BIG IDEA

I absolutely need God’s renewal everyday. Anything else would be patterns fighting patterns.

MESSAGE NOTES:

WHAT: 

Resolutions are a big thing right now for 2021. A lot of us are looking for new motivation to face off with the bad habits we’ve fallen into over the last year.

As we make new year’s resolutions, there will be obstacles that could cover up our resolutions, too. There are really two major obstacles we’re facing. The first one is “how."

The second major obstacle is the real doozy. It’s this: “I don’t wanna.” We’re trying to kick ourselves into another gear, but there is little to no motivation inside of us to do it. If we’re honest, some of us feel zapped spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically. The simple truth is we have things we wish we were doing each day, but deep down we don’t do them because we just don’t wanna.

SO WHAT:

I think there’s a better way to go about our resolutions.

The word resolution is the noun form of the word resolute.

Resolute is an adjective meaning “admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.”

In other words, where a resolution is a thing, being resolute is a character trait. In fact, this is a major character trait of God. He is steadfast, immovable, and unchanging. Where we are hopefully growing and changing into something good, God isn’t growing or changing because he already is. He doesn’t have to become anything else. In fact, resolute, or steadfast is one of the major adjectives used to talk specifically about God’s love. In fact, you find God’s "steadfast love" mentioned over 150 times in the Bible.

So maybe we’re not the ones that are absolutely resolute about anything. What if our resolutions were less about things, and more about the only one who is admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering in his love for us?

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV

God does something our patterns can never do: he renews us. What does that mean? He makes everything: the brain, the heart, the perspective, the motivation, the priorities of a person, he transforms and makes fresh all of those things.

NOW WHAT:

This year, don’t fight your bad patterns with just more patterns.

If you do, it will all ride on you and your willpower.

Instead, if we could be absolutely resolute about anything, let’s wholeheartedly resolve and lock in on this:

"I absolutely need God’s renewal today. Anything else would be patterns fighting patterns.”

If you’re a follower of Jesus, don’t just fight against your old life, just settle it in your heart to renew the new life. Time with God equals transformation. Relationship with Jesus equals renewal.

Let’s not live like we need to to just try harder. Let’s live like we need God. Trying harder isn’t transformation, it’s just patterns fighting patterns.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q1: Do you have a New Year’s Resolution? What is it?

Q2: What obstacle is bigger right now: “how” or “I don’t wanna” ?

Q3: Where are you stuck and you need God’s renewal?

Q4: Which struggle is the hardest for you right now: disconnection, apathy, or isolation?