Commit Your Growth Goals to the Lord

 

Summary

The core message revolves around the importance of setting specific growth goals and committing them to the Lord for success. The foundation of success lies in where plans are laid, and by committing actions to the Lord, one can ensure that their plans will prosper. This concept is derived from Proverbs 16:3, which emphasizes the significance of entrusting one's endeavors to divine guidance.

The discussion begins with the excitement that accompanies the start of a new year, a time when many people feel motivated to set resolutions and goals. However, it's noted that a majority of these resolutions fail to materialize, with only a small percentage actually being achieved. To counteract this trend, the focus is shifted from setting broad resolutions to establishing specific growth goals that are more likely to lead to meaningful change.

The SMART goals framework is introduced as a tool to help in setting these specific growth goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Results-focused, and Time-bound. By being specific, one can clearly define what they want to achieve. Measurable goals allow for tracking progress, while action-oriented goals encourage proactive steps towards achieving them. Results-focused goals ensure that one can look back and see the tangible outcomes of their efforts, and time-bound goals provide a deadline to work towards.

An analogy is drawn using the game of darts, where the objective is to hit the bullseye. Just as a dart player aims for a specific target, individuals are encouraged to set specific targets for their growth. Without a clear target, one is likely to achieve nothing. The idea is to have a clear vision of what one is aiming for and to take deliberate actions towards hitting that mark.

The discussion also touches on various areas where one might set growth goals, such as financial stewardship, healthy relationships, mental health, and spiritual growth. For example, someone might set a goal to manage their finances better to enable them to give more to their church or save for the future. Another might plan to incorporate mental health breaks into their schedule to avoid the stress that accumulated in the previous year.

The importance of committing these growth goals to the Lord is reiterated, with the assurance that doing so will lead to success. The message concludes with a call to action, encouraging individuals to not only set goals on paper but to live out those intentions and work towards achieving them. The act of communion is presented as a reminder of the ultimate goal set by God – to have an intimate relationship with each individual, made possible through Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- Setting specific growth goals is crucial for meaningful change. Just as a dart player aims for the bullseye, individuals must identify clear targets in their personal growth journey. By focusing on specific areas, such as financial management or spiritual discipline, one can make incremental progress that leads to significant transformation over time. [14:04]

- Committing one's goals to the Lord is not just a spiritual act but a practical strategy for success. When goals are aligned with divine purpose and entrusted to God's guidance, they are more likely to be achieved. This commitment acts as a foundation that supports the entire process of personal growth and ensures that the goals set are not only personal ambitions but also part of a larger, God-honoring plan. [16:04]

- The SMART goals framework is a valuable tool for Christians seeking to grow in their faith and personal lives. By ensuring that goals are Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Results-focused, and Time-bound, one can create a structured approach to growth that is both achievable and aligned with God's will. This framework helps to maintain focus and measure progress, making it easier to stay committed to the growth process. [10:15]

- Growth goals should encompass all areas of life, including spiritual, relational, financial, and mental health. By setting goals in these areas, individuals can work towards a holistic improvement that not only benefits themselves but also their community and their relationship with God. For instance, improving financial stewardship can lead to increased generosity, while focusing on mental health can result in a more balanced and fulfilling life. [26:04]

- Taking communion serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate goal of Christian life: to live in a restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This sacrament reaffirms the believer's commitment to pursue growth goals that are not only about personal success but also about drawing closer to God and living out His purposes. It is a moment to reflect on the grace that empowers believers to press on towards their heavenly calling. [30:33]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 16:3 (NIV): "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
2. Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV): "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 16:3, what is the result of committing our actions to the Lord?
2. In Philippians 3:13-14, what does Paul say he focuses on, and what is his ultimate goal?
3. What are the five components of the SMART goals framework mentioned in the sermon? ([10:15])
4. How does the analogy of playing darts relate to setting specific growth goals? ([18:17])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to commit our growth goals to the Lord, according to Proverbs 16:3? How does this commitment influence the success of our plans?
2. How does Paul's focus on forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead (Philippians 3:13-14) apply to setting and achieving growth goals?
3. The sermon suggests shifting from broad resolutions to specific growth goals. Why might specific goals be more effective than broad resolutions? ([06:06])
4. How can the SMART goals framework help Christians align their personal growth with God's will? ([10:15])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a past New Year's resolution that you did not achieve. How might setting a specific growth goal instead have changed the outcome? ([04:47])
2. Identify one area in your life where you want to see growth this year. How can you make this goal specific, measurable, action-oriented, results-focused, and time-bound? ([10:15])
3. What steps can you take to ensure that your growth goals are committed to the Lord? How will you seek His guidance in this process? ([16:04])
4. Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed by broad goals or resolutions. How can breaking these down into smaller, specific growth goals help you stay focused and motivated? ([08:14])
5. How can you incorporate mental health breaks into your schedule to avoid stress and burnout? What specific actions will you take to prioritize your mental health this year? ([26:04])
6. In what ways can you improve your financial stewardship to enable greater generosity or savings? What specific financial goals will you set and commit to the Lord? ([24:53])
7. How does taking communion remind you of the ultimate goal of living in a restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ? How can this sacrament inspire you to pursue your growth goals with a God-honoring purpose? ([28:47])

This guide is designed to help your small group engage deeply with the sermon’s message and apply its principles to their personal growth journeys.

Devotional

Day 1: Aim for the Bullseye in Growth
Setting specific growth goals is like aiming for the bullseye; without a clear target, progress is unlikely. By identifying precise areas for personal development, one can take deliberate steps towards meaningful transformation. This approach ensures that efforts are concentrated and effective, leading to real change over time. [14:04]

Habakkuk 2:2 - "Then the LORD replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.'"
Reflection: What specific growth goal can you set today that will bring you closer to your desired transformation?

Day 2: Divine Alignment for Success
Entrusting goals to the Lord aligns personal ambitions with divine purpose, laying a foundation for success. When plans are committed to God, they are more likely to flourish, as they become part of a larger, God-honoring plan. This commitment is both a spiritual act and a practical strategy for achieving one's goals. [16:04]

Psalm 37:5 - "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this."
Reflection: How can you actively commit your current personal goals to the Lord and seek His guidance in them?

Day 3: SMART Goals for Faithful Living
The SMART framework offers a structured approach to setting goals that are achievable and aligned with God's will. By ensuring goals are Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Results-focused, and Time-bound, one can maintain focus and measure progress, staying committed to the growth process. [10:15]

Proverbs 21:5 - "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."
Reflection: Can you reframe one of your current goals into a SMART goal to better track and achieve it?

Day 4: Holistic Growth for God's Glory
Growth goals should encompass all areas of life, including spiritual, relational, financial, and mental health. By setting goals in these areas, individuals can work towards holistic improvement that benefits themselves, their community, and their relationship with God. [26:04]

Luke 2:52 - "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."
Reflection: What is one area of your life that you have neglected in setting growth goals, and how can you address it this week?

Day 5: Communion as a Growth Milestone
Taking communion is a reminder of the ultimate goal of Christian life: to live in a restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This sacrament reaffirms the commitment to pursue growth goals that draw one closer to God and live out His purposes. [30:33]

1 Corinthians 11:26 - "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
Reflection: How does participating in communion inspire you to pursue your growth goals in the context of your relationship with God?

Quotes

1) "Commit your growth goals to the Lord and those goals will come to pass and will be successful." This quote encapsulates the central theme of the sermon, emphasizing the importance of entrusting one's personal development plans to God's guidance for assured success. [16:45] (Download)

2) "If you don't have a Target, you will hit it. What that means is if you don't aim for anything specific that you're targeting for, guess what, you're going to hit nothing." This quote highlights the necessity of having clear, specific goals to achieve meaningful results. [19:49] (Download)

3) "We need to be specific so for the professionals that play this game, they're specific in that they want to hit the center red mark." The pastor uses the dart game analogy to stress the importance of setting precise targets in our personal growth journey. [21:08] (Download)

4) "Our lives as Christians are just the same where we're called to just continue striving and moving heavenward." This quote draws a parallel between the Christian life and the pursuit of growth goals, both of which require continual effort and focus. [23:26] (Download)

5) "Commit your growth goals to the Lord and they will be a success." This quote reiterates the sermon's message that committing one's personal development to the Lord is a key to achieving success. [28:02] (Download)

6) "God himself modeled what that looks like. Jesus then became the actual action behind the intentions." Here, the pastor points out that God set the ultimate example of goal-setting and action through Jesus Christ. [28:47] (Download)

7) "What happened at Calvary's Cross was that you were claiming the message that your goal is to have each and every one of us as sons and daughters." This quote connects the act of communion with the ultimate goal of Christian life, which is a restored relationship with God. [30:33] (Download)

8) "It's not just about putting goals on paper or setting intentions on paper but it's actually living out those intentions and living towards those goals." The pastor emphasizes the importance of taking action towards one's goals, not just writing them down. [31:55] (Download)

9) "If you don't make $500 a month in savings but you put $200 in savings, guess what, we celebrate that because you've actually accomplished something." This quote encourages celebrating progress, no matter the size, towards one's growth goals. [10:15] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?