What You Must Not Carry Into The New Year Series

WHAT YOU MUST NOT CARRY INTO THE NEW YEAR

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Hebrews 12:1

Key Verse: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:18-19; Philippians 3:13-14; Colossians 3:8-10; Ephesians 4:31; 2 Corinthians 5:17

INTRODUCTION

The transition from one year to another is not merely a change of dates; it is a spiritual crossing that demands discernment, preparation, and intentional release. Many believers desire a better new year but unknowingly carry old burdens, failures, and negative patterns that hinder progress. God’s instruction is clear: to move forward effectively, certain things must be laid down.

Scripture teaches that new seasons require new alignments. God often calls His people to remember not the former things and to let go of what no longer aligns with His present purpose. Carrying unresolved issues, sins, and distractions into a new year can frustrate destiny and delay divine fulfilment.

This message reveals what you must consciously refuse to carry into the new year so that you can enter fully aligned with God’s will, empowered by grace, and positioned for victory, growth, and fulfilment.

1. YOU MUST NOT CARRY UNCONFESSED SIN INTO THE NEW YEAR

Sin weakens spiritual sensitivity and creates barriers between man and God. Entering a new year with unrepented sin invites unnecessary struggles and limits divine fellowship.

a) THE WEIGHT OF SIN – Sin entangles the believer and slows spiritual progress (Hebrews 12:1). When sin is carried, spiritual speed and effectiveness are reduced.

b) THE SEPARATION SIN CAUSES – Sin disrupts intimacy with God and blocks spiritual flow (Isaiah 59:1–2). Fellowship is restored only through repentance.

c) THE CLEANSING POWER OF CONFESSION – Confession restores righteousness and peace with God (1 John 1:9). God is faithful to cleanse completely.

d) THE FREEDOM OF FORGIVENESS – Forgiveness releases the believer from guilt and condemnation (Romans 8:1). A forgiven heart enters the new year boldly.

Biblical Example: David repented sincerely after his sin and experienced restoration and renewed joy (Psalm 51:1-12).

2. YOU MUST NOT CARRY BITTERNESS AND UNFORGIVENESS INTO THE NEW YEAR

Bitterness poisons the heart and contaminates relationships, prayers, and spiritual growth. God commands release so that healing and progress can take place.

a) THE DESTRUCTIVE NATURE OF BITTERNESS – Bitterness defiles many and hinders peace (Hebrews 12:15). It grows silently but damages deeply.

b) UNFORGIVENESS BLOCKS PRAYER – A heart that refuses to forgive limits spiritual access (Mark 11:25). Forgiveness unlocks answered prayers.

c) FORGIVENESS IS A COMMAND, NOT A FEELING – God requires forgiveness as an act of obedience (Ephesians 4:31–32). Obedience brings healing.

d) RELEASING OTHERS RELEASES YOU – Letting go frees the heart from emotional bondage (Matthew 18:21–35). Freedom begins with release.

Biblical Example: Joseph forgave his brothers and entered his season of divine elevation and fulfilment (Genesis 50:20).

3. YOU MUST NOT CARRY FEAR AND DOUBT INTO THE NEW YEAR

Fear paralyses faith and limits expectation. A new year demands renewed confidence in God’s promises and power.

a) FEAR OPPRESSES DESTINY – Fear limits boldness and progress (2 Timothy 1:7). God does not operate through fear.

b) DOUBT WEAKENS FAITH – Doubt destabilises spiritual confidence and expectation (James 1:6–7). Faith requires assurance.

c) FAITH IS BUILT ON GOD’S WORD – Trust in God’s promises overcomes fear (Romans 10:17). The Word establishes confidence.

d) COURAGE ATTRACTS DIVINE HELP – God strengthens those who trust Him boldly (Joshua 1:9). Courage releases divine backing.

Biblical Example: David overcame fear and defeated Goliath through confidence in God (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

4. YOU MUST NOT CARRY WRONG HABITS AND OLD PATTERNS INTO THE NEW YEAR

Old habits that contradict God’s will sabotage new beginnings. Transformation requires intentional change and renewal.

a) OLD PATTERNS LIMIT NEW RESULTS – Repeating old ways produces the same outcomes (Romans 12:2). Change is necessary for progress.

b) THE RENEWED MIND PRODUCES A RENEWED LIFE – Transformation begins with thinking differently (Colossians 3:9-10).

c) DISCIPLINE POSITIONS FOR GROWTH – God honours disciplined living (1 Corinthians 9:27). Discipline preserves destiny.

d) GRACE EMPOWERS CHANGE – God supplies strength to overcome old habits (Titus 2:11-12). Grace teaches a new way of living.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus abandoned old patterns and experienced salvation and restoration (Luke 19:8-9).

CONCLUSION

God desires that you enter the new year lighter, freer, and better aligned with His purpose. Letting go of sin, bitterness, fear, and destructive habits is not a loss but a divine gain. What you release determines how far you can go.

As you intentionally drop every weight and embrace God’s truth, you position yourself for a new year marked by clarity, power, progress, and fulfilment. You shall not carry yesterday’s burdens into tomorrow’s blessings.