Life-Changing Resolutions

Key Scripture

Philippians 3:13–14 – “Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”

Introduction: Rethinking Resolutions

• Many people make New Year’s resolutions, yet most don’t last.

  • About 45% make resolutions.

  • About 25% abandon them within the first week.

• It’s often said: “A New Year’s resolution goes in one year and out the other.”

• The most common resolutions rarely change:

  • Lose weight, get organized, spend less, enjoy life, stay fit, learn something, quit smoking, help others, fall in love, spend more time with family.

• The question is not whether these goals are good—but whether they align with God’s priorities.

Your Future Is Being Observed

Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us…”

• Hebrews 11:39–40 reminds us that those who lived by faith before us are part of God’s unfolding plan.

• We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses—examples of faith who testify that God is faithful.

• Psalm 32:8 – God promises guidance, direction, and counsel as we move forward.

• Your life matters, and how you run your race is being watched.

Your Future Requires Removing Burdens

Hebrews 12:1 – “…let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us.”

• “Lay aside every weight”

  • Onkos – an encumbrance; unnecessary or dead weight.

  • This includes things that slow us down spiritually:

    • Stress, guilt, failure, debt, sadness, loss.

• You cannot run effectively when you are weighed down.

• “The sin that ensnares us”

  • Euperistatos – something that tightly entangles.

• 1 John 1:9 – God promises forgiveness and cleansing when we confess our sins.

• Life-changing resolutions begin with letting go.

Your Future Necessitates Good Health

Hebrews 12:1 – “…let us run with endurance the race that lies before us.”

• God describes life as a race, not a casual stroll.

• The word for race is Agon—from which we get agony.

• Following Christ requires effort, discipline, and perseverance.

• 1 Corinthians 9:24 – We are called to run in a way that wins, not merely participates.

• Spiritual endurance matters more than short-term motivation.

Your Future Demands Focused Vision

Hebrews 12:2 – “Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith…”

• Focus determines direction.

• Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth.”

• Jesus is:

  • Archegos – the source, author, pioneer, champion of our faith.

  • Teleiotes – the perfecter, the One who carries faith to completion.

• Jesus endured the cross, despised the shame, and now reigns in victory.

• A Christ-centered focus transforms every other goal.

Putting It All Together

• Common resolutions address real needs, but they are incomplete on their own:

  • Getting organized and spending less are helpful—but not sufficient.

  • Losing weight, staying fit, and learning new skills are beneficial—but not ultimate.

  • Enjoying life, helping others, loving well, and valuing family are important—but not foundational.

• None of these goals are wrong.

• But true, lasting change happens when Christ comes first.

• When Jesus is the priority, He brings clarity, strength, direction, and purpose to every area of life.

Summary

Life-changing resolutions are not about trying harder—but about focusing rightly.
When we lay aside burdens, run with endurance, and fix our eyes on Jesus, God shapes a future that lasts far beyond one year.