What You Carry Into The New Year Matters Series

WHAT YOU CARRY INTO THE NEW YEAR MATTERS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Philippians 3:13-14

Key Verse: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:18-19; Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Hebrews 12:1-2; Genesis 12:1-4

INTRODUCTION:

The transition into a new year is not just a passage of time; it is a spiritual threshold. What you bring with you: your thoughts, habits, and unresolved issues can either empower or hinder your new season. God calls believers to intentionally release what is obsolete and to enter the new season prepared to embrace divine opportunities.

Many stumble into the new year carrying unconfessed sin, regrets, bitterness, or old failures. These weights are spiritual liabilities that can prevent the manifestation of God’s plan. By contrast, deliberate letting go, prayerful reflection, and obedience position the believer for breakthroughs.

This message challenges you to evaluate what you carry into the new year and to intentionally leave behind anything that hinders God’s blessings.

1. FORGETTING THE FORMER THINGS

Holding onto the past prevents full engagement with the new.

a) Let go of past failures (Philippians 3:13)

Dwelling on failures slows spiritual progress and clouds divine vision.

b) Release previous successes (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Overconfidence in past achievements can limit growth.

c) Forgive old grievances (Matthew 6:14-15)

Unforgiveness keeps chains around the heart, restricting new favour.

d) Surrender past fears and doubts (2 Timothy 1:7)

Fear carried from prior seasons hinders faith and boldness.

Biblical Example: Lot’s wife looked back at Sodom and became stuck, missing the promise of a new season (Genesis 19:26).

2. EMBRACING THE NEW

Faith and readiness determine the reception of new blessings.

a) Recognise God’s new work (Isaiah 43:19)

God always creates new paths and opportunities beyond the past.

b) Prepare your heart and mind (Romans 12:2)

Transformation requires renewing thoughts to align with God’s plans.

c) Step forward in obedience (Genesis 12:1-4)

Leaving familiar ground is essential for new blessings.

d) Maintain expectancy (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith anticipates the unseen, ensuring readiness for manifestation.

Biblical Example: Abraham left his homeland by faith, fully embracing the promise God had prepared (Genesis 12:1-4).

3. THE SPIRITUAL WEIGHT OF ATTITUDES

Your attitudes determine whether blessings will flow unhindered.

a) Release resentment (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Bitterness can obstruct divine favour and joy.

b) Let go of envy and comparison (Galatians 5:26)

Comparison diminishes contentment and blocks blessings.

c) Shed negativity and complaining (Philippians 2:14)

A grateful heart attracts favour, while negativity repels it.

d) Cultivate faith-filled confidence (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Walking by faith ensures alignment with God’s promises.

Biblical Example: Joseph overcame envy and betrayal with a positive, faithful attitude, leading to elevation (Genesis 37-41).

4. LETTING GO OF BURDENS

Spiritual, emotional, and physical burdens hinder progression.

a) Cast every care on God (1 Peter 5:7)

Surrendering burdens frees the believer to move forward.

b) Release regrets and guilt (Psalm 32:1-2)

Forgiveness and repentance lighten the soul.

c) Break cycles of disappointment (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Daily renewal allows for fresh opportunities.

d) Trust God for new outcomes (Proverbs 16:3)

Commitment of plans to God ensures success in the new season.

Biblical Example: The Israelites crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land, leaving wilderness burdens behind and stepping into a season of promise (Joshua 3:14-17).

5. POSITIONING FOR BLESSINGS

Active spiritual positioning determines the flow of God’s blessings.

a) Faithful stewardship (Matthew 25:21)

Responsibly handling what God has given positions for greater reward.

b) Prayerful anticipation (Philippians 4:6-7)

Prayer opens the door for divine direction and favour.

c) Consistent obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)

Blessings follow those who walk in alignment with God.

d) Gratitude and praise (Psalm 100:4)

A heart of thankfulness maximises access to God’s abundance.

Biblical Example: Daniel’s consistent obedience and prayer positioned him for divine elevation in Babylon (Daniel 6:10-23).

CONCLUSION:

What you carry into the new year determines your access to God’s promises. Release all burdens, unconfessed sins, limiting mindsets, and negative attitudes. Step forward in faith, obedience, and expectancy.

By positioning yourself correctly, you will enter the new year light, empowered, and fully aligned to receive God’s blessings and breakthroughs.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, help me release all burdens from the past year.

2. Lord, cleanse my heart from regrets, guilt, and fear.

3. Father, forgive me for lingering in past mistakes.

4. Lord, help me embrace the new season with faith.

5. Father, remove every limiting mindset and attitude.

6. Lord, empower me to walk in obedience.

7. Father, grant me the grace to remain focused on Your plans.

8. Lord, fill my heart with joy, gratitude, and peace.

9. Father, position me to receive divine blessings.

10. Lord, let my new year be marked with supernatural favour and success.