Guest Notes
01-04-2025 “A New Year, A New Commitment: Living for Christ”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Colossians 3:1–3 (NIV)
“Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above…”
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The start of a new year invites reflection and resolution. We make plans to eat better, do better, and live better. But as followers of Christ, our greatest commitment is not self-improvement—it is Christ-centered living.
A new year is not just a change of calendar; it is an opportunity to renew our surrender.
The question is not,
What do I want this year to bring? But how does Christ want to live through me this year?
I. Begin the Year Remembering Who You Are in Christ
You are an ambassador for Christ. People may not read the Bible, but they will read YOU differently
Before we change what we do, we must remember who we are.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.”
Living for Christ begins with identity:
• You are forgiven
• You are redeemed
• You are made new
We don’t live for Christ to earn salvation—we live for Christ because we have been saved.
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2. Start the Year by Surrendering Your Life to Christ
Living for Christ requires daily surrender.
Romans 12:1
“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.”
Surrender means:
• Placing Christ at the center of our decisions
• Letting go of control
• Trusting God’s direction over our own plans
A surrendered life says,
“Lord, lead me—this year belongs to You.”
3. Set Your Focus on Things That Matter Eternally
The world tells us to focus on success, comfort, and recognition. Christ calls us to a higher focus.
Colossians 3:1–2
“Set your hearts on things above… Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Living for Christ means:
• Prioritizing spiritual growth
• Seeking God’s kingdom first
• Evaluating goals through an eternal lens
When Christ is our focus, everything else finds its proper place.
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IV. Commit to Daily Practices That Draw You Closer to Christ
Faith grows through intentional habits.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Living for Christ in the new year includes:
• Regular prayer
• Time in God’s Word
• Worship and fellowship
• Service and generosity
We don’t grow by accident—we grow by commitment.
V. Live the New Year on Mission for Christ
Christ did not save us to sit still—He saved us to serve.
Matthew 28:19–20
“Go and make disciples of all nations…”
Living for Christ means:
• Loving people intentionally
• Sharing hope boldly
• Serving faithfully wherever God places YOU
Our lives become a testimony when Christ is seen through us.
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Conclusion:
A new year brings new opportunities—but the greatest opportunity is to live fully for Christ.
Let this year be marked by:
• Deeper faith
• Greater obedience
• Stronger love
• Clearer purpose
May we be able to say at the end of this year,
“I didn’t just live through the year—I lived for Christ.” With a BIG SMILE ON YOUR FACE!
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Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
As we step into this new year, we place our lives in Your hands. Renew our hearts, redirect our priorities, and strengthen our faith. Help us to live each day for Your glory, guided by Your Spirit and grounded in Your Word. May our lives reflect Your love and truth.
In Your holy name, Amen.
I realize that everyone is comfortable with a public profession of faith in Jesus. If you want the opportunity for salvation is a small, intimate environment
Reach out to us by calling or texting 336-338-8037 or southplainfieldfriends.org/ click on contact us, and we will guide you through the next steps.
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