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A Look Ahead
Introduction:
2012 is drawing to a close and 2013 is knocking at our door. We are
one year closer to leaving this earthly realm. Before we start
thinking about the future, let us ask ourselves two very important
questions. Have I drawn
closer to God through His Word and prayer? (James
4:8)
Have I set a good example to the world? (Matthew
5:13-16)
As we look ahead and make plans for the coming year, let us be like
the emu and the kangaroo. Neither can move backward. The emu has
three toes on the front of its foot. If it tries to go backward, it
falls down. The kangaroo’s long heavy tail prevents it from going
backward. Let us look ahead and make plans; set goals for us as the
Lord’s church in Granby. Goals help to give us direction and
purpose.
Proverbs 2:5
tells us, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance. . .”
Keep this saying in mind as we move through this lesson, “The best
way to predict the future is to create it.”
Body:
I.
Jesus Had Goals While on Earth
·
Fulfill the Law of Moses. (Matthew
5:17)
·
Save the lost. (Luke
19:10)
·
Do the will of the Father. (John
4:34)
·
“It is finishes.” (John
19:30)
Since we are to follow Christ’s example, we need to be about the
Father’s business and work to accomplish the will of the Father in
our own lives.
II.
How to Set Goals and Keep Them
·
Text:
Philippines 3:12-14
1.
It requires work and patience. (Hebrews
12:1-2)
Paul had been a Christian for some time, but was not
perfect. He knew he had much work left to do.
2.
It requires dedication. “One thing I do.” We must have
single-mindedness and not allow the things of the world to distract
us. (I
Corinthians 9:24-27)
3.
We must not dwell on the past accomplishments or failures. (Luke
9:62)
4.
It requires enthusiasm, “straining forward.” Look forward to the
future. (Psalm
16:5-8)
5.
It requires determination, “press on.” “Strive” (Luke
13:24)
6.
It requires setting priorities, heavenly goals. (Colossians
3:1-2)
III.
Heavenly Goals
·
Ask ourselves some personal questions first.
What would I truly like to become?
What character quality if developed would make me a better parent,
sibling, spouse, child. . .?
1.
I will recognize the value of time. I will do all I can not to
waste it. (Psalm
39:4, Ephesians 5:15-16)
2.
I will develop holiness. (I
Peter 1:15-16)
This means being dedicated to God; set apart for His service. We
must be different from the crowds due to God’s qualities in our
lives. His priorities are our priorities.
3.
I will try to be like Daniel in my prayer life. (Daniel
6:10)
Spend regular periods each day talking with God.
4.
I will set aside quality time to become a better Bible student. (II
Timothy 2:15)
5.
I will visit a neighbor, co-worker. . . once a month and try to
develop a meaningful relationship. “Become all things to all men. .
.” (Galatians
6:10)
6.
I will try to persuade others to become a Christian. (Matthew
28:19-20)
Use several methods: invitations,
tracts, CD’s, Spiritual Sword. . .
7.
I will give God my best, in everything! If possible, increase my
giving. (Malachi
1:6:14)
Conclusion:
These are all worthwhile goals. Write them down and keep them
handy.
Bobby
Stafford
December 30, 2012
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