Some REAL Resolutions 3 2 Corinthians 13 5

Some REAL Resolutions (3) 2 Corinthians 13: 5

“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

• With 2012 now here it is a good time to examine ourselves • In our lessons last week and today we want to notice some underlying attitudes that will help us keep our resolve to become better.

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

To seek first the kingdom of God • Love God with all your heart, soul and mind Matthew 22: 37 -40 Demonstrated by keeping His commandments – 1 John 5: 2 -3, 2: 3 -5

To seek first the kingdom of God • Renew your mind – Rom. 12: 1 -2 – Make up your mind 2 Cor. 4: 16 – a daily occurrence • Learn self-control - 2 Pet. 1: i, Gal. 5: 23 • Overcome worldliness – 1 John 2: 15 -17 • Learn contentment – Phil. 4: 11

Reach Forward • Let us determine to NOT live in the past. Far too many live in mediocrity. • Such things destroy and damage body and soul • Christians need to move ahead Rev. 3: 15 -17

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!

Reach Forward • A part of reaching forward it making plans. What is your “vision statement”? • Luke 14: 28 – count the cost Nehemiah had a plan The disciples made plans • The “scheme of redemption” was a “mission statement”

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 Jas. 1: 5 -7

Increase my faith • The Christian life is built upon faith • Heb. 11: 6 2 Cor. 10: 15, Rom. 1: 8, 1 Thess. 1: 8 -9

Increase my faith • Luke 17: 5, Mark 9: 23 -24 – increase our faith • 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 • God wants us to share with others

Care about others • 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, Rom. 15: 2, 1 Cor. 10: 24 • 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