Embracing Transformation: A New Year in Faith

 

Summary

As we embark on a new year, it's essential to focus on becoming a "New Year, New Me." This transformation requires a commitment to change both internally and externally, aligning ourselves with God's purpose for our lives. The foundation of this change is rooted in faith, seeking God first, and not allowing external influences to distract us from our divine destiny. This year promises to be one of abundant blessings for those who are determined to walk with God, regardless of public opinion or scrutiny.

Paul's letter to Timothy serves as a reminder of the greatness within us and the need to reignite the fire of our gifts. Despite the challenges and opposition we may face, we must remain steadfast, focusing on God's calling rather than the opinions of others. The anointing on our lives is more significant than any criticism we might encounter. As Paul advised Timothy, we must endure hardships as good soldiers of Christ, prepared for the battles ahead and not entangled in civilian pursuits.

This year, we are called to study and rightly handle the word of truth, seeking God's approval above all else. Our aim should be to please God, not people, and to live out His word in our lives. This requires dedication to studying the Bible and allowing it to transform us. By doing so, we will be equipped to face trials and emerge victorious, knowing that God is faithful even when we are not.

In this journey, we must remember that suffering is part of the process, but it does not bind the word of God. Our faithfulness in trials will lead to reigning with Christ. As we strive to be new creations, we must let go of past entanglements and focus on the new vision and purpose God has for us. This is the year to embrace transformation, walk in newness of life, and experience the abundant life God has promised.

Key Takeaways:

- Focus on God's Purpose: This year, prioritize seeking God first and aligning with His purpose for your life. External opinions should not distract you from the destiny God has for you. Trust that God will bring abundant blessings as you walk closely with Him. [56:32]

- Reignite Your Gifts: Like Timothy, remember the greatness within you and reignite the fire of your gifts. Despite opposition, focus on God's calling and the anointing on your life, which is more important than any criticism. [59:33]

- Endure as a Good Soldier: Embrace the challenges and endure hardships as a good soldier of Christ. Prepare for spiritual battles and avoid getting entangled in distractions. Your focus should be on pleasing God and fulfilling His calling. [01:06:29]

- Study and Apply God's Word: Dedicate yourself to studying the Bible and applying its truths in your life. Seek God's approval above all else, and let His word transform you. This is the year to deepen your understanding and live out your faith. [01:24:10]

- Embrace Transformation: Let go of past entanglements and focus on the new vision and purpose God has for you. This is the year to walk in newness of life, experience transformation, and live the abundant life God has promised. [01:46:57]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [56:32] - Introduction to New Year, New Me
- [59:33] - Embracing Abundant Life
- [01:06:29] - Enduring as a Good Soldier
- [01:09:25] - Avoiding Civilian Entanglements
- [01:11:29] - Following God's Rules
- [01:19:46] - God's Faithfulness in Trials
- [01:24:10] - Studying and Applying God's Word
- [01:35:32] - Invitation to Salvation
- [01:36:37] - Rededication and Membership
- [01:39:58] - Prayer for Transformation
- [01:43:05] - Testimony of Freedom
- [01:44:03] - Altar Call and Prayer
- [01:46:57] - Walking in Newness of Life
- [01:53:12] - Announcements and Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Timothy 2:15
- John 10:10

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Observation Questions:

1. What does 2 Timothy 2:15 instruct believers to do, and why is this important for our spiritual growth? [01:24:10]

2. According to the sermon, what are some of the external influences that can distract us from our divine destiny? [56:32]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of suffering in the life of a believer? [01:39:58]

4. What does John 10:10 say about the purpose of Jesus' coming, and how does this relate to the concept of living an abundant life? [59:33]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How can believers "rightly handle the word of truth" in their daily lives, and what might this look like practically? [01:24:10]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can reignite the fire of their gifts, and why is this important? [59:33]

3. How does the sermon explain the concept of being a "good soldier" of Christ, and what are the implications for our daily walk with God? [01:06:29]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between enduring hardships and experiencing God's faithfulness? [01:19:46]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are there any external opinions or influences that are distracting you from God's purpose for your life? How can you refocus on seeking God first this year? [56:32]

2. Think about the gifts and talents God has given you. How can you actively reignite and use these gifts to serve others and fulfill God's calling in your life? [59:33]

3. Consider a recent challenge or hardship you have faced. How did you respond, and what might it look like to endure it as a "good soldier" of Christ? [01:06:29]

4. How can you incorporate regular Bible study into your routine to ensure you are rightly handling the word of truth? What specific steps will you take to deepen your understanding of God's word this year? [01:24:10]

5. Identify one past entanglement or distraction that you need to let go of to embrace the new vision and purpose God has for you. What practical steps can you take to move forward in this area? [01:46:57]

6. Reflect on a time when you felt God's faithfulness during a trial. How can this experience encourage you to trust in God's promises and remain steadfast in your faith? [01:19:46]

7. What does living an abundant life in Christ mean to you personally, and how can you pursue this abundant life in your daily actions and decisions? [59:33]

Devotional

Day 1: Aligning with God's Purpose
In the journey of transformation, aligning with God's purpose is paramount. This involves prioritizing seeking God first and ensuring that His purpose is the guiding force in your life. External opinions and distractions can easily divert you from the path God has set for you, but maintaining focus on His divine destiny is crucial. Trusting in God's plan and walking closely with Him will lead to abundant blessings, as He promises to reward those who diligently seek Him. This year, make a conscious effort to align your actions, thoughts, and decisions with God's will, knowing that His purpose is greater than any external influence. [56:32]

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to prioritize seeking God's purpose over external opinions and distractions in your life?


Day 2: Reigniting the Fire of Your Gifts
Reigniting the fire of your gifts is essential for fulfilling God's calling. Like Timothy, you are reminded of the greatness within you and the need to rekindle the gifts God has bestowed upon you. Despite facing opposition and criticism, focusing on God's calling and the anointing on your life is more important than any external judgment. Embrace the unique talents and abilities God has given you, and use them to serve His kingdom. This year, commit to nurturing and developing your gifts, allowing them to shine brightly for God's glory. [59:33]

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands." (2 Timothy 1:6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one gift or talent you have neglected that you can begin to reignite and use for God's glory today?


Day 3: Enduring as a Good Soldier
Enduring hardships as a good soldier of Christ is a call to embrace challenges with resilience and faith. Spiritual battles are inevitable, and it is essential to prepare for them by avoiding distractions and civilian entanglements. Your focus should be on pleasing God and fulfilling His calling, even when faced with difficulties. As a soldier of Christ, you are called to endure with perseverance, knowing that your efforts are not in vain. This year, strengthen your resolve to face trials with courage and determination, trusting that God is with you in every battle. [01:06:29]

"Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him." (2 Timothy 2:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: What is one distraction or "civilian pursuit" that you need to let go of to focus more on your spiritual battles and pleasing God?


Day 4: Studying and Applying God's Word
Studying and applying God's Word is crucial for spiritual growth and transformation. This year, dedicate yourself to deepening your understanding of the Bible and allowing its truths to shape your life. Seek God's approval above all else, and let His Word be the foundation of your actions and decisions. By immersing yourself in Scripture, you will be equipped to face trials and emerge victorious, knowing that God's faithfulness endures even when you falter. Make it a priority to study the Bible regularly and apply its teachings in your daily life. [01:24:10]

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate a specific Bible study habit into your daily routine to ensure you are rightly handling the word of truth?


Day 5: Embracing Transformation
Embracing transformation involves letting go of past entanglements and focusing on the new vision and purpose God has for you. As a new creation in Christ, you are called to walk in newness of life and experience the abundant life God has promised. This year, commit to shedding old habits and mindsets that hinder your spiritual growth, and embrace the transformative power of God's love and grace. Allow His vision for your life to guide you, and trust that He is leading you toward a future filled with hope and purpose. [01:46:57]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What is one past entanglement or habit you need to let go of to fully embrace the new vision and purpose God has for you this year?

Quotes



Last week I reminded you that in this new year this new me that we must not worry we must have faith and we must seek God first and often in everything that we do this year. If we're going to make this the best and the most blessed year of our lives we can't allow the outside forces and influences to steal our concentration off of the destiny that God has for our lives. [00:58:15] (28 seconds)


I'm convinced that this is going to be the year a year of abundance of blessings flowing in the lives of those of us who are determined that we're going with God all the way that we're not concerned about what people think about us or what people may say about us. Because the big things that God is about to do in our lives are not up for public scrutiny or public opinion. In other words it doesn't make a difference what you think. I know what God is going to do in my life. [00:59:33] (31 seconds)


Paul knows that God has great things in store for Timothy's life he knows that God is about to do some great things in his life so he writes this letter to him to remind him of the greatness that's inside of him he reminds Timothy that he must reignite the fire or stir up the gift that's inside of him to be all that God has called him to be he reminds him that there's a fire on the inside of you and every chance you get you must reignite that fire and don't allow the trials and tribulations that you go through in life to try to put out your fire you got to stir up that gift that is inside of you [01:00:29] (42 seconds)


Like Paul told Timothy I want to remind all of us that when we're doing what God has called us to do and the anointing is flowing in and on our lives they're going to be those who will attempt to ridicule us and have our good as evil spoken of but you can't pay attention to the naysayers we must keep our focus on the path that God has for our lives we got to make up in our mind that the anointing is more important than what people think about us me that the anointing of God on my life is more important than what people can say about me because the anointing on my life is going to continue to bless me despite what people say [01:01:29] (46 seconds)


We have to get to a place that my focus is so much on what Jesus has called me to do. I can't get entangled in your mess. Matter of fact, I'm in a place right now. Don't even call me with the tea. Don't call me with the gossip because I can't get entangled in your mess. I can't get entangled in the gossip of somebody else or the problems of somebody else or what you think about [01:07:03] (25 seconds)


My aim is to please him. My aim is to please him. My aim is to please him. And if you're real honest with yourself, the reason why we get stuck sometimes is because we entangle ourselves in civilian pursuits. Not this year. Because I'm trying to be everything that God has called me to be. He said, listen, an athlete is not crying, unless he competes according to the rules a hard -working farmer ought to have the first share of the crops that you got to understand that if I'm going to be in training to win the prize I got to understand the rules of the game if you attract you run track you know you can't just start running when you want to [01:09:25] (58 seconds)


I need you to follow the rules that I've given you so you can get the crown that I have prepared for you. And I'm not telling you. It's going to be easy because the text says the hardworking farmer should be the first one to enjoy the share of the crops. So you're going to have to work hard in order to get the things that God has for you. He's not going to hand it to you on a silver platter. The reason why some of you been going through what you've been going through is because God said, I can't hand it to you on a silver platter. You're going to have to go through some things. Because if I just give it [01:11:47] (45 seconds)


Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved a worker who has no need to be ashamed rightly handling the word of truth King James Reverend Tina read King James study to show yourself approved that if this is going to be the best and blessed year of your life if this is going to be new you new me you got to understand that this is going to be this is the year you're going to have to study and do your best this is the year you're going to actually have to open the Bible this is the year you're going to have to look at God's word this is the year that the word of God is going to have to penetrate your heart this is the year that you can't say I can't have time to read my word but you got time to look at TV this is the year that you're going to have to turn the TV off and open your Bible I don't care if it's a paper Bible or your app but you got to make sure that you take some time studying god's word and to do your best to be one who is approved by god that this is the year that you don't need anybody else's approval you don't need to hear the applause of the crowd you don't need nobody patting on your back telling you great job all you want to do is have god's approval on your life and all you want god is to approve your walk with him this is the year my brothers and sisters that that god's word is gonna have to be lived out in your life this is the year that if you study god's word you gonna find some things that'll make you new all over again can i suggest to you what'll happen if you study and do your best that when i study and do my best i remember that the word that god has spoken for my life in this new year and new me i will study and do my best to remember that when i'm in the lion's dead that god will shut the mouth of the [01:21:44] (133 seconds)


Begin to touch every heart at this altar right now, God, in the name of Jesus. God, you know better than I do what they stand in need of. You know better than I do the problem. You know better than I do the issue. You know better than I do that, God, what they're going through. And, God, I pray in the name of Jesus that you would give somebody renewed strength and renewed hope. Renewed determination. For somebody at this altar, God, this is their transformational moment, God. This is the moment you're transforming them from what they were to what they're going to be. This is the moment, God, when they really let go of everything and everybody and just focus on you. This is the moment that, God, you're letting somebody know that you're changing their atmosphere. That, God, this is the moment for somebody at this altar that they're finally going to let go of something. That's been hurting them. They're finally going to let go of something that's been killing them. They're going to finally let go of something, dear God, that they know that has not been good for them. This is their transformational moment. And, Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray, God, that you give somebody the strength to stand and walk in the newness of life this year. That, Father, in the name of Jesus, this is the year that it's going to be a new year. And it's going to be a new me. And, God, I know that you're going to have new determination and a new vision and a new purpose for my life. And so, God, before you do it, I say thank you. God, before it happens, I say thank you. While you're doing it, I say thank you. No matter how hard it is, I'm going to get through it this time. No matter [01:45:01] (102 seconds)


I need you to touch every person under the sound of my voice that they'll be determined that this is a new year. It's a new me and it's me and God all the way in Jesus name. Amen. Amen and amen. [01:47:06] (24 seconds)


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Transcript
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