Making New Year Resolutions Series

MAKING NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Daniel 1:8

Key Verse: “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat…” (Daniel 1:8)

Supporting Texts: Joshua 24:15; Psalm 119:112; Proverbs 16:3; Luke 9:62; Philippians 3:13-14

INTRODUCTION

The beginning of a new year provides a divine opportunity for reflection, redirection, and intentional decision-making. Many people enter the new year with hopes and wishes, but without clear spiritual resolutions, those hopes often fade as the year progresses. God expects His people to be deliberate and purposeful in their walk with Him.

Biblical resolutions are not mere promises made in excitement; they are firm decisions rooted in conviction, obedience, and faith. Throughout Scripture, men and women who experienced lasting impact were those who “purposed in their hearts” to follow God regardless of opposition or convenience.

This message reveals how godly resolutions, when anchored in Scripture and empowered by grace, can position believers for spiritual growth, divine guidance, and lasting success throughout the new year.

1. BIBLICAL RESOLUTIONS BEGIN WITH A PURPOSED HEART

Godly resolutions start with inner conviction, not external pressure. A resolved heart determines consistent obedience.

a) INNER CONVICTION (Daniel 1:8) – True resolution begins when the heart is firmly convinced to honor God regardless of circumstances. Daniel’s decision was inward before it became visible outwardly.

b) PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY (Psalm 119:112) – Biblical resolutions require personal commitment, not dependence on others’ faith or choices. Each believer must take responsibility for their spiritual growth.

c) CLEAR SPIRITUAL VALUES (Joshua 24:15) – Resolution is strengthened when values are clearly defined. Knowing whom you serve eliminates confusion and compromise.

d) CONSISTENT DEDICATION (Luke 9:62) – Godly resolutions demand steadfastness and refusal to look back once the decision has been made.

Biblical Example: Daniel resolved not to defile himself and remained faithful, resulting in divine favour, wisdom, and promotion (Daniel 1:8-20).

2. GOD-HONOURING RESOLUTIONS REQUIRE COMMITMENT TO GOD

Resolutions succeed when they are surrendered to God and sustained by His grace.

a) COMMITMENT TO GOD’S WILL (Proverbs 16:3) – When plans are committed to the Lord, He establishes and stabilizes them for success.

b) DEPENDENCE ON DIVINE GRACE (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Human strength alone cannot sustain godly resolutions; grace empowers consistency.

c) ALIGNMENT WITH GOD’S WORD (Psalm 119:105) – Resolutions must be guided by Scripture to avoid error and spiritual imbalance.

d) PRAYERFUL DIRECTION (James 1:5) – Seeking God’s wisdom ensures that resolutions align with divine purpose and timing.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah committed his plans to God through prayer and fasting before rebuilding Jerusalem, leading to success despite opposition (Nehemiah 1:4-11; 6:15-16).

3. LETTING GO OF THE PAST STRENGTHENS NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

A new season requires releasing old failures, regrets, and distractions.

a) FORGETTING PAST FAILURES (Philippians 3:13) – Dwelling on past mistakes weakens resolve and drains spiritual energy. Letting go creates room for progress.

b) RELEASING REGRETS (Isaiah 43:18) – God calls His people to stop living in yesterday’s pain and focus on what He is doing now.

c) BREAKING OLD HABITS (Ephesians 4:22-24) – New resolutions require intentional abandonment of destructive patterns and lifestyles.

d) FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE (Hebrews 12:1) – Casting off unnecessary weights enables believers to pursue God’s purpose with endurance.

Biblical Example: Paul left behind his past as a persecutor and pursued God’s calling with unwavering focus (Acts 9:1-20; Philippians 3:13-14).

4. CONSISTENCY IS THE KEY TO FULFILLING NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

Resolutions only produce results when sustained with discipline and perseverance.

a) DAILY DISCIPLINE (1 Corinthians 9:27) – Spiritual growth requires intentional discipline to remain aligned with godly goals.

b) SPIRITUAL ACCOUNTABILITY (Proverbs 27:17) – Fellowship and accountability strengthen resolve and prevent spiritual decline.

c) PERSEVERANCE IN CHALLENGES (Galatians 6:9) – Difficult seasons test resolutions, but perseverance guarantees reward.

d) CONTINUOUS SPIRITUAL GROWTH (2 Peter 3:18) – Growth keeps resolutions alive and relevant throughout the year.

Biblical Example: Jesus remained steadfast in His mission despite temptation, opposition, and suffering, fulfilling God’s redemptive plan (Luke 4:1-13; John 19:30).

CONCLUSION

Making New Year resolutions is not about temporary enthusiasm but about making firm, godly decisions that honor God and shape destiny. When resolutions are rooted in Scripture, sustained by grace, and pursued with discipline, they produce lasting spiritual and physical transformation.

As you step into the new year, purpose in your heart to walk closely with God, remain consistent in obedience, and trust Him to establish every righteous decision you make.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to make godly resolutions that honour You.

2. Lord, strengthen my heart to remain committed throughout the year.

3. I receive grace to discipline myself in spiritual growth.

4. Father, help me to let go of past failures and regrets.

5. Lord, align my plans with Your perfect will.

6. I receive strength to overcome distractions and temptations.