1. Some REAL Resolutions (3) 2 Corinthians 13:5

2. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? – Unless indeed you are disqualified.” 2 Corinthians 13:5

3. With 2012 now here it is a good time to examine ourselves In our lessons last week and today we want to notice some underlying attitudes that will help us keep our resolve to become better.

4. Seek First the Kingdom of God Matthew 6:33 - This is the key to everything It means that He is our priority It means it is the first thing to be addressed

5. To seek first the kingdom of God Love God with all your heart, soul and mind Matthew 22:37-40 Demonstrated by keeping His commandments – 1 John 5:2-3, 2:3-5

6. To seek first the kingdom of God Renew your mind – Rom. 12:1-2 – Make up your mind 2 Cor. 4:16 – a daily occurrence Learn self-control - 2 Pet. 1:i, Gal. 5:23 Overcome worldliness – 1 John 2:15-17 Learn contentment – Phil. 4:11

7. Reach Forward Let us determine to NOT live in the past. Far too many live in mediocrity. Such things destroy and damage body and soul Christians need to move ahead Rev. 3:15-17

8. Reach Forward Christians need to move ahead Phil. 3:12-14, Heb. 12:1-2, Gal. 6:9 Let us never give up. When we fall down – GET UP!

9. Reach Forward A part of reaching forward it making plans. What is your “vision statement”? Luke 14:28 – count the cost Nehemiah had a plan The disciples made plans The “scheme of redemption” was a “mission statement”

10. Increase my faith Faith is a key ingredient in the Christian life cf. 2 Pet. 1:5-7 Lack of faith often a hindrance in spiritual growth and maturity Jas. 1:5-7

11. Increase my faith The Christian life is built upon faith - Heb. 11:6 2 Cor. 10:15, Rom. 1:8, 1 Thess. 1:8-9

12. Increase my faith Luke 17:5, Mark 9:23-24 – increase our faith Psalm 37:25 As the priority of the kingdom increases, our faith will grow naturally

13. Care about others Matt. 22:37-40 The second greatest commandment – love your neighbor as yourself God wants us to share with others

14. Care about others Love your neighbor as yourself - Rom. 13:9, Gal. 5:14, Jas. 2:8, etc.

15. Care about others Other passages Phil. 2:3-4, Gal. 6:10, Rom. 15:2, 1 Cor. 10:24 We NEED to care about others enough to share God’s kingdom – cf. Matt. 5:14-16 Let’s resolve to care & share

16. Is God and His Kingdom first? 2 Corinthians 13:5