1. KEEPING YOUR RESOLUTIONS

2. Have You Made Resolutions? Have you kept all your resolutions? Stop (insert bad habit here) Start reading the Bible daily Attend all the services Finish school Be kind to others Save money Lose weight

3. BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES 2 Corinthians 8-9 How to make a commitment and follow through Paul writes to make sure the Corinthians have the collection ready before he arrives They made the commitment one year earlier 8:10, 9:2 Paul equips the saints with principles that will motivate them to keep their resolutions

4. 1.Follow a Successful Example 8:1-6 Examples are powerful We should follow the apostles 1 Cor. 4:16-17 We should be examples 1 Timothy 4:12 Matthew 5:13-16 Examples instill confidence 8:8 Christ is the greatest example 8:9

5. 2. Have an Effective Plan 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 If you do not experience success, you will eventually give up Put it in writing

6. 2. Have an Effective Plan 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 If you do not experience success, you will eventually give up Put it in writing IN INK

7. 2. Have an Effective Plan 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 If you do not experience success, you will eventually give up Put it in writing in ink Build on the foundation of good will

8. 2. Have an Effective Plan 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 If you do not experience success, you will eventually give up Put it in writing in ink Build on the foundation of good will They made a good start 8:10-12

9. 2. Have an Effective Plan 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 If you do not experience success, you will eventually give up Put it in writing in ink Build on the foundation of good will They made a good start 8:10-12 God loves a cheerful giver 9:7

10. 3. Believe in the Plan Paul says some things to increase their confidence in the plan Capability 8:7, 12 Fairness 8:13-15 Honesty 8:16-24 Without faith, a person gives up Paul wants them to have confidence by expressing his confidence in them

11. 4. Have Specific Expectations 8:6, 10-11, 22; 9:8-9 Paul expressed his expectations Acts 26:24-29 Philippians 1:6 Philemon 21-22 A very effective motivational tool

12. 5. Enlist the Help of Others Paul used the Corinthians to motivate the Macedonians 8:24, 9:2 Paul used the Macedonians to motivate the Corinthians 9:3-5 Accountability to others is a strong motivation fear of shame 9:4

13. 6. Look to the Reward 9:6-15 Sow more; reap more 9:6-10 The Corinthians are rewarded by God 9:6-7 They have security 9:8 They have a spiritual reward 9:10 God is glorified 9:11-15 For those who love God, this is the greatest reward!