Promises, Promises
Preached by Jeff Davis
January 5, 2014
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Introduction
Time of year when we get a fresh start. We reflect on previous year’s achievements and vow to do better in the New Year. It’s human, it’s natural, everybody gets a “reset”, a chance to improve. We have such a fascination about this that websites have sprouted with advice
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What are the top 5 New Years’ resolutions?
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Get healthier, spend more time with family, get organized, get out of debt, lose weight (we don’t like the way we look in the mirror).
Bible says be careful when you make promises, “vows” (read Eccl. 5:1-7) Let’s switch focus and for a few minutes look at resolutions made by Bible characters:
1. Jacob & Tithing (Gen 28:22)
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Abraham commenced it; returning from battle, he gives a 10th to Melchizadek, 1st time mentioned in Bible
Jacob continues it, says if you protect me, I will tithe
Malachi comments it: Mal. 3:10 . . . test me in this, I will pour out blessing until it overflows (Picture is a cup that cannot hold contents, spills out everywhere
Jesus comments on it (Matt. 23:23) Tells priests they tithe on little stuff, not the right stuff
Look at Mark 14:1-11 Mary sees opportunity and seizes it:
Knows Jesus will die soon
Gives an expensive gift; at right time
Only anointing of Christ before the cross
Others came at the cross, too late;
Look, Judas was there, complaining it was a waste of money for poor. He wasn’t interested in the poor, just himself.
Application
See the plan? Timely gifts, given with right attitude
2. David’s Resolution about God’s Word (Psa. 119:15, 16)
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“I will meditate on thy precepts”: taking God’s Word into your life on a regular basis changes your life (Josh 1:8)
“I will delight myself in thy statues/regard thy ways”: Not a drudgery, but a delight, Bible is love letter to us
“I will not forget thy word”: memorization, it’s not just for children.
Application:
Why memorize? 1) I Peter 1:23, Holy Spirit uses Word for regeneration and growth 2) Psalm 119:11 tells us to hide God’s word in our hearts as a sin anti-toxin 3) John 15:7 When Word is on our hearts, He answers prayer 4) Deut. 6:6, it is God’s command. 4 chapters a day gets you through the Bible.
3. Daniels’s resolution concerning a clean life (Dan 1:8)
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“Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself”
Testimony of a teenager! (15 years old)
His country taken over by foreign power
He was selected to study at the palace, but he dared to be different
So easy to go along with the crowd, word “defile” means to soil or pollute
Application:
Are you letting God use your skill sets to make a difference in this generation?
Conclusion:
If you are thinking of making a new years resolution, that’s fine, but consider what changes need to be made in your life along the lines of the Bible characters. Jacob: to give more this year ……. David; to get into God’s Word . . . . Daniel, to keep your life clear of bad influence.
Happy New Year
