1. HOW TO KEEP RESOLUTIONS 2 CORINTHIANS 8-9

2. Resolutions Lose weight Get out of debt Save money Finish school Stop my bad habit Pray & read the Bible every day Acts 17:11 Attend all the services of the church Hebrews 10:24-35 Give as prospered 1 Cor. 16:2

3. Resolutions Lose weight Get out of debt Save money Finish school Stop my bad habit Pray & read the Bible every day Acts 17:11 Attend all the services of the church Hebrews 10:24-35 Give as prospered 1 Cor. 16:2, 2 Cor. 8-9

4. Keeping a Year-old Resolution 2 Cor. 8-9 Corinthians made a commitment a year ago 8:10 Paul is writing them to make sure that they follow through on their commitment In 2 Cor. 8-9, Paul equips the saints with motivation to keep their commitment The key to motivation is Motive We can apply the same biblical principles to keep our resolutions for the year 2013

5. Follow a Positive Example 2 Cor. 8:1-9 Examples are powerful Matthew 5:13-16 Examples instill confidence 8:8 “the diligence of others” Macedonians 8:1-5 First gave themselves to the Lord 8:5 Understood the spiritual significance 8:4 We are commanded to follow the apostles’ example 1 Cor. 4:16-17 We should be examples 1 Timothy 4:12 Christ is the greatest example 8:9

6. Follow an Effective Plan 2 Cor. 8:10-15 A good example often uses an effective plan God’s word contains God’s wisdom God’s commands had been given 1 Cor. 16:1-2 We must respect God’s plan 1 Cor. 4:6 They made a good start 8:10-12 Build on good will Based on ability 8:12 Plan will work for receiver and giver 8:13-15

7. Believe in The Plan 2 Cor. 8:16-24 For the plan to work, you must work the plan Must believe in the plan to work the plan Trust in Titus and the other trusted brother 8:18 8:21 providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. A congregational messenger of congregational activity 8:23 Faith in fairness; in integrity; in effectiveness

8. Enlist The Help of Others 2 Cor. 9:1-5 Paul used the Corinthians’ willingness to stir up the Macedonians 9:2 Now Paul uses the Macedonians to stir up the Corinthians 9:4-5 Macedonians will come to Corinth with Titus and Paul. What will they think of Corinth? Accountability is powerful motivation to keep resolutions Fear of shame also very powerful 9:4

9. Look to The Reward 2 Cor. 9:6-15 Sow bountifully -> reap bountifully 9:6 Not sow financially -> reap financially Sow righteously 8:4 -> reap righteousness 9:10 Why attitude is important 9:7 God is glorified through thanks 9:11-15 For those who love God, this is the greatest reward! Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord