It is true that most new years resolutions to not last. However, New Years is a great time to think about the kind of life we want to live in 2008. I gave a lot of thought about the passages of scripture God might use to challenge us to live more fully for him this coming year. I have chosen three:

The FIRST one challenges us to live, not for ourselves, but for Christ.

The SECOND tells us to live life, like we would, if we were running in a race.

And the THIRD teaches us that if we are to be successful, we will need to put forth the appropriate effort.

I. OUR LIFE IS TO BE LIVED FOR CHRIST AND NOT FOR OURSELVES

2 Co 5:14-15

A Fact to Be Believed:

"therefore all died" v.14

"For we know that our old self was crucified with him." Rom 6:6

By virtue of what is called our "mystical union" with Christ. It's called mystical because it is difficult to comprehend, but it is a fact to be believed.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Ga 2:20

A Change to Be Made:

"he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves" v.15a

"You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Co 6:19-20

The Christian who has taken to heart what this verse says, no longer will live for their own purposes or desires. Selfish goals and ambitions are set aside, because the believers purpose is to live for the one who died for them.

"Not my will but your will be done!" becomes the heart's desire.

A Purpose to Be Lived:

"but for him who died for them and was raised again" v.15b

Everything the Christian does, he does for the Lord. Take the major categories of life, they are all done for the Lord and in the way that would please the Lord. I will try to be the kind of parent God wants me to be. I will work at my job the way he wants me to. I will maintain my spiritual life the way he wants me to. I will serve his church in the way he wants me to. I will seek, with his help, to live the kind of moral life he wants me to.

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Php 1:21

"If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Ro 14:8

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." Col 3:1-3

II. WE ARE TO VIEW OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE AS ONE RUNING A RACE

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

The Preparation for the Race:

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training (25)." "No, I beat my body (discipline) and make it my slave (27)"

"Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." 1 Ti 4:7-9

The verb here means “gymnasium.”

Just as physical strength requires constant physical exercise, so spiritual strength requires constant spiritual exercise.

"If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?" Je 12:5 Training in the use of spiritual disciplines

We must be committed to the basic spiritual disciplines of the Christian life-Bible study, prayer, meditation, self-examination, fellowship, service.

The Focus of the Race:

"Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air (26)."

I don't get up every morning and go with the flow. My life has purpose and direction, things I'm trying to accomplish for the kingdom of God.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Ti 4:7

The Conduct of the Race:

"Run in such a way as to get the prize (24)"

How many of you remember running foot races in high school? Most of us have had that experience. I remember the cross country races I was in at Wilson High School in Portland. These were just gym classes and we would run all over the place. I was not a good runner, so I ran at about 3/4 speed. The only way I could win that race would be for the kids ahead of me to drop dead. Now, if by some chance I was a better runner, and if I was closer to the lead, I would probably put forth 100% and try to win the race.

Paul is telling us here that we should run our Christian race by giving it 100%. Too many are just trotting along, living casually, not in a hurry, or very serious about the whole matter.

III. CONSIDERABLE EFFORT WILL BE NEEDED TO REACH OUR GOAL

Philippians 3:12-14

The Effort Needed:

"I press on (12)" "straining toward what is ahead (13)"

Misunderstanding the active verses the passive life

Salvation by faith (passive), sanctification by works (active with the Spirit's power).

"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called." 1 Ti 6:12

Our goal:

"I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me (12)" "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (14)"

"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death," Php 3:10

"For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Ro 8:29

An Important Key:

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead (13)."

The Christian must learn to forget two things; past victories and past mistakes.

CONCLUSION

You must realize that what we have talked about this morning is not a suggestion. A way among many to make your life better. No!

If we are not living this way we are out of God's will. We are a dysfunctional Christian.

"All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you." Php 3:15

Now some are waiting for a rousing sermon to get them started on the right path.

You living rightly should not be dependant upon someone else stirring you emotionally.

Others are waiting for God to speak to them in a powerful way, before they act.

God wants you to respond to the truth of his word.

If we will not respond to this, we will not respond to anything.

I want you to stand up on the inside this morning.