WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.160 Please take a copy of God's Word and join me in 2 Thessalonians chapter 1. 00:00:07.799 --> 00:00:08.279 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.859 Once before on the last Lord's Day of the year, and I do want you to know that the question 00:00:36.859 --> 00:00:39.980 was asked of our elders, should I do that again? 00:00:40.120 --> 00:00:45.439 And they thought, yes, this will be helpful, so I hope it will be to you. 00:00:46.439 --> 00:00:51.060 This week we celebrate the arrival of a new year. 00:00:51.439 --> 00:00:53.179 I'm thankful for that. 00:00:53.179 --> 00:00:59.460 There's been some tough things about this past year, and while on the one hand we will 00:00:59.460 --> 00:01:03.600 only be another day into another journey around the sun. 00:01:03.980 --> 00:01:07.079 Why even mark it out this particular way? 00:01:07.219 --> 00:01:14.079 But on the other hand, there's something seemingly significant about passing from a year into 00:01:14.079 --> 00:01:15.320 another. 00:01:15.900 --> 00:01:18.240 We rarely write checks anymore, right? 00:01:18.359 --> 00:01:26.020 Not much really changes, but something in our mind seems to as we close out one and enter 00:01:26.020 --> 00:01:26.700 another. 00:01:26.700 --> 00:01:31.939 Doesn't it feel like we're turning a page in a book, closing the chapter that we call 00:01:31.939 --> 00:01:38.000 2025 and opening the chapter we will call 2026? 00:01:38.579 --> 00:01:40.320 It feels like the future, doesn't it? 00:01:41.280 --> 00:01:44.879 Doesn't it feel like an opportunity for a fresh start? 00:01:44.879 --> 00:01:52.339 Because of the grace of God to us in Jesus Christ, we always have the opportunity to start afresh. 00:01:53.039 --> 00:02:00.319 But our minds are often drawn to make new commitments at the beginning of the year that are often called resolutions. 00:02:01.419 --> 00:02:06.759 We are surrounded by people making resolutions and suggestions for resolutions. 00:02:06.760 --> 00:02:16.580 So this morning, my prayer for us is that we can look to God's word together and consider how we can make resolutions that please him. 00:02:17.680 --> 00:02:21.939 Some have asked if resolutions are biblical. 00:02:22.680 --> 00:02:26.400 Should we make promises to change? 00:02:26.400 --> 00:02:30.960 And I say to you, yes, we most certainly should. 00:02:31.960 --> 00:02:35.640 To believe in change is Christian. 00:02:36.700 --> 00:02:45.340 We are a people who have been changed from enemies of God into his friends because we have placed our faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. 00:02:45.340 --> 00:02:53.939 Further, we have set for us a pattern in the Bible of God's people making promises that are pleasing to him. 00:02:54.659 --> 00:02:58.860 Let me give you just two examples and then we'll turn our attention to today's text. 00:02:59.840 --> 00:03:06.580 First, Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the Babylonian king's food or wine. 00:03:06.860 --> 00:03:08.659 Daniel chapter 1 and verse 8. 00:03:08.780 --> 00:03:10.379 That was a resolution. 00:03:10.379 --> 00:03:17.379 Paul resolved to make his way to Jerusalem to fulfill a vow he had made, a Nazarite vow. 00:03:18.139 --> 00:03:21.759 Acts chapter 19 and verse 21. 00:03:22.939 --> 00:03:30.240 So, let us resolve to change, believing that change is really possible. 00:03:30.719 --> 00:03:36.599 It's not a person in this room that doesn't need to change in some way. 00:03:36.599 --> 00:03:47.840 May we do so, not just at the first of the year, but may we do so at the first of the year and may we do so in a way that pleases our God. 00:03:48.359 --> 00:03:49.959 Second Thessalonians chapter 1. 00:03:50.819 --> 00:03:52.599 I'll read verse 11 and 12. 00:03:53.439 --> 00:03:55.759 Let me pray for us before I do. 00:03:57.939 --> 00:04:01.039 Father, we thank you very much this morning for your word. 00:04:01.099 --> 00:04:05.039 The opportunity we have to open it up and to take it up. 00:04:05.039 --> 00:04:09.859 We pray that you would help us to do so together well this morning. 00:04:10.579 --> 00:04:12.079 We want to rightly understand it. 00:04:12.139 --> 00:04:15.899 We want to give it the proper application to each of our lives. 00:04:16.039 --> 00:04:20.379 We humbly recognize that it was written for your glory and for our good. 00:04:20.500 --> 00:04:22.319 We want to believe its promises. 00:04:22.839 --> 00:04:24.439 We want to obey its commands. 00:04:25.060 --> 00:04:28.579 We want to have affection for you, its author. 00:04:29.100 --> 00:04:31.219 And so we ask that you would help us to do this. 00:04:31.500 --> 00:04:33.620 In Christ's name, amen. 00:04:33.620 --> 00:04:36.959 2 Thessalonians 1, beginning in verse 11. 00:04:37.160 --> 00:04:49.199 To this end, we always pray for you that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power. 00:04:49.199 --> 00:04:59.039 So that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you and you in him according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:04:59.839 --> 00:05:04.199 We have a fairly simple outline for our text this morning. 00:05:05.039 --> 00:05:07.539 Number one, resolve to be holy. 00:05:08.539 --> 00:05:11.659 Number two, resolve dependently. 00:05:12.419 --> 00:05:17.360 And number three, resolve for the glory of Christ. 00:05:17.360 --> 00:05:27.080 At the age of 19 and across some time, a young follower of Jesus Christ penned 70 resolutions. 00:05:28.080 --> 00:05:32.319 Promises aimed at God's glory and his good. 00:05:33.060 --> 00:05:39.060 The first resolution reads, and this is somewhere near the back of your bulletin. 00:05:39.060 --> 00:05:40.579 He writes, 00:05:40.579 --> 00:06:10.560 Resolved, 00:06:10.579 --> 00:06:14.319 What a resolution. 00:06:15.319 --> 00:06:18.680 This young man's name was Jonathan Edwards. 00:06:19.680 --> 00:06:25.680 I didn't write like that when I was 19 and still don't at 45. 00:06:25.680 --> 00:06:34.420 Jonathan wrote this astounding work, which I commend to you to look up and spend some time with. 00:06:35.060 --> 00:06:43.139 In the preamble of his resolutions, he wrote the following, and this is found in the sermon note section of your bulletin this morning. 00:06:43.139 --> 00:06:48.139 Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help. 00:06:48.139 --> 00:06:50.139 I do humbly entreatment. 00:06:50.139 --> 00:07:00.579 I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these resolutions so far as they are agreeable to his will for Christ's sake. 00:07:00.579 --> 00:07:18.240 And it is my intention this morning to weave Edwards' poignant preamble phrase that I just read to you through our text to set for us an example of application for how it is that we ought to make resolutions. 00:07:18.240 --> 00:07:22.840 So number one, resolve to be holy. 00:07:22.839 --> 00:07:32.959 If you make resolutions that are not aimed at your holiness, then you are setting your sights too low. 00:07:32.959 --> 00:07:44.439 If conformity to Jesus Christ is not the end goal of all that we do as Christians, then we are failing miserably short of that which God has called us to. 00:07:45.659 --> 00:07:50.219 Holiness is our high calling in Christ Jesus. 00:07:50.359 --> 00:07:53.279 It's what we ought to be aiming at. 00:07:53.479 --> 00:07:58.359 Having been set free from sin, we ought to be aiming at holiness. 00:07:59.620 --> 00:08:02.859 Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1, verse 13 and following, 00:08:02.959 --> 00:08:12.019 Therefore, preparing your minds for action and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that we brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 00:08:12.919 --> 00:08:23.240 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. 00:08:23.560 --> 00:08:30.819 Since it is written, Leviticus 11, 44, you shall be holy for I am holy. 00:08:30.819 --> 00:08:42.659 In our text, I first want to draw your attention to the specific what that Paul prays for the Thessalonian believers in his second letter to them. 00:08:43.539 --> 00:08:44.639 He says, verse 11, 00:08:44.639 --> 00:08:48.480 To this end, we always pray for you. 00:08:48.699 --> 00:08:49.639 To what end? 00:08:49.740 --> 00:08:52.720 What is it that he is praying for him? 00:08:53.319 --> 00:09:04.439 That our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith. 00:09:05.379 --> 00:09:08.960 It is not an aimless prayer. 00:09:09.360 --> 00:09:12.559 It's not a general, generic prayer. 00:09:12.559 --> 00:09:15.439 He's got a point that he's making here. 00:09:16.159 --> 00:09:23.500 He's not primarily concerned about their circumstances, that they would have jobs or find houses or be in good health. 00:09:23.599 --> 00:09:27.039 All things that can and should be prayed for. 00:09:27.559 --> 00:09:34.619 But rather, primarily, firstly, he is concerned about their holiness. 00:09:34.620 --> 00:09:40.919 He's aiming his prayers at the way they ought to be aimed. 00:09:41.720 --> 00:09:44.539 Two specific things that he praised for. 00:09:44.799 --> 00:09:49.500 That God would make them worthy of his calling. 00:09:49.620 --> 00:09:52.779 Some translations say, count you worthy. 00:09:52.779 --> 00:10:00.419 Paul's prayer is that they are, in fact, counted worthy of God's saving call. 00:10:00.740 --> 00:10:04.980 Which is evidenced in the practice of their faith. 00:10:05.240 --> 00:10:05.339 Right? 00:10:05.339 --> 00:10:13.360 Not that their work saved them, but their faith that saves them is a faith that works. 00:10:13.360 --> 00:10:21.759 And he also prays that God would work in them by his power to fulfill every resolve. 00:10:21.759 --> 00:10:27.700 There's the word for good and every work of faith. 00:10:28.159 --> 00:10:28.259 Right? 00:10:28.519 --> 00:10:33.060 You could translate the word resolve that we see here in the ESV as desire. 00:10:33.360 --> 00:10:33.519 Right? 00:10:33.519 --> 00:10:42.879 Every intention, every desire, every press for, aim at good works of faith. 00:10:44.340 --> 00:10:48.699 This was a consistent concern of Paul's for those who claimed to follow Jesus Christ. 00:10:49.039 --> 00:10:56.039 Because the fervent pursuit of holiness is a marker of those who are truly converted. 00:10:56.899 --> 00:10:59.279 Don't lose sight of our text in 2 Thessalonians. 00:10:59.279 --> 00:11:05.480 You can stay there, but let me show you how concerned Paul was with the holiness of those who profess to follow Christ. 00:11:05.480 --> 00:11:09.819 By looking at the prayers he mentions in four other epistles. 00:11:10.819 --> 00:11:12.299 1 and 2 Corinthians. 00:11:12.539 --> 00:11:13.500 This is chapter 13. 00:11:13.980 --> 00:11:15.199 First part of verse 7. 00:11:15.620 --> 00:11:20.399 But we pray to God that you may not do wrong. 00:11:20.959 --> 00:11:21.039 Right? 00:11:21.139 --> 00:11:24.379 The positive implication of that is that you do right. 00:11:24.379 --> 00:11:26.659 And then verse 9 of chapter 13. 00:11:27.080 --> 00:11:31.159 Your restoration is what we pray for. 00:11:31.340 --> 00:11:31.439 Right? 00:11:31.659 --> 00:11:37.539 If they have sinned, that they would be restored and would be then again found righteous. 00:11:38.600 --> 00:11:41.220 To the Philippians chapter 1 verse 9 and 10. 00:11:41.639 --> 00:11:41.919 He says, 00:11:41.919 --> 00:11:59.399 To the Philippians chapter 1 verse 9 and following. 00:11:59.399 --> 00:12:03.399 And so from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you. 00:12:04.100 --> 00:12:08.679 Asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 00:12:09.299 --> 00:12:12.139 So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. 00:12:12.419 --> 00:12:13.459 Fully pleasing to him. 00:12:14.480 --> 00:12:17.759 Bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 00:12:18.299 --> 00:12:21.879 Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might. 00:12:22.220 --> 00:12:25.779 For all endurance and patience with joy. 00:12:25.779 --> 00:12:33.199 And then to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians chapter 3. 00:12:34.199 --> 00:12:34.720 Verse 11. 00:12:34.839 --> 00:12:38.399 Now may our God and Father himself, our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. 00:12:38.500 --> 00:12:44.159 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all as we do for you. 00:12:44.720 --> 00:12:49.659 So that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father. 00:12:50.100 --> 00:12:53.199 At the coming of our Lord Jesus with his saints. 00:12:53.199 --> 00:12:55.720 And then chapter 5 and verse 23. 00:12:55.779 --> 00:13:01.480 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. 00:13:02.079 --> 00:13:08.620 And may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:13:09.459 --> 00:13:11.919 Paul is very concerned about this. 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:13.980 That people who profess faith in Christ. 00:13:14.399 --> 00:13:16.399 Evidence faith in Christ. 00:13:16.559 --> 00:13:19.740 By the pursuit of holiness. 00:13:19.740 --> 00:13:26.480 Is it okay to have goals this year not aimed at holiness? 00:13:27.480 --> 00:13:28.620 Just a quick little pause. 00:13:29.240 --> 00:13:32.639 It's fun sometimes when autocorrect corrects my words and I don't catch it. 00:13:33.159 --> 00:13:34.539 The sentence that I wrote reads, 00:13:34.620 --> 00:13:37.200 Is it okay to have goals for this year not aimed at hotness? 00:13:37.200 --> 00:13:45.680 Holiness is what I meant to type when I wrote that. 00:13:45.680 --> 00:13:49.980 Is it okay to have goals for this year not aimed at holiness? 00:13:50.660 --> 00:13:51.680 Of course it is. 00:13:52.120 --> 00:13:53.820 Of course it is. 00:13:53.820 --> 00:14:00.680 But don't give attention to and energy to your health or habits or professional hopes. 00:14:01.240 --> 00:14:06.620 Without paying attention to and giving energy to your holiness. 00:14:07.220 --> 00:14:10.760 Don't have disordered resolutions this year. 00:14:11.140 --> 00:14:13.360 First aim them at holiness. 00:14:13.900 --> 00:14:18.520 Let that be the primary thing that you're thinking about and toward. 00:14:18.519 --> 00:14:20.899 Jonathan Edwards. 00:14:21.059 --> 00:14:22.360 Back to his preamble. 00:14:22.439 --> 00:14:23.059 He said this. 00:14:23.059 --> 00:14:26.039 Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help. 00:14:26.500 --> 00:14:31.740 I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these resolutions. 00:14:32.059 --> 00:14:34.519 And then what did he hope for his resolutions? 00:14:35.259 --> 00:14:40.199 So far as they are agreeable to his will. 00:14:41.079 --> 00:14:47.960 He wanted to resolve to do things in his life that were what God wanted him. 00:14:48.519 --> 00:14:48.860 To do. 00:14:49.179 --> 00:14:49.319 Right? 00:14:49.379 --> 00:14:52.460 He was aiming his resolves at holiness. 00:14:53.799 --> 00:14:55.019 Again, Edwards resolves. 00:14:55.059 --> 00:14:57.319 I greatly encourage you to look them up. 00:14:58.500 --> 00:15:01.000 See the way this young man was thinking. 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:02.639 They were aimed at his character. 00:15:02.980 --> 00:15:05.460 His personal habits for holiness. 00:15:05.840 --> 00:15:07.059 His relationships. 00:15:08.039 --> 00:15:09.279 And his service. 00:15:10.299 --> 00:15:10.600 Now. 00:15:11.340 --> 00:15:15.679 I'm just going to give you two examples of my own for this year. 00:15:15.919 --> 00:15:17.120 Things I've been thinking about. 00:15:17.120 --> 00:15:20.740 Things I want to resolve to do. 00:15:20.960 --> 00:15:24.560 One is the same as last year. 00:15:24.659 --> 00:15:28.379 I don't know that I did this all that well in 2025. 00:15:29.039 --> 00:15:30.500 So I'm resolving once again. 00:15:30.639 --> 00:15:31.379 First resolve. 00:15:31.919 --> 00:15:35.700 To spend more time praying for. 00:15:36.340 --> 00:15:38.220 And praying with. 00:15:38.779 --> 00:15:39.659 My family. 00:15:40.299 --> 00:15:41.700 I don't do enough of this. 00:15:41.700 --> 00:15:43.180 I'm aware of this. 00:15:43.180 --> 00:15:49.220 I want to more regularly plead before God for the sake of my family. 00:15:50.660 --> 00:15:51.180 Second. 00:15:52.100 --> 00:15:52.580 Resolve. 00:15:53.140 --> 00:15:54.640 Often when I've done this before. 00:15:54.960 --> 00:15:59.320 I have a goal in mind for how many books that I intend to read. 00:15:59.320 --> 00:16:02.860 I didn't do the goal I had set for this past year. 00:16:02.940 --> 00:16:04.140 Although I think that was okay. 00:16:04.640 --> 00:16:06.580 I made some alterations to it. 00:16:06.920 --> 00:16:07.879 This year though. 00:16:08.060 --> 00:16:12.440 I want to read more books with people. 00:16:13.080 --> 00:16:15.340 Last year I intended to read 50 books. 00:16:15.440 --> 00:16:16.960 I think I read like 36. 00:16:18.220 --> 00:16:20.920 But I want to read more with people this year. 00:16:21.039 --> 00:16:23.519 I'm currently reading a book with a group of men. 00:16:23.620 --> 00:16:25.439 I've just been enjoying it so very much. 00:16:25.959 --> 00:16:28.979 I want to do more of that in this next year. 00:16:29.059 --> 00:16:31.419 I've got some plans with my sons. 00:16:31.799 --> 00:16:32.879 And with my wife. 00:16:33.139 --> 00:16:35.879 And I'll be floating some opportunities out with some of you. 00:16:35.979 --> 00:16:38.979 I want to read more books with people. 00:16:38.979 --> 00:16:39.779 So two examples. 00:16:40.039 --> 00:16:45.839 Of ways that I'm aiming resolutions at holiness in this next year. 00:16:46.799 --> 00:16:48.819 So resolve to be holy. 00:16:49.019 --> 00:16:49.599 That's point number one. 00:16:49.600 --> 00:16:50.100 Secondly. 00:16:51.860 --> 00:16:53.779 Resolve dependently. 00:16:53.960 --> 00:16:54.920 So resolve to be holy. 00:16:55.259 --> 00:16:57.560 But do so dependently. 00:16:58.800 --> 00:17:04.640 You are powerless to change yourself in any meaningful way. 00:17:05.860 --> 00:17:07.259 Have you heard of queer? 00:17:07.460 --> 00:17:09.940 That Friday at the end is called Quitter's Friday. 00:17:10.299 --> 00:17:15.180 Because most people abandon all of their resolutions by that time. 00:17:15.180 --> 00:17:20.500 There's such clear evidence that we are powerless to change ourselves. 00:17:20.500 --> 00:17:23.299 Even when it comes to the simplest of habits. 00:17:23.859 --> 00:17:25.140 Eat less sugar. 00:17:25.140 --> 00:17:26.940 We have a difficult time with this. 00:17:27.059 --> 00:17:33.339 We're certainly powerless to change ourselves in any really meaningful, eternal way. 00:17:33.339 --> 00:17:37.519 But God is all powerful. 00:17:37.519 --> 00:17:42.700 And desires to change you into the image of his son. 00:17:42.839 --> 00:17:44.440 If you belong to him. 00:17:44.779 --> 00:17:46.200 This is where he is aimed. 00:17:46.900 --> 00:17:48.000 We have to do the same. 00:17:48.119 --> 00:17:49.740 And we ought to do so dependently. 00:17:49.900 --> 00:17:54.940 Asking for the grace necessary to change for his glory and our good. 00:17:54.940 --> 00:17:58.840 This is why Paul so readily prays for the church. 00:17:58.920 --> 00:18:01.620 I've given you a bunch of examples from our text today. 00:18:01.799 --> 00:18:02.320 And otherwise. 00:18:02.539 --> 00:18:04.059 He's praying and he's praying and he's praying. 00:18:04.160 --> 00:18:07.920 He's asking that God would do this work. 00:18:07.980 --> 00:18:13.120 Because he knows that only God brings about meaningful change. 00:18:13.119 --> 00:18:15.619 Verse 11 of our text. 00:18:16.219 --> 00:18:17.419 To this end. 00:18:17.419 --> 00:18:21.419 We always pray for you. 00:18:22.179 --> 00:18:25.799 That our God may make you worthy of his calling. 00:18:25.919 --> 00:18:27.379 May fill every resolve for good. 00:18:27.439 --> 00:18:28.659 And every work of faith. 00:18:29.159 --> 00:18:31.500 By his power. 00:18:32.539 --> 00:18:34.899 So that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you. 00:18:34.959 --> 00:18:35.779 And you in him. 00:18:36.019 --> 00:18:39.659 According to the grace of our God. 00:18:39.839 --> 00:18:41.879 And the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:18:41.880 --> 00:18:44.200 Those two verses are just packed with that language. 00:18:44.380 --> 00:18:52.060 Paul's confidence that God can and will work on behalf of his people for holiness. 00:18:53.680 --> 00:18:54.760 Paul wrote elsewhere. 00:18:54.860 --> 00:18:55.880 Philippians chapter 2. 00:18:56.020 --> 00:18:56.920 Verse 12 and 13. 00:18:57.060 --> 00:18:57.820 Therefore my beloved. 00:18:57.960 --> 00:18:59.000 As you have always obeyed. 00:18:59.020 --> 00:19:00.580 So now not only in my presence. 00:19:00.720 --> 00:19:02.260 But much more in my absence. 00:19:03.060 --> 00:19:06.800 Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 00:19:07.720 --> 00:19:11.860 We want to see that there's an effort found in verse 12. 00:19:11.880 --> 00:19:12.500 Right? 00:19:12.560 --> 00:19:14.560 We're meant to work at this. 00:19:14.700 --> 00:19:16.240 Working out salvation. 00:19:16.400 --> 00:19:19.360 But we can't forget verse 13. 00:19:19.520 --> 00:19:21.800 It should never be divorced from verse 12. 00:19:21.800 --> 00:19:26.320 For it is God who works in you. 00:19:26.860 --> 00:19:28.580 Both to will and to work. 00:19:29.140 --> 00:19:31.640 For his good pleasure. 00:19:32.820 --> 00:19:36.620 Meaningful change takes effort on our part. 00:19:36.619 --> 00:19:39.939 And it takes the grace. 00:19:39.939 --> 00:19:42.979 Firm belief as a church in God's sovereignty. 00:19:43.319 --> 00:19:44.299 In his power. 00:19:44.539 --> 00:19:45.979 In his providence. 00:19:46.099 --> 00:19:46.659 It's good. 00:19:46.739 --> 00:19:48.279 I think that's generally true. 00:19:48.379 --> 00:19:51.659 I don't think I have to spend a lot of time convincing you of that. 00:19:52.559 --> 00:19:57.639 But a very probable error is that then we don't do anything. 00:19:57.939 --> 00:20:00.479 We don't make any effort to change. 00:20:00.480 --> 00:20:04.759 We don't work at the things that we're commanded to do. 00:20:05.299 --> 00:20:08.960 We should work all the time as if it entirely depends on us. 00:20:09.160 --> 00:20:14.079 And rely on God all the time to supply for all that he commands. 00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:16.740 This is not a paradox. 00:20:16.740 --> 00:20:19.960 If we resolve to be holy. 00:20:20.279 --> 00:20:27.940 We can have confidence that God will work in our working toward that great end. 00:20:29.299 --> 00:20:30.120 Again Edwards. 00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:31.900 He says in his preamble. 00:20:31.980 --> 00:20:33.380 This is the chunk of his preamble. 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:37.839 Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help. 00:20:38.599 --> 00:20:42.480 I do humbly entreat him by his grace. 00:20:42.759 --> 00:20:46.240 To enable me to keep these resolutions. 00:20:47.579 --> 00:20:48.700 So resolve to be holy. 00:20:48.920 --> 00:20:50.380 Do so dependently. 00:20:50.660 --> 00:20:51.480 And thirdly. 00:20:52.059 --> 00:20:55.160 Resolve for the glory of Christ. 00:20:56.620 --> 00:21:01.980 Why did Paul want to see the Thessalonian believers grow in holiness? 00:21:02.819 --> 00:21:06.859 What was the point of his desire for them? 00:21:06.859 --> 00:21:09.799 And you see that at the beginning of verse 12. 00:21:09.799 --> 00:21:17.759 So that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you. 00:21:18.259 --> 00:21:23.379 That Christ would be praised as we grow in holiness. 00:21:24.639 --> 00:21:27.899 Resolutions aimed at making you a better you. 00:21:28.899 --> 00:21:29.220 Miss them. 00:21:29.579 --> 00:21:30.859 Not the glory of Christ. 00:21:31.579 --> 00:21:34.819 In your intentions you've made yourself a God. 00:21:34.819 --> 00:21:37.439 And you've bowed before your throne. 00:21:38.839 --> 00:21:40.779 A resolution to be healthy. 00:21:41.500 --> 00:21:42.359 For example. 00:21:43.279 --> 00:21:46.980 Fall short if it is merely for your image. 00:21:47.419 --> 00:21:48.480 For your hotness. 00:21:48.480 --> 00:21:52.440 It's aimed properly. 00:21:53.440 --> 00:21:54.660 Make resolutions for your health. 00:21:54.720 --> 00:21:54.980 Hear me. 00:21:55.079 --> 00:21:56.120 It's aimed properly. 00:21:56.119 --> 00:21:58.139 When you want to be healthy. 00:21:58.799 --> 00:22:02.219 To give yourself in service to others. 00:22:03.139 --> 00:22:04.299 I want to be healthy. 00:22:04.479 --> 00:22:07.319 I want to do the things I can do to be fit. 00:22:07.500 --> 00:22:08.479 To think clearly. 00:22:08.959 --> 00:22:10.159 To have an able body. 00:22:10.259 --> 00:22:13.059 So that I can give myself in service to others. 00:22:13.599 --> 00:22:14.959 For the glory of Christ. 00:22:16.399 --> 00:22:17.319 Samuel Rutherford. 00:22:17.399 --> 00:22:18.099 Puritan preacher. 00:22:18.099 --> 00:22:18.939 Once said. 00:22:18.940 --> 00:22:22.480 Build your nest upon no tree here. 00:22:23.100 --> 00:22:23.660 For you see. 00:22:23.840 --> 00:22:25.660 God has sold the forest. 00:22:26.340 --> 00:22:26.920 To death. 00:22:27.820 --> 00:22:29.160 There is no point. 00:22:29.680 --> 00:22:32.059 Invest in the eternal. 00:22:33.400 --> 00:22:35.180 Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians chapter 10. 00:22:35.240 --> 00:22:35.900 In verse 31. 00:22:37.019 --> 00:22:38.039 So whether you eat or drink. 00:22:38.380 --> 00:22:39.400 Or whatever you do. 00:22:40.039 --> 00:22:41.720 Do all to the glory. 00:22:42.380 --> 00:22:43.039 Of God. 00:22:43.720 --> 00:22:45.120 And in Colossians chapter 3. 00:22:45.180 --> 00:22:45.820 In verse 17. 00:22:45.820 --> 00:22:46.759 And whatever you do. 00:22:46.880 --> 00:22:47.860 In word or deed. 00:22:47.859 --> 00:22:49.879 Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. 00:22:50.439 --> 00:22:53.339 Giving thanks to God the Father. 00:22:53.799 --> 00:22:55.279 Through him. 00:22:56.399 --> 00:22:57.799 It is the high calling. 00:22:58.339 --> 00:23:00.539 And the greatest joy of the Christian. 00:23:00.959 --> 00:23:02.179 To know God. 00:23:02.979 --> 00:23:03.879 And to make him known. 00:23:04.519 --> 00:23:05.659 Everything we do. 00:23:05.799 --> 00:23:08.259 Should be aimed off in this direction. 00:23:08.439 --> 00:23:09.339 So as we make resolutions. 00:23:09.339 --> 00:23:09.979 To be holy. 00:23:10.079 --> 00:23:11.279 Depending on him. 00:23:11.679 --> 00:23:13.379 And as he accomplishes this. 00:23:13.379 --> 00:23:14.399 In our lives. 00:23:14.599 --> 00:23:17.019 He gets much praise. 00:23:17.859 --> 00:23:18.379 For it. 00:23:19.659 --> 00:23:20.359 Peter wrote. 00:23:20.579 --> 00:23:21.459 1 Peter chapter 2. 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:22.399 Verse 9 and following. 00:23:22.539 --> 00:23:23.759 You are a chosen race. 00:23:24.219 --> 00:23:25.500 A royal priesthood. 00:23:25.559 --> 00:23:26.419 A holy nation. 00:23:26.519 --> 00:23:27.019 A people. 00:23:27.019 --> 00:23:28.439 For his own possession. 00:23:29.240 --> 00:23:30.159 That you may proclaim. 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:31.359 The excellencies of him. 00:23:31.399 --> 00:23:32.679 Who called you out of darkness. 00:23:32.819 --> 00:23:34.379 Into his marvelous light. 00:23:35.119 --> 00:23:36.500 Once you were not a people. 00:23:36.919 --> 00:23:38.359 But now you are God's people. 00:23:38.799 --> 00:23:40.339 Once you had not received mercy. 00:23:40.339 --> 00:23:42.039 But now you have received mercy. 00:23:42.039 --> 00:23:43.119 Beloved. 00:23:43.200 --> 00:23:44.599 I urge you as sojourners. 00:23:44.599 --> 00:23:45.379 And exiles. 00:23:45.379 --> 00:23:47.399 To abstain from the passions of the flesh. 00:23:47.399 --> 00:23:48.339 Which wage war. 00:23:48.799 --> 00:23:49.819 Against your soul. 00:23:50.460 --> 00:23:51.379 Keep your conduct. 00:23:51.379 --> 00:23:52.200 Among the Gentiles. 00:23:52.319 --> 00:23:52.779 Honorable. 00:23:53.220 --> 00:23:54.379 So that when they speak against you. 00:23:54.420 --> 00:23:55.000 As evildoers. 00:23:55.059 --> 00:23:57.019 They may see your good deeds. 00:23:57.519 --> 00:23:58.680 And glorify God. 00:23:58.899 --> 00:23:59.539 On the day. 00:24:00.180 --> 00:24:01.000 Of visitation. 00:24:01.779 --> 00:24:02.779 Aimed at holiness. 00:24:03.039 --> 00:24:03.519 Dependently. 00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:05.299 For the glory of Christ. 00:24:06.639 --> 00:24:07.659 Edwards preamble. 00:24:07.660 --> 00:24:08.740 Ends. 00:24:09.279 --> 00:24:09.620 For. 00:24:10.400 --> 00:24:11.000 Christ's. 00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:12.019 Sake. 00:24:12.640 --> 00:24:13.340 Being sensible. 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:14.960 That I am unable to do anything. 00:24:15.040 --> 00:24:15.740 Without God's help. 00:24:15.840 --> 00:24:17.019 I do humbly entreat him. 00:24:17.080 --> 00:24:17.820 By his grace. 00:24:18.019 --> 00:24:19.779 To enable me to keep these resolutions. 00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:21.460 So far as they are agreeable. 00:24:21.580 --> 00:24:22.140 To his will. 00:24:22.460 --> 00:24:22.900 For. 00:24:23.860 --> 00:24:24.420 Christ's. 00:24:25.060 --> 00:24:25.540 Sake. 00:24:26.519 --> 00:24:27.900 So resolve to be holy. 00:24:28.860 --> 00:24:29.940 Resolve to be holy. 00:24:30.320 --> 00:24:30.800 Dependently. 00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:32.000 And resolve. 00:24:32.360 --> 00:24:32.920 To be holy. 00:24:33.100 --> 00:24:33.640 Dependently. 00:24:33.840 --> 00:24:34.420 For the glory. 00:24:35.259 --> 00:24:35.800 Of Christ. 00:24:35.799 --> 00:24:35.919 Christ. 00:24:37.039 --> 00:24:38.019 So in conclusion. 00:24:38.240 --> 00:24:39.319 As I have done before. 00:24:40.240 --> 00:24:41.460 I would like to ask you. 00:24:41.700 --> 00:24:43.099 A series of questions. 00:24:44.099 --> 00:24:45.240 My notes say seven questions. 00:24:45.339 --> 00:24:46.399 But there are seven questions. 00:24:46.460 --> 00:24:47.480 With a bunch of questions that follow. 00:24:47.619 --> 00:24:47.799 So. 00:24:48.579 --> 00:24:48.980 Categorically. 00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:50.579 Seven questions. 00:24:50.779 --> 00:24:51.839 For the sake of. 00:24:52.799 --> 00:24:53.159 Application. 00:24:53.460 --> 00:24:54.279 And I want you to think. 00:24:54.359 --> 00:24:55.079 I would just challenge you. 00:24:55.099 --> 00:24:56.279 To actually spend a little bit of time. 00:24:56.359 --> 00:24:57.399 Thinking about this now. 00:24:57.480 --> 00:24:58.119 And then perhaps. 00:24:58.539 --> 00:24:59.579 Much more time. 00:25:00.279 --> 00:25:01.359 In the coming week. 00:25:02.740 --> 00:25:03.579 Number one. 00:25:03.579 --> 00:25:05.579 What about you. 00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:06.759 Most. 00:25:07.480 --> 00:25:08.539 Needs to change. 00:25:10.240 --> 00:25:11.099 What about you. 00:25:11.220 --> 00:25:11.559 Most. 00:25:11.819 --> 00:25:12.200 Needs. 00:25:12.819 --> 00:25:13.480 To change. 00:25:14.180 --> 00:25:15.319 What sins. 00:25:16.119 --> 00:25:17.180 Seem to ensnare you. 00:25:17.619 --> 00:25:18.740 You keep going back to. 00:25:18.839 --> 00:25:19.279 Again. 00:25:19.919 --> 00:25:20.440 And again. 00:25:20.859 --> 00:25:21.819 A thing you just. 00:25:21.960 --> 00:25:23.359 Seem to not be able. 00:25:23.919 --> 00:25:24.759 To kick off. 00:25:25.220 --> 00:25:26.359 What needs to change. 00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:26.919 Most. 00:25:27.519 --> 00:25:28.139 About you. 00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:29.940 What habits. 00:25:30.859 --> 00:25:31.500 Do you neglect. 00:25:32.359 --> 00:25:33.399 Do you read your bible. 00:25:33.400 --> 00:25:34.519 Enough. 00:25:35.080 --> 00:25:35.980 Do you pray. 00:25:36.940 --> 00:25:37.360 Enough. 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:39.900 Are you in good Christian fellowship. 00:25:40.060 --> 00:25:40.380 Enough. 00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:42.120 How are your church attendance. 00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:43.380 Habits. 00:25:44.420 --> 00:25:46.420 Are you regularly sharing the gospel. 00:25:47.620 --> 00:25:49.220 Do you work hard. 00:25:49.880 --> 00:25:50.360 Do you. 00:25:51.140 --> 00:25:51.540 Rest. 00:25:52.259 --> 00:25:52.540 Well. 00:25:54.540 --> 00:25:55.300 What about you. 00:25:55.340 --> 00:25:56.100 Most need to change. 00:25:56.300 --> 00:25:56.640 Secondly. 00:25:56.640 --> 00:25:58.680 Why. 00:25:58.820 --> 00:25:59.720 Would you like to change. 00:26:00.040 --> 00:26:00.320 Something. 00:26:00.420 --> 00:26:01.140 Popped in your mind. 00:26:01.640 --> 00:26:02.360 Something about you. 00:26:02.420 --> 00:26:03.340 That needs to change. 00:26:03.660 --> 00:26:04.580 What motivates. 00:26:04.580 --> 00:26:05.280 That change. 00:26:05.400 --> 00:26:06.440 Why would you like. 00:26:07.120 --> 00:26:07.660 To change. 00:26:07.720 --> 00:26:08.380 Is your desire. 00:26:08.540 --> 00:26:09.220 To change. 00:26:09.320 --> 00:26:10.300 For God's glory. 00:26:10.380 --> 00:26:11.259 And your good. 00:26:12.920 --> 00:26:14.180 Or is it just selfish. 00:26:14.180 --> 00:26:14.980 For your. 00:26:15.980 --> 00:26:16.500 Glory. 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:16.819 Thirdly. 00:26:18.460 --> 00:26:18.900 Thirdly. 00:26:20.259 --> 00:26:20.660 How. 00:26:20.980 --> 00:26:21.460 Are you going. 00:26:21.980 --> 00:26:22.599 To change. 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:24.880 This is that effort part. 00:26:25.700 --> 00:26:27.279 What is the plan. 00:26:27.839 --> 00:26:28.759 To change. 00:26:29.500 --> 00:26:30.559 There's never been a thing. 00:26:30.619 --> 00:26:31.220 In my life. 00:26:31.339 --> 00:26:32.660 That I thought was a good thing. 00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:33.619 That needed to be done. 00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:34.359 And then somehow. 00:26:34.519 --> 00:26:35.200 It just happened. 00:26:36.019 --> 00:26:36.400 Ever. 00:26:37.640 --> 00:26:38.880 Everything that is important. 00:26:39.140 --> 00:26:39.960 Seems to me. 00:26:40.079 --> 00:26:40.400 For me. 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:41.460 Need to be written down. 00:26:41.779 --> 00:26:42.779 Put on a calendar. 00:26:44.160 --> 00:26:45.420 Some sort of a plan. 00:26:45.420 --> 00:26:47.300 Needs to be put in place. 00:26:47.400 --> 00:26:48.539 I need a strategy. 00:26:48.980 --> 00:26:50.560 For fighting sin. 00:26:52.340 --> 00:26:53.519 I got to be aimed. 00:26:53.800 --> 00:26:54.279 I got to have. 00:26:54.539 --> 00:26:55.279 It's coming up. 00:26:55.380 --> 00:26:56.039 I know it's coming. 00:26:56.539 --> 00:26:57.580 I got to have a response. 00:26:57.580 --> 00:26:58.300 To the thing. 00:26:59.660 --> 00:27:00.600 What's the plan. 00:27:00.960 --> 00:27:01.279 How. 00:27:01.440 --> 00:27:02.560 Are you going to change. 00:27:02.900 --> 00:27:04.060 Empowered by God's grace. 00:27:04.060 --> 00:27:05.060 What are you going. 00:27:05.660 --> 00:27:06.180 To do. 00:27:06.840 --> 00:27:07.380 To change. 00:27:08.800 --> 00:27:09.259 Fourth. 00:27:10.539 --> 00:27:11.800 What is most likely. 00:27:12.580 --> 00:27:13.200 To prevent. 00:27:13.860 --> 00:27:14.380 Your change. 00:27:14.380 --> 00:27:15.780 What are the obstacles. 00:27:15.780 --> 00:27:17.020 That you anticipate. 00:27:17.020 --> 00:27:18.540 Getting in the way. 00:27:19.020 --> 00:27:19.680 Of your. 00:27:20.160 --> 00:27:20.640 Effort. 00:27:21.420 --> 00:27:22.040 For holiness. 00:27:23.140 --> 00:27:24.160 What circumstances. 00:27:24.160 --> 00:27:24.780 Needs to change. 00:27:24.840 --> 00:27:25.620 In order for you. 00:27:25.680 --> 00:27:26.260 To change. 00:27:26.500 --> 00:27:27.620 You might be in a circumstance. 00:27:27.620 --> 00:27:28.480 That needs to change. 00:27:28.560 --> 00:27:29.040 Itself. 00:27:29.180 --> 00:27:30.080 So that you can. 00:27:30.840 --> 00:27:31.320 Change. 00:27:32.480 --> 00:27:33.180 Your schedule. 00:27:33.420 --> 00:27:34.140 Would be an example. 00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:34.740 Maybe. 00:27:35.580 --> 00:27:36.500 Your friend group. 00:27:37.620 --> 00:27:38.800 Have you failed to change. 00:27:38.900 --> 00:27:39.660 So many times. 00:27:39.700 --> 00:27:40.200 In the past. 00:27:40.260 --> 00:27:40.860 That you're afraid. 00:27:40.980 --> 00:27:41.680 To even. 00:27:42.760 --> 00:27:43.240 Try. 00:27:43.240 --> 00:27:45.620 I encourage you not. 00:27:45.940 --> 00:27:46.500 To do so. 00:27:48.279 --> 00:27:48.720 Fifth. 00:27:50.079 --> 00:27:51.099 What truths. 00:27:51.180 --> 00:27:52.039 Do you need to believe. 00:27:52.400 --> 00:27:53.000 In order. 00:27:53.559 --> 00:27:53.819 To. 00:27:54.920 --> 00:27:55.359 Change. 00:27:56.319 --> 00:27:56.740 Maybe. 00:27:56.839 --> 00:27:57.259 Just the fact. 00:27:57.319 --> 00:27:57.680 That God. 00:27:57.799 --> 00:27:58.579 Does in fact. 00:27:58.819 --> 00:27:59.620 Graciously work. 00:27:59.680 --> 00:28:00.099 In the lives. 00:28:00.140 --> 00:28:00.680 Of his people. 00:28:00.759 --> 00:28:01.920 Something that you need. 00:28:01.920 --> 00:28:03.140 To take hold of. 00:28:03.720 --> 00:28:04.680 Philippians chapter 1. 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:05.319 Verse 6. 00:28:06.200 --> 00:28:06.640 Paul says. 00:28:06.700 --> 00:28:07.819 I am sure of this. 00:28:08.440 --> 00:28:09.279 That he who began. 00:28:09.319 --> 00:28:10.019 A good work in you. 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:10.680 Will bring it. 00:28:10.680 --> 00:28:11.680 To completion. 00:28:11.680 --> 00:28:12.460 At the day. 00:28:13.180 --> 00:28:14.120 Of Jesus Christ. 00:28:14.580 --> 00:28:15.980 Paul has a great confidence. 00:28:15.980 --> 00:28:16.820 In God's. 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:17.700 Sanctifying. 00:28:18.340 --> 00:28:18.660 Power. 00:28:19.299 --> 00:28:20.000 In our lives. 00:28:20.180 --> 00:28:21.320 I am sure. 00:28:21.539 --> 00:28:21.900 Of. 00:28:22.580 --> 00:28:22.940 This. 00:28:23.340 --> 00:28:23.600 Do you. 00:28:23.880 --> 00:28:24.360 Feel that way. 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:25.480 I am sure of this. 00:28:25.960 --> 00:28:26.660 That he who began. 00:28:26.720 --> 00:28:27.120 A good work. 00:28:27.220 --> 00:28:27.840 In me. 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:28.400 Will bring it. 00:28:28.420 --> 00:28:28.880 To completion. 00:28:29.380 --> 00:28:30.060 At the day. 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:31.720 Of Jesus Christ. 00:28:32.779 --> 00:28:33.180 Perhaps. 00:28:33.180 --> 00:28:33.400 Your. 00:28:34.120 --> 00:28:34.480 Failure. 00:28:34.480 --> 00:28:35.019 To change. 00:28:35.019 --> 00:28:36.360 Across this past year. 00:28:36.519 --> 00:28:37.120 Is discouraging. 00:28:37.120 --> 00:28:37.500 To you. 00:28:37.600 --> 00:28:37.840 For. 00:28:38.440 --> 00:28:39.100 The next year. 00:28:39.180 --> 00:28:39.460 And you need. 00:28:39.460 --> 00:28:40.240 To be reminded. 00:28:41.200 --> 00:28:41.720 Romans 8. 00:28:41.779 --> 00:28:42.120 1. 00:28:43.039 --> 00:28:43.539 There is therefore. 00:28:43.640 --> 00:28:44.279 Now no. 00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:45.500 Condemnation. 00:28:45.759 --> 00:28:46.480 For those. 00:28:46.559 --> 00:28:47.220 Who are in. 00:28:47.620 --> 00:28:48.480 Christ Jesus. 00:28:49.720 --> 00:28:50.720 God sees you. 00:28:50.799 --> 00:28:51.420 If you are in Christ. 00:28:51.519 --> 00:28:52.640 When God sees you. 00:28:52.779 --> 00:28:53.620 He sees. 00:28:54.440 --> 00:28:54.960 Jesus. 00:28:56.160 --> 00:28:56.680 Clothed. 00:28:56.720 --> 00:28:57.140 In his. 00:28:57.660 --> 00:28:58.200 Righteousness. 00:28:58.200 --> 00:28:59.100 You have put on. 00:28:59.180 --> 00:29:00.220 The perfect work. 00:29:00.799 --> 00:29:01.640 Of Christ. 00:29:01.860 --> 00:29:02.660 And so you have. 00:29:02.940 --> 00:29:04.100 Such reason. 00:29:04.600 --> 00:29:05.900 To stand before God. 00:29:06.059 --> 00:29:06.220 And to. 00:29:06.319 --> 00:29:07.420 To entreat him. 00:29:07.519 --> 00:29:07.980 To work. 00:29:07.980 --> 00:29:08.579 In you. 00:29:08.660 --> 00:29:09.500 To have confidence. 00:29:09.500 --> 00:29:10.299 That he will. 00:29:10.620 --> 00:29:11.160 Work in you. 00:29:11.200 --> 00:29:11.680 There is no. 00:29:12.180 --> 00:29:12.700 Condemnation. 00:29:13.180 --> 00:29:13.799 For you. 00:29:13.940 --> 00:29:14.400 And so. 00:29:14.400 --> 00:29:15.440 What a joy. 00:29:15.599 --> 00:29:16.099 It is then. 00:29:16.640 --> 00:29:17.400 To get to work. 00:29:18.079 --> 00:29:18.819 To obey. 00:29:18.980 --> 00:29:19.460 Your heavenly. 00:29:20.240 --> 00:29:20.559 Father. 00:29:20.940 --> 00:29:21.799 As you are his child. 00:29:24.200 --> 00:29:24.839 Sixth. 00:29:25.860 --> 00:29:26.680 Are you. 00:29:27.019 --> 00:29:27.400 Committed. 00:29:27.920 --> 00:29:28.400 To change. 00:29:28.799 --> 00:29:28.940 Right. 00:29:29.039 --> 00:29:30.440 Change will take work. 00:29:30.579 --> 00:29:31.120 On your. 00:29:31.799 --> 00:29:32.099 Part. 00:29:32.299 --> 00:29:32.740 I made this. 00:29:32.980 --> 00:29:33.299 Case. 00:29:33.720 --> 00:29:34.640 Effort has to go. 00:29:34.779 --> 00:29:35.279 Into it. 00:29:35.819 --> 00:29:36.660 Make a plan. 00:29:36.660 --> 00:29:38.060 Anticipate the. 00:29:40.040 --> 00:29:40.519 Possible. 00:29:41.880 --> 00:29:42.320 Obstacles. 00:29:42.440 --> 00:29:42.960 In the way. 00:29:43.460 --> 00:29:44.360 It is going to take. 00:29:44.620 --> 00:29:44.940 Work. 00:29:45.519 --> 00:29:46.100 Are you ready. 00:29:46.640 --> 00:29:47.580 Are you ready. 00:29:47.580 --> 00:29:48.860 To get to work. 00:29:49.300 --> 00:29:49.940 To change. 00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:51.700 And then lastly. 00:29:52.940 --> 00:29:53.860 How can I. 00:29:54.400 --> 00:29:55.360 How can we. 00:29:55.779 --> 00:29:57.259 How can this church. 00:29:57.800 --> 00:29:58.500 Help you. 00:29:59.560 --> 00:29:59.960 Change. 00:30:00.340 --> 00:30:00.440 Right. 00:30:00.680 --> 00:30:01.540 Share with somebody. 00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:02.440 Get with somebody. 00:30:02.600 --> 00:30:03.519 Tell them what you are doing. 00:30:03.759 --> 00:30:04.560 Ask for prayer. 00:30:04.759 --> 00:30:05.600 Ask for accountability. 00:30:05.599 --> 00:30:07.619 Tell them the truth. 00:30:07.740 --> 00:30:08.179 You need them. 00:30:08.199 --> 00:30:09.079 To speak to you. 00:30:09.079 --> 00:30:10.480 Because you have a hard time. 00:30:10.519 --> 00:30:11.240 Believing them. 00:30:11.539 --> 00:30:12.439 Think about ways. 00:30:12.439 --> 00:30:13.619 That you can be helped. 00:30:14.459 --> 00:30:15.119 And let's. 00:30:15.399 --> 00:30:15.879 Change. 00:30:16.439 --> 00:30:16.839 Together. 00:30:17.299 --> 00:30:18.199 In 2026. 00:30:18.899 --> 00:30:19.679 Let's resolve. 00:30:20.339 --> 00:30:21.259 Providence Baptist Church. 00:30:21.679 --> 00:30:22.659 To be holy. 00:30:23.579 --> 00:30:24.019 Dependently. 00:30:24.719 --> 00:30:25.879 For the glory of Christ. 00:30:26.379 --> 00:30:26.740 Let's pray.