Goals for the New Year

A. Last Year Is Past; the New Year Is Here

1. It's time to take inventory, to prepare for the future

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Locations 86-88). Kindle Edition.

2. It's time to set goals for the New Year

B. Consider Paul's Position and Proposals

1. We have great lessons from a great Christian

2. We learn from a man who influenced millions

Philippians 3:13–14 NKJV

13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

3. Paul's focus was this: his regrets, the race, the rewards. Let’s see what he thought about these three things as we consider this brand new year that begins tomorrow.

3. Paul's focus was this: his regrets, the race, the rewards

What Should We Do About Regrets? (v. 13)

Let’s hear from Paul’s own words.

Philippians 3:13 NKJV

13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

1. "Forgetting those things which are behind"

2. We all have regrets because we've all made mistakes, possibly poor decisions, said things we’d love to take back.

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Locations 88-89). Kindle Edition.

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Locations 89-90). Kindle Edition.

a. We'd like a replay of last year to make adjustments

b. There are no replays; the past is past

3. How shall we deal with last year's blunders?

a. Confess our sins and be forgiven

1 John 1:9 NKJV

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

b. Leave all past failures with the Lord

b. Leave all past failures with the Lord

c. Like Paul, forget those things that are behind.

How Do We Run Life’s Race? (vv. 13-14)

Philippians 3:13–14 NKJV

13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

1. "Reaching forth unto those things which are before"

1. "Reaching forth unto those things which are before"

a. Paul approached the future with anticipation and faith

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Locations 90-93). Kindle Edition.

b. He was eager to see what he could achieve for Christ

2. Here are the facts we must face:

a. We are all either problem conscious or possibility conscious

b. We approach every day expecting either the best or the worst

3. The Christian life begins with faith

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Romans 5:1 NKJV

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

a. "The just shall live by faith" ()

a. "The just shall live by faith"

Romans 1:17 NKJV

17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

b. Faith and fear are opposites

b. Faith and fear are opposites

c. Faith wins and fear loses.

Why Should Our Goal be Eternal Rewards? (v. 14)

Phil 3

1. "I press toward the mark for the prize"

Philippians 3:14 NKJV

14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

1. "I press toward the mark for the prize"

2. Paul was determined to hold back nothing from the Lord

a. He was a fully surrendered man

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Locations 95-97). Kindle Edition.

b. He was consistent in his Christian walk

3. When Jesus returns He will reward His faithful servants

a. "My reward is with me"

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b. Eternal rewards are more valuable than any other achievements.

Revelation 22:12 NKJV

12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.

b. Eternal rewards are more valuable than any other achievements.

So what does all this mean for us?

A. Let's Forget Those Things That Are Behind

B. Let's Reach Forth to the Things Before

Roger Campbell. Preach for a Year: 104 Sermon Outlines (Preach for a Year Series): 7 (Kindle Locations 97-98). Kindle Edition.

1. The future is fantastic for believers

2. The best is yet to come

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1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV

9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Let’s trust God for what He has in store for this New Year.