Christians are not called to specifically make new year resolutions as a mandatory exercise. However, we tend to practice it nevertheless, due to cultural norm. But Christians are to approach this as a spiritual discipline primarily, and not just for physical wellbeing.
Many Christians approach the topic of fasting as a legalistic practice, trying to please (bribe) God into favor toward us in some way or the other. But the Bible is more nuanced on fasting than we usually tend to think and practice. In this passage, we learn what kind of Spiritual importance Fasting holds.
In the Bible, Israelites living in exile was often a result of their disobedience and their lack of trust in Yahweh. Instead of repenting of their sins, they grumbled against God without understanding His purpose for their lives even during their state of exile. This passage reminds us how we can be like Israelites, but also shows us the remedy to live a purposeful life.
Sometimes when we complain and grumble over a situation or a circumstance in our life, we indirectly grumble over God Himself. When we grumble and complain about people whom God has placed under our care or within our reach, we are frustrated with God. But having such an attitude is basically a sin we commit against God. In this passage, we learn about how we can overcome this sin of being frustrated with God our lives.
In the Bible, when people disobeyed the Lord’s commandments and acted foolishly, they were often rebuked for their spiritual pride. Any time we behave this way, it could be an indication that our disobedience and reliance upon our own wisdom is a sign of Spiritual pride. In this passage, we learn how we can get rid of Spiritual pride.
Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit through God’s word, a Christian can be self-deceived for this entire life. How can we as Christians avoid self-deception? How can we prevent ourselves from succumbing to the temptations in our lives? In other words, how can we grow more in holiness? Listen to the sermon to find out.
God often gently convicts His people of their sinfulness and rebelliousness even when the sins of His people might seem like an insignificant sin, lest such a sin grow into fruition. But when a nation commits idolatry, God also does not withhold from punishing and rebuking them. In this passage, we learn how to avoid being in opposition or hostile to God and His ways in our daily lives.
The Bible doesn’t shy away from confronting and rebuking our sins committed against God and His people. When such a reminder is given to us because of our sins, God expects all of us to practice repentance. In this Passage, we learn what true repentance is and how can we practice true repentance.
Christianity is the only religion or a worldview which teaches us that people who take refuge in Christ, people who believe that He is the only Savior of their lives, will overcome death and sin. These are two of the most powerful evils in our life which are inescapable, they’re very part of our existence. But God promises that He will deliver His people on the last day when Christ returns. In this passage, we learn that Christians will have victory over death and sin when Christ returns to take them home (heaven), but we also learn what Christians are required to do until that day comes.