How to Approach the New Year

Sunday Sermon
January 4, 2009
Rhema Community Church

Sermonic Skeleton:

Sermonic Scripture: ESV Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me- practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Sermonic Sentence: Be at one with God.

Sermonic Theme: Unity with God. (Being a disciple means that my life is controlled by Godly disciplines.) These two verses are a practical guide for Godly living. The Apostle Paul teaches us how to live Godly.

Sermonic Tension: My life is not always congruent with God. (Sinful nature)

Sermonic Help: DISCIPLE from the Greek mathetes and the Latin discipulus, literally “a learner.” Often used to refer to the twelve Apostles (Matthew 10.1; Luke 22.11), it is also one of the names given to Christians in the NT; the meaning is that Christians are learners or followers of Jesus. In the Bible the word “disciple” implies a personal adherence, a living out of, the teachings of the Master Teacher. In the NT one is known as Jesus’ disciple by abiding in His Word (John 8.31; 13.35; 15.8). In Acts, those who have believed upon Him and confessed Him are called disciples (6.1-7; 14.20-28; 15.10; 19.1).

Sermonic Structure:

I. APPROACH THE NEW YEAR WITH THE RIGHT MENTALITY (Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.)

II. APPROACH THE NEW YEAR PRACTICALLY (What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things)

III. APPROACH THE NEW YEAR CONFIDENTLY (and the God of peace will be with you.)