“2008—The Year of Devotion”

Matthew 2:1–13 (NIV)

  1. Introduction
    1. How do we keep New Year s resolutions on track? Devotion
  2. Background
    1. We live in a Culture of Hurry
  3. What Is The Value Of Devotion?
    1. Devotion brings us into the presence of God

      v. 11
      On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

      1. Our first priority should be meeting with God.
    2. Devotion is about listening

      v. 2
      …and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”

    3. Devotion builds my character
      1. We live in a superficial culture
      2. Teaching needs to be God-centered
      3. Our problem is not knowing what is right, but doing it!
      4. We all need a transformation
        1. It is a God thing!
      5. We are responsible to create the conditions for transformation.
      6. Transformation takes place in His presence
    4. Devotion renews my passion
      1. Devotion is about worship
    5. Devotion clarifies my purpose in life

      vs. 12–13
      12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

      The Escape to Egypt

      13When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

  4. IV. Conclusion
    1. Devotion is a life-long practice
    2. Let’s make 2008 a personal year of devotion by:
      1. Devoting ourselves to coming into His Presence
      2. Allowing Him to transform and grow us
      3. Renewing our passion for Him
      4. Learning to worship Him
      5. Listening to and obeying Him