Brian Sump
Start right in 2017 with an eternal focus first
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
If I fix my eyes on eternity (that which is unseen):
1. My mind will be renewed
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2 NIV
2. My spirit will be renewed
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:4-5 NIV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22 NIV
- Litmus test: If the world controls our thinking, we are being conformed. If the Holy Spirit controls our thinking, then we are being transformed.
3. My body will be renewed
“We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed — in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NIV
- Our current body:
- Dies perishable, but will be raised imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:42)
- Dies in dishonor, but will be raised in glory (1 Corinthians 15:43)
- Dies in weakness, but will be raised in power (1 Corinthians 15:43)
- Dies a natural body, but will be raised a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:44)