

Here are some timely vows (resolutions) …

I. I WILL ENDEAVOR TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THREE THINGS ABOUT THE BIBLE

1. I will accept it as the inspired Word of God …

2 Timothy 3:16 NASB95

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

2. I will accept it as my light and guide …

Psalm 119:105 NASB95

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

3. I shall keep in mind the fact that one day I will be judged by the Gospel … Rom. 2:16

Romans 2:16 NASB95

on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.

II. I SHALL ENDEAVOR TO REMEMBER THREE THINGS ABOUT THE CHURCH

1. It was purchased with the precious blood of Christ, and thus I will respect it …

Ephesians 5:25 NASB95

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,

2. The church is a divine institution and thus will I honor it … Matt. 16:18

Matthew 16:18 NASB95

“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

(a) Jesus instituted the church …

(b) He protects the church …

(c) He is the head of the church …

3. It is my duty to be loyal to the church …

(a) Attend regularly—Heb. 10:25 …

III. THREE THINGS THAT I VOW TO KEEP IN MIND CONCERNING CHRIST AND MY RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM

1. Through Christ only is there salvation …

Acts 4:12 NASB95

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

2. Christ was sinless and therefore my example …

1 Peter 2:21–22 NASB95

For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth;

3. I am not my own but belong to Christ …

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NASB95

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

Conclusion. These resolutions will greatly enrich your life.

WILL YOU ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE TO MAKE AND KEEP THESE VOWS?