00:00 Preparing for the unexpected by doing what is expected
00:27 Episode introduction and why Christians rethink priorities at the New Year
01:44 A biblical view of fresh starts, not just resolutions
02:40 The one ambition that should shape every goal: knowing Christ
03:46 Planning without presumption: living if the Lord wills
06:08 What should delight us most: boasting in the knowledge of God
08:15 Living today with eternity in view in every sphere of life
10:22 Learning, leveraging, and leaving for the next generation
12:49 How to prepare for the unexpected in the coming year
14:21 Staying the course through spiritual maturity and stability
17:18 Finding contentment in the ordinary days of life
20:04 The daily necessity of Scripture for lifelong faithfulness
23:54 Closing thoughts and conclusion
Related Sermons:
Staying the Course: https://youtu.be/UrmsTYw4knE
One Ambition - To Please Christ: https://youtu.be/i6E4ggezIwc
Running to Win: https://youtu.be/QUaV-Nqoo3c
If the Lord Wills: https://youtu.be/EgmorRqaf-M
Discernment for the Ages: https://youtu.be/Zn_x7erGJvE
The Truly Blessed Person: https://youtu.be/UQ_C7uEeKLk
Do you make New Year's resolutions? What should be the primary focus for a believer as they look ahead to 2026? Is there a biblical way to approach the turning of the calendar? This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Richard Caldwell and host Josh Philpot sit down to discuss these questions on this first episode of the new year. While the world is busy setting weight loss goals or making financial plans, Christians too, think about fresh starts, which often include establishing new spiritual disciplines. But how do we go about making plans and setting goals without being arrogant or presumptuous? How can we find balance and stability when the future is so uncertain? How can we live today while planning and purposing, yet keeping our eternity in view?
Dr. Caldwell and Dr. Philpot discuss these new year goals for Christians and whether traditional resolutions are helpful or if there might be a better way to approach a fresh start. Dr. Caldwell explains that while he is not personally driven by resolutions, the concept of a fresh start is biblical and helpful. However, he challenges us to think deeper than just self-improvement. He points listeners to the one ambition that should drive every believer: the knowledge of God. Referencing Philippians 3, he explains that our greatest pursuit is conformity to Christ. For Christians this isn't just a yearly goal but ought to reflect an ongoing daily pursuit of spiritual maturity. The desire to be Christ-like should be the greatest expenditure of our effort.
The conversation moves to a discussion regarding James 4 and how we view planning, our resources, and time. The world speaks of planning to go here and there, and doing this or that, even making money and living great lives, but Scripture warns us not to boast about tomorrow because our lives are like a vapor. Dr. Caldwell explains that biblical new year resolutions must always be framed by the understanding that if the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that. We cannot presume on the future. To plan without God in view is arrogant and evil. Instead, we are called to hold this life loosely. We must go about our business, making plans, and raising our families while living with eternity in view. A James 4 bible study will help to guide us in this perspective enabling us to shift how we operate in every sphere of life.
Dr. Philpot and Dr. Caldwell also discuss the theme of an upcoming yearly conference, held at Founders Baptist Church - The Truth and Love Conference, which focuses on the Pilgrim's Progress and living with an eternal perspective. Dr. Caldwell shares a helpful framework he learned regarding the stages and ages of life: learning, leveraging, and leaving. From 20 to 40, we are learning; from 40 to 60, we are leveraging what we’ve learned; and from 60 onward, we should be focused on leaving a Christian legacy. Whether you are young or old, Christians are called to invest in the next generation. This investment includes parenting advice and how to leave spiritual deposits in your children. The greatest inheritance you can leave is not financial but relational and spiritual.
But what about when plans fail? How do we handle the curveballs of life, like a pandemic, job loss, or tragedy? Dr. Caldwell argues that preparing for the unexpected happens in the mundane. It is found in finding purpose in the mundane moments of daily obedience. If we are faithful in the small things, walking on the path of truth every day, we will have the stability to handle the big crises. This involves trusting God in uncertain times by being consistent in the known times. There is nothing truly mundane in the Christian life because every interaction and every moment is an opportunity to worship. This helps us fight spiritual boredom and discontentment.