Another Sermon Outline by Brian A. Yeager
It’s Time to Make a Resolution to Quit Doing Bad or Harmful Things
I. Introduction: It is amazing that some will follow the tradition of a day to decide to
become “better people” (Galatians 4:9-11).
    A. Should our changes come because of a day or because of God (Isaiah 40:
    25-28, Ecclesiastes 12:7, and I John 4:8-10)?
    1. The fact that man realizes a need to change establishes that man has
    walked away from God (Ecclesiastes 7:20; 29).
    2. Shouldn’t our changes come because we love God rather than a day
    on a calendar (I John 5:2-4)?
    B. Even though it shouldn’t be because of a day, this is when God hears a lot
    of “I will and I will not” promises (Isaiah 29:12-13 and Matthew 12:36-37).
    1. You’d better fulfill that which you vow (Numbers 30:2, Deuteronomy
    23:21-23, Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, and Acts 5:1-10).
    2. Saying you’ll do something and not following through is lying
    (Proverbs 12:22).

II. Body: The world is our market place and Satan is a good salesman!
    A. Satan wages war on us through the world (I John 2:16 and James 1:14-
    15; cf. Matthew 4:3-11).  
    1. Lust of that which appeals to our flesh (Romans 8:5-8, Galatians 5:
    16-17; 19-21; 24-26, and Ephesians 2:1-4).
    2. Lust of the eyes that comes through what we see, want, and what we’
    ll often do to get it (Joshua 7:20-21 and II Samuel 11:2ff.).
    3. Pride of life that causes us to seek our own will and greater authority
    (Psalms 10:2-11 and Proverbs 16:18).
    B. This world says that your sins are just by-products of life, but God says they
    are your choices that will cause you to be lost (Ezekiel 18:4-5, Ezekiel 33:
    13-16, and John 8:34).
    1. The wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience (Nahum
    1:2-3 and Ephesians 5:1-7).
    2. Your sins will cause you to be lost (Ezekiel 18:20; cf. Romans 6:23).
    C. Most of the popular things people “TRY” to quit are sins they should’ve
    stopped for the Lord and the sake of their souls long ago (Proverbs 9:6):
    1. Stop lying (Revelation 21:8).
    2. Stop using foul language (Colossians 3:8).
    3. Stop drinking alcohol (Proverbs 20:1; cf. Proverbs 3:35; 12:15).
    4. Stop being lazy (Proverbs 18:9; 21:25, and Matthew 25:24-26; 30).

    5. Stop destroying the body through drugs like tobacco, etc. (Romans
    12:1 and I Corinthians 6:19-20).
    6. Stop eating too much (Deuteronomy 21:18-21).
    7. Stop putting God second (Matthew 6:33).
    8. Stop putting the scriptures aside for other things (Proverbs 4:4).
    9. Stop being a lousy mate (Colossians 3:18-19).
    10. Stop being a lousy employee (Ephesians 6:5-7).

III. Conclusion:
    A. God has set the choices before you, so choose (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).
    B. Resolve to change for the Lord and the sake of your soul rather than a
    calendar day (I Samuel 7:2-3 and Isaiah 55:6-7).

© 2007 This material may not be used for sale or other means to have financial gain.  Use this as a
tool for your own studies if such is helpful!   Preachers are welcome to this work, but please do not
use my work so that you can be lazy and not do your own studies.  – Brian A. Yeager