The Wisdom of Spiritual Goal-Setting

Foundational Elements

Sermon Title: “The Wisdom of Spiritual Goal-Setting”

Text of Sermon: Proverbs 16:3, Philippians 3:12-14

Subject: Spiritual Goals

Central Idea of the Text (CIT): Biblical wisdom emphasizes committing plans to the Lord and pursuing Christlike maturity with perseverance.

Proposition: Commit your spiritual goals to the Lord and strive for Christlike maturity with perseverance.

Objective: Hearers will commit their spiritual goals to God and pursue them with intentionality and faith.

Main Point of the Sermon (MPS): Godly wisdom guides us to set spiritual goals that align with His purpose, seek Christlikeness, and persevere in faith.

Formal Elements

Introduction

As the year draws to a close, many of us take time to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. While setting goals is common, how often do we pause to consider our spiritual goals? Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Likewise, Paul writes in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” These verses remind us that our goals must align with God’s purposes and require both commitment and perseverance.

Today, we’ll explore “The Wisdom of Spiritual Goal-Setting” by examining how to align our plans with God, strive for Christlikeness, and remain steadfast in our pursuit of spiritual growth.

Body

Opening Prayer

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, as we gather on this verge of New Years, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the year that has passed and anticipation for the year ahead. Thank You for Your faithfulness in every moment, for guiding us through challenges and blessing us with Your presence.

Lord, as we reflect on our lives tonight, we ask for Your wisdom. Help us to align our goals with Your purposes, to seek growth in Christlikeness, and to persevere in our spiritual journey. Open our hearts and minds to receive Your Word. Let it inspire us, challenge us, and equip us for the path You have set before us.

May this time together be a moment of transformation and renewal, and may the plans we commit to You bring glory to Your name. We invite Your Holy Spirit to move among us and to lead us closer to You. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, we pray. Amen.

I. Align Your Goals with God’s Purpose

Explanation:

Proverbs 16:3 teaches us to commit our plans to the Lord.

Setting spiritual goals requires discerning God’s will through prayer and Scripture.

Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be achieved.” teaches us to commit our plans to the Lord. The Hebrew word for “commit” (galal) conveys the image of rolling over or entrusting something entirely.

Setting spiritual goals requires discerning God’s will through prayer and Scripture. Without God’s guidance, our plans can falter and miss their ultimate purpose.

Consider the words from The Lion King: “Remember who you are.” As children of God, our plans should reflect His glory.

Argumentation:

When we align our goals with God’s purpose, we acknowledge His sovereignty and invite His guidance.

James 4:13–15 “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.” You don’t even know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes. Instead, you should say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”” warns against making plans without acknowledging God’s sovereignty: “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

When we align our goals with God’s purpose, we invite His blessing and guidance into our lives.

Application:

Begin by asking: How does this goal glorify God and further His kingdom?

Commit to daily prayer, seeking God’s guidance for your plans.

Illustration:

A ship’s captain sets the course but depends on the compass to navigate. God’s Word is our compass, guiding us toward spiritual goals that please Him.

Transition: Once our goals are aligned with God’s purpose, the next step is to strive for Christlike maturity.

II. Strive for Christlike Maturity

Explanation:

Philippians 3:12–14 “Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” emphasizes pressing on toward the goal of becoming like Christ. Paul acknowledges that he has not yet attained this goal but continues to strive.

Spiritual goals should focus on personal growth in Christlike character and service, such as the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Argumentation:

Spiritual maturity is a lifelong journey, requiring consistent effort and reliance on God’s strength.

Hebrews 12:1–2 “Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.” encourages us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.”

Spiritual maturity is a lifelong journey, requiring consistent effort and reliance on God’s strength. Ephesians 4:15 “But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head —Christ.” calls us to “grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ.”

Application:

Set specific goals such as growing in prayer, studying the Bible, or serving in your church.

Reflect on areas where God is calling you to grow, and take intentional steps toward that growth.

Illustration:

Think of a gardener tending a plant. Growth doesn’t happen overnight but requires patience, care, and nurturing. Similarly, spiritual maturity takes time and intentional effort.

Transition:

As we strive for Christlike maturity, it’s essential to remain steadfast and persevere in our pursuit.

III. Persevere in Your Spiritual Pursuit

Explanation:

Philippians 3:13–14 “Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” encourages us to forget what lies behind and press on toward the prize. The Christian life is not static but a forward-moving journey.

Perseverance is essential because challenges and distractions will arise. Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

As Dory famously says in Finding Nemo: “Just keep swimming.” Perseverance is about continuing the journey, even when it’s hard.

Argumentation:

Spiritual growth often involves overcoming obstacles and maintaining focus on God’s promises.

Galatians 6:9 “So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” reminds us not to grow weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up.

Spiritual growth often involves overcoming obstacles and maintaining focus on God’s promises. Romans 8:28 “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” assures us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

Application:

Commit to regular evaluation of your spiritual goals and adjust as needed.

Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage and hold you accountable.

Illustration:

Consider a marathon runner who keeps their eyes fixed on the finish line, pushing through fatigue and challenges. Our spiritual journey requires similar perseverance.

Transition:

As we align our goals with God’s purpose, strive for Christlike maturity, and persevere, we position ourselves for a meaningful and God-honoring New Year.

Conclusion

As we prepare to step into a new year, let us commit to setting spiritual goals that align with God’s purpose, striving for Christlike maturity, and persevering in faith. Proverbs 16:3 and Philippians 3:14 remind us that when we commit our plans to the Lord and press on with perseverance, we position ourselves to grow closer to Him and fulfill His purposes.

This New Year’s Eve, take time to reflect on your spiritual journey. What goals will you set to grow in your faith and glorify God in 2025? Commit them to the Lord, trust in His guidance, and press on toward the prize of Christlikeness. Let’s enter the new year with purpose and resolve, knowing that God will establish our steps as we walk in obedience to Him.

Prayer:

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, as we conclude this time of worship and reflection, we are reminded of Your faithfulness and the plans You have for each of us. Thank You for the truth of Your Word and the call to align our lives with Your purpose. As we look toward a new year, give us the courage to set spiritual goals that honor You, the determination to strive for Christlikeness, and the perseverance to remain steadfast in our faith.

Lord, help us to trust You with every step, knowing that You guide our paths and establish our plans when we commit them to You. Let this be a year where we grow closer to You, deepen our understanding of Your will, and shine as lights in the world for Your glory.

We leave this place with hope, peace, and the assurance that You walk with us into the future. Be our strength, our guide, and our joy as we press on toward the prize of Christlikeness. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

“I Surrender” by Hillsong Worship

This song beautifully captures the act of committing our plans and lives to the Lord, as discussed in Proverbs 16:3.

“Press On” by Mandisa

Inspired by Philippians 3:14, this song encourages believers to keep moving forward in their faith, striving for Christlikeness and perseverance.

“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong UNITED

This song speaks to trusting God with our goals and plans, walking in faith even when the path is uncertain—echoing the message of perseverance and reliance on God’s guidance.