MAKE THIS YEAR COUNT

Pastor Jonathan Falwell 

As we begin a brand-new year, it is another opportunity to make a difference. Many times, it is difficult to do things differently in the future because we fall back into the old habits of the past. It is certain God wants us all to make this next year count for the Kingdom, how can we make sure we start on the right track? 

Scripture: Galatians 5:13–26 (CSB) 

1. The struggle is real 

Galatians 5:1 (CSB) For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery

• Every Christian struggles with staying on track in their walk with God
• Usually this comes from “falling back” rather than “falling in”
• Recognize God’s gift and call to stay commited to the path

Gal. 5:13-14 (CSB) For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. 14For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.

2. The temptation is great

Gal. 5:15-21 (CSB) But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. 16I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, 20idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, 21envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

• Temptation is a real part of our life experience; how we handle it is based not on our ability but our commitment?
• Recognize the obvious!
• The more time we spend in the things that lift us up, the easier it will be to recognize the things that hold us back

3. So make it count

Gal. 5:22-26 (CSB) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. 24Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. 

• A checklist not only for the believer, but a checklist for a great life

So, let’s make this trip count…make a difference!

1. Tune up – vss 19-21

Clean out the things in your life which will derail the trip

• Do this through honest introspection. “What needs to stop?”

Shane Parrish – “Your success in 2025 depends more on what you say NO to than what you say yes to…”

2. Fuel up – vs 1 “stand firm”

Get into the Word (Heb 4:12 “living and powerful”)

• Read the Bible every day! Talk to God every day!

3. Clean up – vss 22-23

Make sure the right things are present in your life to guide the journey

4. Eyes up – vss 24-25

Get rid of the distractions

• This is a practical step to greatness

John Coleman – “Purpose isn’t magic-it’s something we must consciously pursue and create”[1]

Ephesians 5:16-17 (CSB) Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—16making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

[1] Coleman, J. (2022). HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose. Harvard Business Review Press. pg. 3.