Making Your New Year New!

Philippians 3:12–16 NASB95

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

As we transition into this New Year I cannot help but think of the build up and hype associated with leaving 2020 as if something terrible cataclysmic happened that touched everyone in the world; and I have been raking my mind with what that could possibly be...

Seriously though, as we begin this New Year we always do so with the hope and expectation that it will be better. Some of us even pinpoint specific things we are going to strive to accomplish in order to make that happen.

And in preparing for this message only, with that in mind, only one passage came to mind. One that speaks of leaving the past behind and striving forward to make good on new experiences and opportunities, and that is Phil. 3:12-16!

Turn in your bibles with me to that passage we look and learn just how to make something New happen in this New Year! PRAYER

Unfortunately, as we begin this New Year the bad news is there is no way to control what is going to happen. I mean even as we celebrate the arrival of the Covid-19 vaccience the new strain has already made its way here with three different states reporting that fact! So, if your New Year is based on the manipulation of this worlds disposition, don’t be surprised if this one doesn’t manifest itself to be better than the last one.

The Ap. Paul, however, encourages us as to what we can control in this New Year and the World which we live.

1. The first being our Faith. I did two funerals to finish out 2020 and do you know what both individuals had in common? They both got to check THEIR FAITH when they entered into God’s glorious presence and the person that IS JESUS CHRIST!

Paul says that while his faith has not yet been, he continues to live by it because Christ, the author of his faith, has a firm hold on him.

That is what he explains to us in Heb. 12:1-3, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)

Remember, always that we are a people and kingdom of faith! There is a reason that Mark begins his gospel with Christ preaching in vs. 15, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

If you want to overcome and experience personal victory in this New Year, it is only going to be accomplished through your faith in Christ Jesus. And, nothing and no one can take that away from you!

However, you MUST utilize it everyday! Faith is NOT a spiritual rabbit’s foot. No, it is a spiritual muscle in with we are to build up. It is spiritual food in which we must partake. It is a spiritual principle which is to guide us into the unknown of 2021!

Read God’s word. Utilize the reading Plan that is on the welcome tables and draw substanance from God’s word.

JOin a small group for bible study and encouragement. we meet at 10:00. It is a less formal time where you can learn, grow and ask questions of other believers.

Learn and practice prayer! We have an uninterrupted connection to God! Nothing and no one can disconnect you from God! Spend time in communion the ultimate and ONLY power in this universe!

You can make 2021 New by Building you Faith!

2. In vss. 13-14, Paul tells us that we can make 2021 New by creating new experiences! He literally says, “Forget what lies behind us,” and that speaks to both the good and the bad. What he is saying is every present day is to be lived as a new one! Don’t keep basing today on the successes or failures of yesterday. Whether good or bad what happened yesterday, last week, last year is DONE! So, put to bed the defeats and failures of the past and live for today! Don’t get stuck in the positives experiences and memories of last year, continue to make new ones!

Christian, live in the present and set your sails for the future that is eternal!

Thus, Paul writes of “reaching forward to what lies ahead.” Paul tells us the Goal in each day is traveling it WITH JESUS. Literally, preparing yourself, spouse, family, co-workers, friends and even strangers to encounter Christ Jesus who is to come. Paul references this in vs. 14 as an “upward call.”

Meaning everyday we live down here is a DAY CLOSER to being called to see and meet Jesus!

So, make 2021 new by building your faith, creating new experiences, and third (3.) Carry this Attitude into each day. This should be very appealing to some of you! Vs. 15 says this is an “attitude” of continually seeking perfection in Christ! (cf. 12) It is a believers attitude based on your faith and your walk in each day. Thus, Paul’s call to commit to both. Your attitude impacts so many other areas of your life.

In past ministry experiences with people who are dealing with overwhelming health crises. I tell them their attitude will literally make a difference in their recovery, healing OR NOT, and their life moving forward.