Going Forward in the New Year
GOING FORWARD IN THE NEW YEAR
TEXT: Ephesians 3:14-21
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us;
In the year of 1999 there are some things we need to do.
I. CONTEMPLATE THE CHALLENGE
Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
A. Settle on your purpose in God's work
1. What does God want you to do
2. Where does He want you to serve
a) Unseen jobs
b) Many want to be up front
B. Set your priorities
1. What is most imprtant in your life
C. Specify the prize (target)
1. Spiritual Growth
II. COUNT THE COST
Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower; sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
A. Dream
Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
B. Discard weights and distractions
Heb. 12:1 will be mentioned in point 4.
1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any
C. Dedicate yourself to winning the prize
Philippians 3:13‑14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
III. COMMIT TO COMPLETION
John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them. Mv meat is to do the will of him that sent me. and to finish his work
John 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
A. Commit it to Christ
Philippians. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
B. Commit it to your conscience
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself
C. Commit it to a companion
2 Samuel 10:9-12 When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians: And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon. And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee. Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.
IV. CHART YOUR COURSE
Hebrews 12:1 wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,