THE GREAT CHALLENGE: FACING THE NEW YEAR
TO GLORIFY GOD
1 Corinthians 10:31 1Cor
10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the
glory of God.
Introduction
The
start of 2026 is presented as a time for Christians to accept a "great
challenge". Because the work of the Lord is described as "honourable
and glorious," believers are encouraged to unite and support one another
to accomplish a great vision for the year ahead.
The
Five Pillars of the Challenge
I. BE THOUGHTFUL TO GOD: SUPPORTING HIS WORK
Believers
are urged to support the work of the Lord through generous and intentional
giving.
Drawing
from 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, the text emphasizes that those who sow bountifully
will also reap bountifully.
(2 Corinthians 9:6-7) 2Cor
9:6 But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and
he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
2Cor 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth
in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God
loveth a cheerful giver.
Giving
should not be done out of necessity or a sense of "grudgingly," but
from a cheerful heart, as God loves a cheerful giver.
II. BE FRUITFUL BEFORE GOD: REACHING THE LOST
A
major priority for 2020 is showing concern for those who are spiritually lost.
Using
the imagery from Psalms 92:12-14, the document describes the righteous as
flourishing like a palm tree or a cedar in Lebanon.
(Psalms 92:12-14) Pss
92:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a
cedar in Lebanon.
Pss 92:13 Those that be planted in the house
of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.
Pss 92:14 They shall still bring forth fruit
in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;
Those
planted in the house of the Lord are expected to remain "fat and
flourishing," bringing forth fruit even into their old age.
III. BE
FAITHFUL TO GOD: SERVING WITH CONSISTENCY
The
challenge calls for steadfastness in service throughout the year.
Referencing
Philippians 1:5-6, the text highlights the importance of "fellowship in
the gospel" and maintains confidence that God, who began a good work in
His people, will continue to perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
(Philippians 1:5-6) Php 1:5
For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing,
that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of
Jesus Christ:
IV. BE
TACTFUL AND CAREFUL IN TESTIMONY: SHINING FOR CHRIST
Believers
are reminded to be mindful of their public testimony and to "shine
Christ" through their lives.
According
to Matthew 5:16, Christians should let their light shine before others so that
their good works may be seen, ultimately leading others to glorify the Father
in heaven.
Mt 5:16 Let
your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven.
V. BE
MINDFUL IN COMMITMENT: SINCERITY IN GLORIFYING GOD
The
final pillar focuses on the internal state of the believer—maintaining
sincerity in their commitment.
Following
the guidance of Philippians 4:8, Christians are encouraged to fix their
thoughts on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good
report.
Philippians 4:8 Finally,
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest,
whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things
[are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue,
and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
Conclusion:
The
challenge concludes with a call for unity.
By
dwelling together in unity, as described in Psalms 133:1-3, the community
experiences a refreshing atmosphere likened to the "dew of Hermon".
(Psalms 133:1-3) Pss
133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is] for brethren to dwell together
in unity!
Pss 133:2 [It is] like the precious ointment
upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, [even] Aaron’s beard: that went
down to the skirts of his garments;
Pss 133:3 As the dew of Hermon, [and as the
dew] that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded
the blessing, [even] life for evermore.
It is
in this environment of sincerity and togetherness that the Lord commands His
blessing.
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