A One-off sermon for the New Year
Today’s Bulletin
Romans 8:26-30
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
The Donald Whitney Questions
1. What’s one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?
2. What’s the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?
3. What’s the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year?
4. In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and how will you do that?
5. What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?
6. For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?
7. What’s the most important way you will, by God’s grace, try to make this year different from last year?
8. What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?
9. What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in ten years? In eternity?
10. What’s one new way you could be a blessing to your church this year?
11. What’s the most important decision you need to make this year?
12. What area of your life most needs simplifying, and what’s one way you could simplify in that area?
14. What habit would you most like to establish this year? or a bad habit you want to get rid of.
15. Who is the person you most want to encourage this year?
16. What’s the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your work life this year?
17. What books had the greatest influence on you this past year and what books do you plan to read this year?
18. What was the best place you traveled to in 2024 and what do you look forward to this year?
19. Who are you most thankful to God for putting in your life?
20. Have you learned anything significant either through teaching or experience this year?
21. What one thing do you most regret about last year, and what will you do about it this year?
22. What goals seem silly, but are still goals this year?
23. In what area of your life do you most need to make change in this year?
24. In what area of life do you need more of God's wisdom?
25. What would it take for you to be satisfied each day with God's unfailing love for you?
Sermon Discussion questions
Glancing Back, Moving Forward
Ice Breaker: What’s the most famous person you’ve ever seen in the real world?
This Week Specific
Pastor Brian emphasized the importance of reflection. What specific moments from 2024 stand out to you where you clearly saw God's faithfulness, even in difficult circumstances? How might remembering these moments strengthen your faith for challenges ahead?
The sermon mentioned how we often "drift" rather than live intentionally. What area of your daily life (work, family, personal devotions, etc.) feels most "aimless" right now? What's one specific, realistic change you could make to bring more purpose to that area?
Looking at your current weekly schedule, what activities or habits are taking up time but not contributing to what you value most? How might you restructure your time to better align with your priorities as a Christian?
Pastor Brian talked about the relationship between physical and spiritual health. How have you experienced this connection in your own life? What's one practical step you could take to better care for both your physical and spiritual wellbeing?
The sermon challenged us to think about leaving a legacy. What's one specific way you could invest in others this year (your children, colleagues, fellow church members, etc.) that might have an impact ten years from now or in eternity?
Pastor Brian mentioned making Sunday worship a bigger priority. What obstacles tend to get in the way of your consistent church attendance and engagement? How might you plan ahead to address these challenges?
Weekly Questions
What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?
What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?
How can this group pray for you this week?