Reset Series: Recharge

Reset Series
Resolve - Part 1
December 31, 2017

In one sense the beginning of a new year is an opportunity to do a reset! While we can’t have a do-over in the sense of erasing what happened last year – that is changing the past – we can change the direction of the future.
But make no mistake this will only happen when we act and resolve to do our part to make 2018 different. This morning for the next 20 minutes I want to go through 3 stages of Resolve in 1 Cor. 9:24-27. Three stages of resolve that are necessary to change our lives and coming to the new year!
Let’s all stand and read the text out loud together with me this morning:
1 Cor 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. NIV
Let’s pray….. in Jesus Name --- You may be seated
If next year is to be different from this year it will take resolve like what we see Paul writing about here in his first letter to the Corinthians. You see The apostle point out that whatever prize we desire to obtain we must …..
  1. Resolve to Aim (at it!) – vs. 24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
So, the question is …
  1. Are you aiming?
I’m going to be blunt here so hold on. I think that believers, those who claim to be Christ followers who run aimlessly are “lukewarm” Christians.
They are just fine with mediocrity. They have a skewed view that erroneously thinks that coming to an altar/inviting Jesus into their heart is all it takes to be a Christian.
An Examination of this text, as well as the other epistles, reveals how flawed that perspective is! Passionate Christians are not satisfied with the aimless living. They are committed to taking aim at becoming more like Jesus.
Play Sermon central video “This Year”
So, let me ask another question ...
  1. What are you Aiming at?
You see it’s not enough to aim we must clearly define, understand know what we are aiming at! In other words, what’s your target -what’s the prize!
  • True both of the natural and spiritual
  • This means we Must have goals
  • Write them down
  1. Set Specific Goals. Your goal must be clear and well defined. ...
  2. Set Measurable Goals. Include precise amounts, dates, and so on in your goals so you can measure your degree of success. ...
  3. Set Attainable Goals. Make sure that it's possible to achieve the goals you set. ...
  4. Set Relevant Goals. ...
  5. Set Time-Bound Goals.
Five Golden Rules for Successful Goal Setting - from MindTools.com
If next year is to be different from this year it will take the resolve of aiming. But it will also take the resolve to achieve. Look back at verses 25 and 26.
  1. Resolve to Achieve – vs. 25 & 26
25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.
  1. What will it take to achieve the prize? – Paul says to achieve the goals of the spiritual race we must be committed to strict training.
  • Can you imagine any stricter training that the training it takes to become a Navy Seal?
I Just finished reading a short book by Admiral William H. McRaven a retired US Navy Seal whose final assignment was Commander of all US Special Forces.
I’d like to recommend that you read this great book (it’s an interesting and easy read) right at the start of 2018. The books only 125 pages Its called, “Make Your Bed.” (Little Things that Can Change Your Life & Maybe the World)
  • The first chapter is all about the simple task of making your bed as a Seal is a part of the strict training to become a seal. Something so small becomes so significant!
  • If you think about it is the small steps that can seem insignificant that help us achieve the prize.
  • You see the small steps are the “plan of action. So, once I resolve to achieve I must ask and answer…
  1. What is my plan of action?

Suppose your plan is to read the Bible in one year. (How many of you are on track to do so this year?) Congratulations! On following a course of strict training! Let me point out the obvious, you will have achieved because you followed a plan of action.
How many of you would like to read the Bible in 2018? (ask for raised hands) Ok – now let’s step up the plan of action,
  • Download the You Version Bible App
  • Now go to Plans and look for Old & New Testament in a year. (One we are doing as a church
  • Click save – then tomorrow – Click on Start the plan.
Again, the obvious no matter my resolve without a plan of action to follow the resolve is meaningless!
Before we move on to the final resolve let me illustrate this truth by one of my failures last year. I sensed last year that the Holy Spirit was prompting me to lead us as a congregation to more frequent times of prayer & fasting. While I acknowledged in in my head and heart – I didn’t develop a plan of action! Surprise it NEVER Happen!
So, how is this year going to be different than last - this year a plan of action:
  • Calling us, those who can to fast on Thursdays – partial- full- etc.
  • Thursday evening is our night of intercessory prayer
  • Bring those needing prayer
  • Usually, have the first full week as a week of Prayer and Fasting – this year will be different as a second week will be dedicated to this in the summer
Finally, if f next year is to be different from this year it will take the resolve of aiming, the resolve of achieving but it will also take the….
  • Resolve to Agonize/Struggle – vs. 27
No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. NIV
  1. What is the price of the prize?
Don’t know who said it but it is a truism – “Nothing worthwhile comes easy”. Paul in this text points out that he is willing to struggle/agonize to reach his goal of the prize of his calling in Christ Jesus.
In westerner Christianity, we have misunderstood that struggle & sacrifice are part of the process of discipleship!
True Christianity is the greatest adventure that can be had on this earth, and it is the most fulfilling life we could ever have, but it is also the most difficult.
Christianity is not for wimps. There is no place for self-pity or self-centeredness in the true faith.     
Disciples of Christ take up their crosses daily, laying down their lives for Him and for others, as He gave us the example to do. It is a life of sacrifice, not devoted to gaining possessions but to gaining Christ.
Disciples of Christ are called to be “dead to this world.” (Rick Joiner https://www.morningstarministries.org/resources/word-week/2012/biblical-discipleship-requires-life-sacrifice-path-life-part-34#.WkfT89-nE70)
  1. How will I avoid being disqualified?
    • The idea is that I do whatever it takes to avoid not reaching the goal or winning the prize.
    • Number One rule – You cannot do it alone! (Read from Chapter two – “Make Your Bed” – pg.13 – blue highlighted section
Play YouTube video – Reset Button
Conclusion:
  • First and most imports Resolve to make 2018 different to become a new creature in Christ Jesus and be committed to that lifelong process
  • Those of us who have - What steps do you need to take to become more like Jesus?
    • Be more of a servant
    • Be more generous
    • Be more forgiving
  • Resolve today to plan of action to following
  • Call everyone forward to pray over them in regard to the coming year.

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