As we look to a new year in 2020, it is important to think about the things we should be doing better, especially in our service to God. We all probably need to be more diligent in Bible reading, prayer, persevering, temperance, self-denial … the list could go on and on. And it is good and appropriate to make resolutions to improve in some of these areas.
But instead of talking about what we should be doing for God, this Sunday we want to consider what God is doing for us. Because this is where our ultimate confidence lies. It is because Christ continues to sustain us each day, into eternity, that we have real and lasting hope in this new year.
1) Christ’s work in the past.
Point to ponder: The grace of God has already been given to you, as a believer, through Jesus Christ!
Question to consider: Have you been consistently grounding your hope in what God has done for you, or are you constantly worrying about what you need to do for God?
2) Christ’s work in the present.
Point to ponder: Grace means dependence, but dependence on God is an active dependence.
Question to consider: Could your life be accurately summed up as “waiting for the revealing of Jesus Christ”?
3) Christ’s work in the future.
Point to ponder: God called you into the fellowship of his Son, and will not stop sustaining you until the fellowship is perfect.
Question to consider: As you look to the future, is your gaze on yourself or your circumstances, or is your confidence in Christ?