Resolutions from Hebrews

Text: Philippians 3:8-16  

I.         As one year draws to a close and another dawns new, people make resolutions that the new year will not be like those in the past

            A.        There are resolutions to lose weight, to exercise more, break bad habits and to establish good habits.

            B.        The writer of Hebrews left encouragement for Christians; admonitions that if we accept will impact our lives.

II.        Attitude

            A.        Let us fear - Hebrews 4:1

                        1.         Generally, we don’t like being afraid.

                        2.         But some fear is good for us. Fear creates an awareness of the dangers that surround us.

                                    a.         Nothing is more troublesome to a parent than a child who is unaware of danger.

                                    b.         You are constantly snatching them from table tops, roof tops, and other places of danger to the point your nerves are jangled.

                        3.         Heaven is not guaranteed to those who ignore the dangers - I Corinthians 10:12

            B.        Let us be diligent - Hebrews 4:11

                        1.         Many foolishly think that life is a free handout.

                                    a.         They think it is others responsibility to see to their wants and desires.

                                    b.         You sadly wait for the day when the rude awakening comes and they find what a mess they have made of their life.

                        2.         It spreads to their attitude regarding heaven. They act as if it is their due. Unfortunately, they are due a rude awakening.

                        3.         God expects effort from His children.

                                    a.         Work out your salvation - Philippians 2:12

                                    b.         Be diligent to make your calling certain - II Peter 1:10-11

            C.        Let us hold fast - Hebrews 4:14

                        1.         Far too many are careless with their possessions.

                                    a.         Things are quickly lost or destroyed

                                    b.         There is no value

                        2.         We need to value our salvation.

                                    a.         Hold to the end - Hebrew 3:6

                                    b.         Hold without wavering - Hebrews 10:23

            D.        Let us boldly ask for help - Hebrews 4:16

                        1.         There are those who will not ask for help

                                    a.         For some it is a matter of pride not to admit they are unable to solve their own problems

                                    b.         For others it is a fear that they will be rejected, which will then wound their pride

                        2.         Do we really believe that the Lord is our help? - Hebrews 13:6

                        3.         God wants us to ask - Matthew 7:7-11

                        4.         Our faith gives us boldness and access - Ephesians 3:11-12

                        5.         Time is limited - Isaiah 55:6-7

III.       Growth

            A.        Let us go on to perfection - Hebrews 6:1

                        1.         We cannot grow if we never move on to new topics.

                        2.         A desire for the word - I Peter 2:1-2

                        3.         It is the purpose of the church - Ephesians 4:11-16

            B.        Let us draw near - Hebrews 10:22

                        1.         Our worship of God draws us ever closer to Him

                        2.         Not with just words or actions, but with our hearts - Isaiah 29:13

                        3.         Our hearts must not condemn us - I John 3:21

                        4.         Must purify and have confidence - James 4:8

            C.        Let us consider one another - Hebrews 10:24-25

                        1.         We can’t make it alone. We need the encouragement of others

                        2.         Encourage and build each other up - I Thessalonians 5:11

                        3.         Love not in words, but with deeds and truth - I John 3:18

IV.      Produce

            A.        Let us lay aside every weight - Hebrews 12:1

                        1.         We must leave the world behind - I Peter 4:1-2

                        2.         We cannot shrink back into worldly ways - Hebrews 10:35-39

            B.        Let us run with endurance - Hebrews 12:1

                        1.         We cannot give up - Philippians 3:10-14

            C.        Let us show gratitude - Hebrews 12:28

                        1.         Luke 17:11-19 - We need to be appreciative of God’s blessings

                        2.         We need to acknowledge them in prayer - Ephesians 1:15-16

                        3.         Thankful in song - Colossians 3:15-16

                        4.         Continually offer the sacrifice of praise - Hebrews 13:15

            D.        Let us go forth - Hebrews 13:13-14

                        1.         We need to live the life of a Christian

                        2.         I Peter 4:14 - We will met resistance

                        3.         But we are not looking for a place in this world - Hebrews 11:15-16

                        4.         We might have to leave family behind - Mark 10:29-30

V.        The remainder of your life will be defined by what you purpose to do

            A.        Not the resolutions made with words that are quickly broken like New Year’s resolutions

            B.        Those are merely intentions without will or resolve behind them.

            C.        The resolutions we need are those that effect our lives deeply and changes the course on which we were heading.