“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? – Unless indeed you are disqualified.” 2 Corinthians 13:5

Some REAL Resolutions (2) 2 Corinthians 13:5

With 2012 approaching it is a good time to examine. In our lessons today we want to notice some underlying issues that could hinder us from achieving our goals.

Seek First the Kingdom of God Matthew 6:33 - This is the key to everything It means that He is our priority It means it is the first thing to be addressed

Love God with all your heart Matthew 22:37-40 “Christian love” (agape) Demonstrated by keeping His commandments – 1 John 5:2-3, 2:3-5 John 14:15

Renew your mind Romans 12:1-2 Renew – to reinvigorate, to make like new again, only better. 2 Cor. 4:16, Col. 3:10, Eph. 4:23

Renew your mind What does this have to do with resolutions? A KEY element! You have to make up your mind to you will serve God first and love Him

Renew your mind IF you find that you are struggling with putting God first, chances are you have NOT made up your mind toward Him

Learn Self-Control Needed when times of weakness and apathy begin to set in. Important to the success of anything we do. Failure is behind every sin we commit, and many problems in society

Learn Self-Control The Bible and self-control Acts 24:25 – before Felix 2 Peter 1:6 – added to faith Gal. 5:23 – fruit of the Spirit 2 Tim. 3:3 – lack of it

Learn Self-Control Involves self-discipline 1 Cor. 9:24-27 Let us resolve to master our bodies instead of letting our bodies master us.

Overcome the World Worldliness has always been a problem Affluence often leads to worldliness Luke 12:13-21, 18:24-25 James 4:4

Overcome the World 1 John 2:15-17 We need to think “other worldly” Col. 3:1-2, Phil. 3:4-9, cf. Heb. 11:24-26 – Moses What will we give up for Him?

Be Content The challenge of prosperity is contentment (also a challenge of poverty) 1 Tim. 6:6-8 Phil. 4:11 Prov. 30:8-9 Goes hand in hand with seeking first His kingdom

Reach Forward Let us determine to NOT live in the past. Far too many live in medoicrity. Such things destroy and damage body and soul Christians need to move ahead

Reach Forward Christians need to move ahead Phil. 3:12-14, Heb. 12:1- 2, Gal. 6:9 Let us never give up. When we fall down – GET UP!

Increase my faith Faith is a key ingredient in the Christian life cf. 2 Pet. 1:5-7 Lack of faith often a hindrance in spiritual growth and maturity 2 Cor. 10:15, Rom. 1:8, 1 Thess. 1:8-9

Increase my faith Luke 17:5, Mark 9:23-24 Psalm 37:25 As the priority of the kingdom increases, our faith will grow naturally

Care about others Matt. 22:37-40 The second greatest commandment – love your neighbor as yourself Rom. 13:9, Gal. 5:14, Jas. 2:8, etc.

Care about others Other passages Phil. 2:3-4, Gal. 6:10 We NEED to care about others enough to share God’s kingdom – cf. Matt. 5:14-16 Let’s resolve to care & share

Is God and His Kingdom first? 2 Corinthians 13:5