How should Christians make resolutions?
With the Correct Reliance v. 11
Three times in verse 11 we see Paul’s reliance upon God for the Thessalonian’s transformation. First he states “…always pray for you…” He has a correct reliance upon God for their transformation. He notes that “…God may make you worthy of his calling…” Again Paul acknowledges that if anyone will grow, be changed, our sustain it is through the power of God. He says this a third time when he notes, “…and fulfill every resolve for good…”
Prayer, Paul is dependent upon the power of the Almighty God in order that the Thessalonian Christians may be transformed. If we want to move obstacles, see individuals trusting in Jesus, it will be done only on the battlefield of prayer, not physical warfare!
Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
In Ephesians 6, Paul talks about spiritual warfare and mentions in verse 10 that it cannot be done without God’s power. “…be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” The last few verses dealing with warfare state, beginning in verse 17, “and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” and in verse 18, “praying at all times in the Spirit…” There is a clear call to reliance upon Christ alone.
With Christ-Centered Reasoning v.11
Why do you desire this resolve? Is it for your glory or for God’s glory?
Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established.”
Psalm 36:4-5 “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” The desires of your heart are contingent on your delighting in Christ.
Expecting Christ-Exalting Results v.12
Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
If God’s done anything good in you it is so that you will give Him all the glory!
What are Great Resolutions to Make?
- Any resolution that increases your awareness of God. (Increases your Knowledge)
- Reading through the Bible in a year.
- Reading through a Christ-Centered Devotional.
- Reading biographies of Christ-exulting Christians.
- Doing a prayer journal and praying through scripture.
- Any resolution that increases your affection toward God. (Increases your Growth in relationship)
Something has to be stretched for you to grow! In order for you to grow, it may be uncomfortable. It will mean changing things. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Never underestimate the energy many will spend to maintain the status quo. Evaluate your priorities.
- Any resolution that increases your actions for God. (Increases your Going for God)
Is the knowledge and growth in God being lived out in action? An example would be: we know that there is a Hell, we know that those without a relationship with Christ will go there, but do we share?
- Short-term mission trip.
- Adopting an area or people group to pray for.
- Adopting a pastor or missionary to financially support.
- Actively sharing your faith.