"NEW YEAR’S REVOLUTIONS "
I Thessalonians 5:14-23

I. Introduction

• Webster defines a resolution as: "a) a resolving, or determining; deciding b) the thing determined upon; decision as to future action; resolve."
• Webster defines revolution as "a) a complete or radical change of any kind b) overthrow of a government, form of government, or social system by those governed and usually by forceful means, with another government or system taking its place."

I. Revolution in our Worship

A) Praise (16)

• Praise God first
• Praise our church members
• Praise others that are not members

B) Prayer (17)

• Make it a daily action at home
• Get involved with prayer at church

C) Thanksgiving (18)

• Be more thankful about all bad or good things that happen to us

D) Yieldedness to the Holy Spirit (19)

• Many times we do not allow the Holy Spirit to convict us and change our thoughts, ways or actions.

E) Openness to the Word of God (20)

• Sometimes we read God's word with a “closed mind” (stubborn, and prideful) and not an “open mind” (willing and humble)

II. Revolution in our Walk

F) Compassion towards all Men (14)

• Ward (keep watch over) the Unruly (those that refuse to obey)
• Comfort the Feeble minded
• Support the Weak
• Be Patient towards all Men

G) Forgiveness towards all Men (15)

• Have you really forgiven all men?
• What about BTK, or Saddam Hussein?
• What about those who have wronged you?

H) Discernment (to the the difference between two things)towards all things (21)

III. Revolution in our Witness (22)

A) A. Let our Light Shine

• Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
• Let our work that we do shine in His ministry but so that the credit we receive is given to the Lord.
• Example: All the credit and thanks for the work at the S.B.B.C. that I have done should be all given to God, for it is He that has given me the talent, grace and knowledge for the work that is done.

B) Let our service be known to all

• II Corinthians 3:1,2, “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:”
• The apostle Paul here is writing an epistle here making an apology where some thought he was commending (praising) himself, when in reality he was praising God.
• As Paul states here we should praise one another and let our words, and service be known to all men, but give God the praise.

C) Walk worthy of God

• 1 Thessalonians 2:12, “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.”
• We are not worthy of what he has given us.
• What has God given us?
• Have you earned it?