New Year / New You in 2024 (2 Peter 1:1-12)

INTRO

• All IN in 2024

• Doing things differently as we start a new year.

• Growing and changing into the likeness of Christ. (Progressive Sanctification)

• Personal Accountability for better results.

• If we keep doing the same thing, then we will continue to get the same results.
  

REJOICE IN THE ASSURANCE OF YOUR SALVATION – vv. 1-2

• To those we have obtained a faith

• Repentance and Faith

• Saving faith

• By the righteousness

• Saved by Him. Us nothing. His everything.

• Grace and peace multiplied in the knowledge

• His grace and peace… as we mature in Him
  

LIVE OUT A BIBLICALLY FOCUSED LIFE – vv. 3-4

• What I can control.  My responsibility.

• Big Circle and Little Circle (me and GOD)

• Latch onto His divine power
  

DAILY CHECK YOUR HEART – v. 5-12

Progressive Sanctification – The believers lifelong process of growing and changing into the likeness of Christ.

• God’s Presence, Power, and Provision

• Our Devotion, Desire, and Diligence

Notice the text:

• Make every effort

• Be the diligent

• Confirm your calling and election

• For if you practice these things

My daily goal should be maturity. Daily growing and changing toward Christlikeness. Daily checking my heart

• He has done His part.

• Am I doing my part? (Personal Accountability Questions)
  

PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY QUESTIONS

1. Do I spend daily time in the Bible and in prayer? Do I meditate on the things of the Lord throughout the day?

2. Do I enjoy corporate worship within the body of Christ? Is my church attendance consistent?  Am I involved with a group of believers that are encouraging me to grow and change daily?

3. Have my thoughts been pure?  Do I expose myself to things that are not holy and pleasing to the Lord?

4. Have I been completely above reproach in my financial dealings?  Is my giving to the Lord’s Church a direct reflection of His daily provision and blessings upon my life?

5. Have I spent quality relationship time with my family and friends?

6. Do I do 100% of my best at my job, school, and etc?

7. Have I told any half-truths or outright lies, putting myself in a better light than those around me?

8. Have I tried to encourage someone with the message of Christ this week?  Do I regularly invite people to church?  When was the last time I told someone my STORY?

9. Have I taken care of my body through physical exercise which includes proper eating and sleeping habits?

10. Have I allowed any person or circumstances to rob me of my joy?