Begin with the End in Mind
John and Jesus
December 30, 2018
Rev. Gabe Sylvia
Using Luke 2 and an analogy to Covey’s habits, the sermon calls believers to reorient their lives—putting God's will above family and personal pursuits—and to commit to the church and Christ as the focus for 2019.
Summary
This final sermon of 2018 serves as both a capstone and a stage-setter for 2019: drawing on Stephen Covey’s idea of intentional habits and on Luke 2 (Jesus at twelve), it asks what following God's will requires. The story shows Jesus prioritizing his Father's work even over family expectations, and highlights how Joseph and Mary mistakenly followed their own pursuits; the sermon identifies three safeguards against sinful decisions—the Spirit, the Word, and the Church. Citing Luke 14:26, it insists that true discipleship may demand preferring Christ over family, promises heavenly reward for such obedience, and calls the congregation to reorient around the church and hold fast to Jesus by faith in the coming year.
Key Points
- Final sermon of 2018 and a stage-setter for 2019
- Uses Covey’s habits (be proactive; begin with the end in mind) as an analogy for intentional spiritual growth
- Centers on Luke 2: Jesus at age 12 in the temple as the first Gospel words pointing to obedience to God’s will
- Joseph and Mary illustrate how focusing on personal pursuits can lead us away from God's priorities
- Three safeguards against sinful choices: the Spirit, the Word, and the Church
- Jesus’ example (and Luke 14:26) teaches that following God may require prioritizing him over family
- Promises heavenly reward for choosing God’s will and calls the congregation to reorient toward the church and hold fast to Christ in 2019
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