It's Your Turn Now
Stepping into 2025 with Purpose and Faith
Opening Scripture:
"Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established."
— Proverbs 16:3 (NASB)
Introduction:
The beginning of a new year often brings reflection and resolve. It's a time to ask: What does God desire for me in this new season? Today, I want to challenge each of us to step into 2025 with a renewed focus on spiritual goals, deeper commitments to God, family, and Lifeway Church.
Illustration: The Gym Membership Effect
At the start of every year, gyms are packed with people determined to fulfill their New Year’s resolutions. Have you ever noticed this? The parking lots are full, the treadmills are taken, and everyone seems motivated to "get fit." But come February… crickets. The parking lot is empty, the treadmills are gathering dust, and the only ones left are the regulars who never stopped coming.
This phenomenon is what I like to call the "Gym Membership Effect." We start strong but quickly lose steam when life gets busy or it gets hard.
Now imagine if we treated our relationship with God the same way. We make bold declarations: "This year, I’m going to read the Bible cover to cover!" or "This year, I’m going to pray every morning!" But by mid-February—or sometimes mid-January—we’ve fallen off track.
That’s the difference between a resolution and a resolve. Resolutions are often fleeting because they rely on our willpower. Resolve, on the other hand, is a deep, unwavering commitment, rooted in God’s strength. This year, instead of making a resolution that fizzles out, let’s resolve to prioritize our spiritual goals, deepen our commitment to God, and follow through with the purpose He has for us.
It’s your turn now—let’s not just join the gym of faith; let’s stay in it.
- Set Your Spiritual Goals
Key Scripture: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” — Matthew 6:33 (NASB)
As believers, our spiritual goals should always center on growing in faith and glorifying God. Ask yourself:
- How can I deepen my prayer life? Make it a goal to set aside dedicated time with God daily.
- How can I grow in knowledge of the Word? Join Bible studies, like our Rooted and Real class, and commit to reading through the Bible this year.
- How can I serve others? Look for ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.
When we prioritize the kingdom of God, He promises to take care of our needs.
- Deepening Your Prayer Life
Key Scripture: “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.” — Colossians 4:2 (NASB)
Prayer is more than a routine; it’s a lifeline to God. To deepen your prayer life:
Create a Sacred Space: Designate a quiet place where you can meet with God daily. It might be a chair in your living room, a spot on your porch, or even your car before heading into work.
Develop a Structure: Use the ACTS model (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) to guide your prayers. This helps keep your focus on God’s character while addressing your needs and the needs of others.
Be Consistent: Start small but be faithful. Even 10 minutes of focused, heartfelt prayer each day can transform your relationship with God.
Pray with Others: Join a prayer group or regularly pray with your family. There’s power in unity and intercession.
Illustration: Think of prayer like charging your phone. If you don’t plug it in daily, it dies. How much more important is it to recharge your spirit by staying connected to God?
- Growing in Knowledge of the Word
Key Scripture: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (NASB)
The Bible is God’s roadmap for our lives, but we have to open it to be guided by it. To grow in your knowledge of the Word:
Commit to a Plan: Choose a Bible reading plan that works for you. Whether it’s reading through the Bible in a year, focusing on a specific book, or studying key themes, consistency is key.
Study Deeply: Don’t just skim the surface—dive deep. Join our Rooted and Real class or a similar Bible study where you can learn from others and engage in discussions.
Memorize Scripture: Choose a verse each week to commit to memory. Over time, God’s Word will become your reflex in moments of need or decision.
Apply What You Learn: Knowledge without application is incomplete. Ask, “What is God saying to me through this passage, and how can I live it out today?”
Illustration: Imagine you’re trying to assemble furniture without the instructions. You might get some parts together, but it’ll never function as designed. God’s Word is our instruction manual—it ensures our lives are built according to His plan.
- Serving Others
Key Scripture: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, so that we would walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10 (NASB)
Serving is one of the greatest expressions of our faith. To truly be the hands and feet of Jesus:
Start Small, Stay Faithful: You don’t need a grand gesture to make an impact. Helping a neighbor, volunteering at church, or mentoring a younger believer are simple yet powerful ways to serve.
Use Your Gifts: God has uniquely gifted each of us for service. Whether it’s teaching, hospitality, administration, or encouragement, find a way to use your gifts for His glory.
Serve Where You Are Needed: Sometimes God calls us to serve outside our comfort zones. Be open to stepping into roles that stretch your faith.
Make It a Lifestyle: Serving isn’t just something we do—it’s who we are as followers of Christ. Look for opportunities to bless others in your daily life.
Illustration: Picture a pitcher of water that’s constantly being poured out but never refilled—it will soon run dry. But when connected to a source, it can pour endlessly. By serving, you allow God’s love to flow through you, blessing others while keeping you filled with His grace.
Challenge:
As you reflect on these three areas—prayer, the Word, and serving—ask God to reveal where He wants you to grow this year. Write down one goal for each area and commit to revisiting it regularly. Remember, spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident; it requires intentional effort and reliance on God’s strength.
Let’s make 2025 the year we move from resolutions to resolve, building a life that glorifies God in every area.
- Renew Your Commitment to God
Key Scripture: “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” — Romans 12:1 (NASB)
A new year is the perfect opportunity to recommit our hearts and lives to God. This involves more than Sunday worship; it’s about daily surrender and obedience.
- Faithful Worship: Make it a priority to gather with other believers weekly.
- Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB)
“And let us consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of gathering as believers to support, encourage, and grow together in faith.
- Psalm 95:6-7 (NASB)
“Come, let’s worship and bow down, let’s kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.”
Worshiping together acknowledges God’s sovereignty and strengthens our collective faith as His people.
- Acts 2:42 (NASB)
“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.”
The early church modeled the importance of regular worship, fellowship, and prayer in community.
- Obedience in Action: Live out your faith in your workplace, community, and home.
- James 1:22 (NASB)
“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.”
Our faith must move beyond belief into actionable obedience in every area of life.
- Matthew 5:16 (NASB)
“Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Living out our faith publicly brings glory to God and points others toward Him.
- Colossians 3:23-24 (NASB)
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”
This reminds us to approach every task—whether at home, work, or in the community—as service to Christ.
- Trust in God's Plan: Whatever challenges you face this year, commit to trusting God's sovereignty.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Trusting God means surrendering our plans and relying on His guidance and wisdom.
- Romans 8:28 (NASB)
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Even in challenges, we can trust God is working for our ultimate good and His glory.
- Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
This verse reassures us of God’s constant presence and support through every difficulty.
- Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB)
“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
God’s plans for us are filled with hope, even when they’re beyond our understanding.
- Strengthen Your Commitment to Your Family
Key Scripture: “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” — 1 Timothy 5:8 (NASB)
Our families are a God-given priority. This year, let’s commit to strengthening our relationships:
- Spiritual Leadership: Men, step into your God-given role as spiritual leaders in your home. Lead your family in prayer and devotion.
- Ephesians 6:4 (NASB)
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
This verse emphasizes the responsibility of men to lead their families spiritually, guiding them in the ways of the Lord through love and intentional teaching.
- Quality Time: Prioritize meaningful moments with your spouse and children.
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NASB)
"These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up."
This passage highlights the importance of spending intentional time with family, using everyday moments to teach, connect, and nurture relationships through God-centered conversations.
- Forgiveness and Grace: Reflect Christ’s love in your family by being quick to forgive and slow to anger.
- Colossians 3:13 (NASB)
"Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also."
This verse underscores the need for forgiveness and grace within the family, modeling Christ’s love by being quick to forgive and striving for peace.
- Deepen Your Commitment to Lifeway Church
Key Scripture: “And let us consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” — Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB)
Lifeway Church is more than a place of worship; it’s our spiritual home. How will you commit to building this community in 2025?
- Serve Faithfully: Find a ministry where you can use your gifts to serve others.
- 1 Peter 4:10 (NASB)
"As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God."
This verse encourages believers to use their God-given gifts in service to others, demonstrating faithful stewardship and reflecting God’s grace.
- Encourage Generosity: The tithe is not just about money—it’s a reflection of trust and obedience to God. When you give your time, talents, and treasures, you’re participating in God’s work through this church.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NASB)
"Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed."
Generosity in giving, whether of time, talents, or finances, flows from a cheerful heart and trust in God’s provision, enabling participation in His work.
- The Power of Faithful Giving in a Small Congregation
Tithing, traditionally understood as giving 10% of one's income to the local church, is about more than meeting financial needs—it's an act of worship, trust, and partnership in God's work. While statistics show that many churchgoers don’t tithe, there’s incredible potential for even small congregations to make a big impact through consistent, faithful giving.
Encouraging Realities for Small Churches
- God Multiplies Our Faithful Giving
Even with a small congregation, faithful giving can accomplish extraordinary things. Just as Jesus fed thousands with five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21), God uses our obedience to achieve His purposes, no matter the size of the offering.
- Building on Strengths
In churches with fewer than 50 attendees, the average giving per person is $2,589 annually (ChurchTrac). This means small congregations often give more per person than larger churches. Every contribution counts, and small groups can lead the way in generosity!
- The Heart of Tithing
Tithing isn’t about the amount—it’s about trust, obedience, and a desire to glorify God. Even small acts of consistent giving build a foundation for ministry, outreach, and care for one another.
- What Faithful Giving Can Achieve in Our Church
- Strengthen Ministry Programs
Consistent giving allows us to invest in ministry opportunities tailored to our community’s needs, from Bible studies to outreach events that share God’s love.
- Care for Our Facilities
Keeping our space welcoming and functional ensures it remains a place where people encounter God and build relationships.
- Expand Our Reach
Faithful giving equips us to step outside the church walls, serve our neighbors, and be the hands and feet of Jesus.
- Why Your Gift Matters
In a small congregation, every single gift has an immediate and visible impact. Whether it’s providing resources for children’s ministry, supporting outreach events, or maintaining the church building, your generosity helps create a foundation for growth.
Think of it like planting seeds. Even a small congregation can bear a harvest of blessings when every member participates. By giving consistently, we trust God to multiply our efforts and do more than we could ever imagine.
As 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us:
"Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Together, through our faithfulness, we can accomplish God’s work for our church, our families, and our community. Let’s step into this new year with hearts full of trust and commitment to seeing His plans unfold!
- Be Present: Commit to consistent attendance, not just for your growth, but to inspire and uplift others.
- Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB)
"And let us consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."
Consistent attendance is vital for personal growth and to encourage and uplift others in the faith community.
Conclusion:
This year, it’s your turn to step forward in faith. To set goals that honor God, to commit wholeheartedly to Him, your family, and Lifeway Church.
Closing Scripture:
"Let us not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary."
— Galatians 6:9 (NASB)
Call to Action:
As we enter 2025, let us dedicate this year to the Lord with intentionality. Write down your spiritual goals. Share them with your family. Seek accountability within the church. And remember, this is your turn to walk boldly in faith.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us into a new year. Guide our steps, strengthen our faith, and help us commit fully to Your will. Bless our families and our church, and may we glorify You in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
