Sunday 2nd January 2022: Resolved to know Christ

Resolved to know Christ

 

Happy New Year.  It’s that time again when it seems the customary thing to do is to make New Year’s resolutions.  A concept we either approve of or disapprove of, when it comes to this notion of trying to improve ourselves through self-effort.

 

But, if you could have anything in this year ahead, what would you ask for?  I’m sure many things spring to mind instantly, but would you think like Solomon, who was given that exact choice by God.  By his mature response, Solomon found favour with God, as this young man asked for the wisdom to know the difference between good and evil (1 Kings 3.9).  This was the expression of Solomon’s hearts-desire, by which he presented himself approved by God to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2.15).

 

New Year signals a time to look forward with hope, and the opportunity for a new start.  Time to kick the old, bad habits and start some new, good habits.  So, with hope of achieving this, some of us make resolutions to determine how life will be at the other end.  With that in mind and to start us on the right path with God for 2022, perhaps the following could be beneficial:

 

  1. Develop good spiritual fruit, and aim not to be a religious nut (Galatians 5.22)

 

  1. Trust God, knowing there is a better way than mine (Proverbs 3.5-6)

 

  1. Acknowledge there is no key to happiness, because God’s door is always open (John 10.2-4)

 

  1. Not worry, but to trust God as Solomon did (Luke 12.25-31)

 

  1. As a child of God, resolve to call home every day in prayer (Jeremiah 29.12)

 

  1. When the effects of stress produce a great tangle, I will be still and allow God to untangle the knot(Psalm 46.10, 1 Peter 5.7)

 

  1. Resolve to love unconditionally, because unforgiveness is too heavy a thing for me to carry (Leviticus 19.18, Matthew 11.29-30).

 

Over and above these biblical principles, the Apostle Paul wrote an inspired thought in 1 Corinthians 2 verse 2, ‘For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified…’.  Paul is teaching the mature in faith the attitude needed to ‘be diligent [so] that we present ourselves approved to God, as workers who do not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth’ (2 Timothy 2.15).  Something Solomon did instinctively.

 

Being resolved in this kind of commitment is noble, but it is also practical to build our faith in God.  The Apostle Paul is giving us insight into a beneficial resolution with eternal benefits.  This year is an ideal opportunity to do as Paul did, and resolve to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified.  So, with the aim of fulfilling that all-embracing goal, here’s some advice from God’s Word on how this can be achieved:

 

  1. Resolve to study the Scriptures steadily and constantly, to enable growth in the knowledge of God through His Word (Joshua 7.1-9, Matthew 4.4).

 

  1. Resolve never to let an opportunity pass for prayer, knowing that God hears every word (Isaiah 65.24, 1 Thessalonians 5.16, I John 5:14).

 

  1. Resolve to give thanks in all things, full of faith and rejoicing in hope (1 Thessalonians 5.18, Romans 12.12).

 

  1. Resolve to do whatever might bring the most glory to God (I Corinthians 10.31).

 

  1. Resolve to never lose one moment of time, but to live with all might to honour Christ (Romans 12.9-20).

 

  1. Resolve to do nothing out of revenge (Romans 12.19).

 

  1. Resolve to bless others, even when it doesn’t seem justified (Romans 12.9,14,17).

 

  1. Resolve to ask God at the end of every day, where could I have served Him better and become more Christ like (Romans 8.29, John 3.30).

 

  1. Resolve to speak with grace to everyone (Colossians 4.6).

 

This resolution ‘to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified’, given by the Apostle Paul, is addressed to the spiritually mature (1 Corinthians 2.6), those who have confessed with their mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in their heart that God has raised Him from the dead, and have been saved (Romans 10.9).  Paul’s resolution provides a sound biblical foundation to move forward into the coming year, especially for anyone who desires to know God more and understand His ways; whether currently spiritually mature or aiming to be.  The suggestions above on how to accomplish this, provide godly wisdom on how to keep that resolution ever before you, and if followed, will determine how different things can be at the other end.

 

Prayer

 

Heavenly Father, now that Christmas is over, never let our lives be the same, as we reach towards the goal of doing Your will.  Given that our work is not yet done, help us to walk with You in faith, believing in Jesus.  Help us to understand what it means to know only Christ and Him crucified.  Give us wisdom to build Your kingdom and bear good fruit.  And, Lord Jesus, in Your Name we pray asking for the inspiration to live for You, filled with Your Spirit, Your joy and Your peace, amen.