Introduction

Every New Year, countless people make resolutions: promises to improve their lives, relationships, and habits. Yet often, these resolutions fade quickly, and the goals we set to be "extraordinary" soon feel like a distant memory. Our intentions are good, but our actions fall short. We aim to be better partners, to spend more quality time with family, to pursue personal growth, to help others, to pray more, and to read the Word of God. But in our own strength, we struggle to follow through.

As Lloyd-Jones put it, resolutions often don’t hold up: "You cannot keep them. Thank God, that is not the Gospel." Instead, the hope we have in Christ offers us a path to an extraordinary life, rooted not in our strength but in the power of God.

Peter’s Transformation at Pentecost

Peter’s life illustrates this change. Speaking to the crowds in Jerusalem at Pentecost, he boldly proclaimed the power of Christ, even to those who had witnessed Jesus' death. Once a man who denied Jesus in fear, Peter was now emboldened by the Holy Spirit to live a life beyond ordinary. Acts 2:32-33 says:

"God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear."

Peter's journey from denial to declaration shows us that the foundation of an extraordinary life isn’t willpower or resolutions; it’s faith in Jesus.

1. Faith in Jesus Changes Your Approach to Life

Our Values Form the Base of Our Lives

Every decision we make reflects our values. Yet, on our own, we often fall short. Goals and resolutions depend on our own ideas, leading to struggles, guilt, and often failure. But as James 1:17-18 reminds us, true transformation comes from above:

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

Faith in Jesus shifts our approach to life. When we root our values in Him, we’re empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out these values genuinely. Our goals align with God’s will, and the effort required doesn’t come from our strength but from God’s ongoing work within us.

Values Are What You Believe

Peter’s faith transformed his values. Although he’d made mistakes in the past — sinking when trying to walk on water (Matthew 14:28-32), misunderstanding Jesus’ mission, and denying Him — he didn’t let these failures define him. Now he declared boldly:

"Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit."

Jesus’ resurrection validated His role as the Messiah, and Peter saw Jesus in His rightful place beside God. This truth became the bedrock of Peter’s values, empowering him to live with purpose and conviction.

2. Faith in Jesus Changes Your Purpose in Life

When we place our faith in Jesus, our purpose is transformed. We are called not to live for ourselves but to reflect Christ, actively participating in His kingdom. Acts 2:33 shows Jesus exalted at the right hand of God, sharing His rule and distributing salvation to those who believe. This co-regency, as Psalm 110:1 foreshadows, signifies the beginning of God’s kingdom in the world — and in us.

Our purpose in Christ is to live out His kingdom values in our daily lives. This isn’t just about future promises but about the kingdom of God breaking into our lives today.

How to Know Your Current Values

Consider what you would do if you had an entire day to yourself. Your honest answers reveal what you value. When God’s blessings become your value system, your goals reflect His priorities rather than your own fears, guilt, or self-centered desires.

Illustration: Facing the Storm

In 1969, a group in Pass Christian, Mississippi, chose to throw a “hurricane party” even as Hurricane Camille approached. Despite warnings from authorities, they refused to leave, declaring they would stay no matter the danger. The storm claimed the lives of many at the Richelieu Apartments. They ignored the reality of the storm and clung to their own choices, with devastating consequences.

This story serves as a reminder that setting values on our own terms can have perilous outcomes. When we ignore the "warnings" God provides, we risk our well-being. But when we anchor our lives in Christ, we’re secured in the true foundation, even in life’s storms.

Christian Values in Christ

Through faith in Christ, we receive every spiritual blessing. We’re redeemed, justified, reconciled, sanctified, and united with God. Ephesians 1:3 says we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. These blessings define our identity, freeing us from self-made values and guiding us to live for something greater.

Conclusion: Living an Extraordinary Life

A life centered in faith, grounded in Christ’s values, and led by His purpose is a life truly extraordinary. As we reflect on what this means for our own lives, may we remember: Because faith in Jesus changes our values, we can enjoy an extraordinary life. This is the gospel message — a transformation rooted in grace, built on truth, and sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit.