Embracing Commitment: A New Year of Purpose
Summary
As we step into a new year, there's a palpable sense of hope and possibility. This time of year often prompts us to reflect on our lives, our routines, and our commitments. It's a chance to examine the patterns we've fallen into, both positive and negative, and to consider how we might live more intentionally. Our lives are filled with routines, many of which we perform without conscious thought. These routines shape our responses to the world around us, often leading us into self-centered patterns that can distance us from the life God calls us to live.
The turning of the year is a reminder of life's fragility and the importance of examining our lives. It's a time to remember those we've lost and to consider the legacy we want to leave behind. While self-help strategies can be beneficial, they are not the path to salvation. Our salvation comes through grace, a gift from God, and our lives should reflect this truth. We are called to follow God through Jesus Christ, committing ourselves to a life that blesses others.
Commitment is a daily choice. As Moses and Joshua reminded the Israelites, we must choose each day whom we will serve. This choice is not just about avoiding negative consequences but about embracing a life of blessing. God knows what is best for us, and when we commit to His way, He transforms us from the inside out. This transformation allows us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with challenges.
The story of Millard Fuller, who founded Habitat for Humanity, illustrates the power of commitment to serving others. By choosing to focus on the needs of others, Fuller and his family found a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. This example challenges us to consider how we might serve others in our own lives. As we move into this new year, let's commit to serving God and others, trusting that this commitment will lead to a blessed life.
Key Takeaways
- The Power of Routine: Our daily routines shape our lives, often without us realizing it. By examining these patterns, we can identify areas where we may have slipped into self-centered habits and choose to live more intentionally, aligning our actions with God's call. [49:41]
- Commitment as a Daily Choice: Just as Moses and Joshua challenged the Israelites, we must choose each day whom we will serve. This commitment is not just about avoiding negative consequences but about embracing a life of blessing and transformation through God's grace. [58:24]
- Transformation Through Commitment: When we commit to God's way, He transforms us from the inside out. This transformation allows us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with challenges, and to be a blessing to others. [01:00:42]
- Serving Others as a Path to Fulfillment: The story of Millard Fuller and Habitat for Humanity illustrates the power of serving others. By focusing on the needs of others, we find a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, aligning our lives with God's call to love and serve. [01:09:41]
- Faith and Commitment: Choosing to serve God and others requires faith. As we commit to this path, we trust that God will move with us, leading us to a blessed life. This commitment is a daily choice that shapes our routines and transforms our lives. [01:12:18]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[48:28] - Opening Prayer
[49:41] - The Power of Routine
[52:41] - Reflecting on Life's Fragility
[54:39] - Beyond Self-Help
[55:58] - The Skiing Analogy
[56:41] - Committing to God's Call
[58:24] - Choices and Consequences
[01:00:42] - Transformation Through Commitment
[01:01:37] - Daily Commitment
[01:02:32] - Joshua's Challenge
[01:04:14] - Serving the Lord
[01:05:00] - Standing Firm in Faith
[01:06:44] - Being a Blessing
[01:09:41] - Millard Fuller's Story
[01:12:18] - Faith and Commitment
[01:14:36] - Challenge to Serve
[01:17:58] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Deuteronomy 30:1-6
- Joshua 24:14-15
- Matthew 20:26-28
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Observation Questions:
1. What are some examples of daily routines mentioned in the sermon that people might perform without conscious thought? [49:41]
2. How does the sermon describe the significance of the new year in terms of personal reflection and commitment? [52:41]
3. What story from the sermon illustrates the power of commitment to serving others, and what was the outcome of that commitment? [01:09:41]
4. According to the sermon, what is the role of grace in our salvation, and how does it contrast with self-help strategies? [54:39]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In Deuteronomy 30, Moses speaks about the transformation of hearts. How does the sermon suggest this transformation occurs in our lives today? [01:00:42]
2. Joshua challenges the Israelites to choose whom they will serve. How does the sermon relate this choice to our daily lives and commitments? [01:02:32]
3. The sermon mentions Millard Fuller's decision to serve others. What does this story suggest about the relationship between serving others and finding fulfillment? [01:09:41]
4. How does the sermon interpret the idea of commitment as a daily choice, and what are the implications for our faith journey? [01:01:37]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily routines. Are there any habits that might be leading you away from living intentionally according to God's call? How can you adjust these routines to align more closely with your faith? [49:41]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of examining our lives at the start of a new year. What specific areas of your life do you feel called to reflect on and possibly change? [52:41]
3. Consider the story of Millard Fuller and his commitment to serving others. What is one practical way you can serve someone in your community this week? [01:09:41]
4. The sermon discusses the role of grace in our salvation. How can you remind yourself of this grace in moments when you feel tempted to rely solely on self-help strategies? [54:39]
5. Joshua's challenge to choose whom to serve is a daily decision. What steps can you take each morning to consciously choose to serve God and others throughout your day? [01:02:32]
6. The sermon suggests that commitment to God's way leads to transformation. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you have experienced transformation through your faith? How did this change impact your relationship with others? [01:00:42]
7. Reflect on the idea of being a blessing to others. Who in your life has been a blessing to you, and how can you emulate their example in your interactions with others? [01:06:44]
Devotional
Day 1: The Influence of Daily Routines
Our daily routines often operate on autopilot, shaping our lives without us even realizing it. These routines can lead us into self-centered habits that distance us from the life God calls us to live. By examining these patterns, we can identify areas where we may have slipped into self-centered habits and choose to live more intentionally, aligning our actions with God's call. This process of reflection and adjustment is crucial as we step into a new year, a time filled with hope and possibility. It is an opportunity to break free from negative patterns and embrace a life that reflects God's grace and purpose. [49:41]
"Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord." (Haggai 1:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one routine in your life that you perform without much thought? How can you adjust it to better align with God's call for you?
Day 2: Choosing Commitment Daily
Commitment is not a one-time decision but a daily choice. Just as Moses and Joshua challenged the Israelites, we must choose each day whom we will serve. This choice is not just about avoiding negative consequences but about embracing a life of blessing and transformation through God's grace. When we commit to God's way, He transforms us from the inside out, allowing us to stand firm in our faith even when faced with challenges. This daily commitment shapes our routines and transforms our lives, leading us to a blessed life. [58:24]
"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to commit to God's way? How can you make a conscious choice today to serve Him in that area?
Day 3: Transformation Through God's Way
When we commit to God's way, He transforms us from the inside out. This transformation allows us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with challenges, and to be a blessing to others. It is not about avoiding negative consequences but about embracing a life of blessing and transformation through God's grace. This transformation is a testament to the power of commitment and the impact it can have on our lives and the lives of those around us. [01:00:42]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you seen God transform your life when you committed to His way? How can you continue to allow Him to transform you today?
Day 4: Serving Others for Fulfillment
The story of Millard Fuller and Habitat for Humanity illustrates the power of serving others. By focusing on the needs of others, we find a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, aligning our lives with God's call to love and serve. This example challenges us to consider how we might serve others in our own lives. As we move into this new year, let's commit to serving God and others, trusting that this commitment will lead to a blessed life. [01:09:41]
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can serve today? What specific action can you take to meet their needs and show them God's love?
Day 5: Faith and Commitment
Choosing to serve God and others requires faith. As we commit to this path, we trust that God will move with us, leading us to a blessed life. This commitment is a daily choice that shapes our routines and transforms our lives. It is a testament to the power of faith and the impact it can have on our lives and the lives of those around us. By choosing to serve God and others, we align our lives with His call and experience the blessings that come from living a life of faith and commitment. [01:12:18]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God more fully? How can you demonstrate that trust through your actions today?
Quotes
So we're going to begin with just some kind of conversations about our rhythms. And our routines. We all have a routine. Okay. You've probably heard me say this, but our brains are pattern seeking. That's the way we were all created. We, we are created with patterns and routines. So just think about what you do each and every day. [00:49:41] (25 seconds)
Now, when we do take the time to examine ourself, we most likely see that we have a tendency to slide into unhealthy practices and patterns because it's more comfortable or easy. But most of all, it kind of leads us to living more of a self-centered life than we may want to. [00:52:04] (30 seconds)
It requires we pay attention on a daily basis. And frankly, our attention spans are getting shorter and shorter. And I know some of you are like, yeah, let's get to the lesson. I don't really want to self-help tech talk. What I will say is that there is no amount of self-help that we can do that will get us any closer to God or into heaven. [00:54:39] (24 seconds)
We have been called to follow God through his Messiah, Jesus Christ, and to live a life that blesses others. And even though we cannot save ourselves to make ourselves righteous, we can't do that. We can pay more attention to what we commit ourselves to. [00:55:09] (25 seconds)
And when you commit to doing God's way, to remembering, God will begin to change you from the inside out. And this is what Moses says in Deuteronomy 30. And when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul, according to everything I command you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you. [01:00:01] (21 seconds)
And I think this is important for us to remember is that when you commit to living a blessed life, you will be a blessing. Okay. You're going to be a blessing. You're going to, you're going to be a blessing to, to others. Okay. You're going to live a blessed life, you know, to loving God. You're going to, you're going to be able to, to serve others. [01:06:09] (24 seconds)
So what does it mean to follow God? It means, it means to commit to a different kind of living. It means to live into what the apostles and Paul were saying, you know, um, first Corinthians six, you are not your own. You've been bought with a price. Realize that, that it's not just us here. [01:07:24] (18 seconds)
Their decision to commit to serve has since literally blessed millions and millions of people. He was known as saying, for a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people's love and concern for each other. Sometimes that doesn't really sound like the American dream. [01:11:54] (24 seconds)
This man chose to commit to moving on faith. And as he said, and I believe it is so true, when you commit to moving on faith, you're going to be able to move on faith. Moving on faith. God moves with you. Because commitment, it does. It takes faith, doesn't it? [01:13:59] (16 seconds)
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