Podcast Summary: "A Resolution for the Christian Life"

Podcast: Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Episode Date: January 7, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on beginning the New Year with a clear Christian resolution, drawing from the Apostle Paul's words in Philippians 3:10–14. Sinclair B. Ferguson reflects on what it means to have a singular focus for the Christian life—knowing Christ—and offers practical encouragement for integrating this resolution into daily living, especially for younger believers.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Problem of New Year Greetings and Resolutions

• Opening reflection: Ferguson humorously notes the awkwardness of New Year greetings and mentions how technology has changed how we acknowledge the date.
  • "[00:08] But I am always wondering, what do I say to people when I meet them for the first time of the year? Do I say a Happy New Year? I'm not really very sure what we should do as Christians..."

2. Choosing a Text for the New Year

• Ferguson suggests selecting a biblical "resolution" to guide the year.
  • "We've already had a covenant for the New Year commitment and a hymn for the New Year praise. And I want today to talk about a text for the New year." [00:36]

3. Paul’s Singular Resolution (Philippians 3:10–14)

• Reads and highlights Paul’s words as a model for Christian focus:
  • "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection..." [00:48]
• Emphasizes Paul's humility: he admits he hasn't “arrived,” but presses on toward the ultimate goal.

4. Paul's "One Thing" Mentality

• Ferguson imagines Timothy's reaction as Paul dictates he does "one thing," given Paul's many ministries.
  • "Paul, do you really want me to say that? You do only one thing. As long as I've known you, you've always been doing a whole pile of things..." [02:24]
• The essence: Paul is doing one thing—knowing Christ—in many ways.

5. Clarity and Integration for Christian Living

• Sinclair shares a childhood story about writing ten New Year's resolutions, reflecting humorously on how daunting that seemed at the time.
  • "When I was a small boy in Scotland, each New Year's Eve, Hugmanay, as we called it, my parents would tell me to go into my room and write out 10 New Year's resolutions..." [03:56]
• He now realizes that the Christian really needs just one resolution: to know Christ.

6. Practical Encouragement, Especially to Young Christians

• Ferguson addresses younger listeners—teens and students—about simplicity and direction:
  • "If you're a younger Christian... few things can be more helpful to you than to understand that this is the way to both simplify and integrate your life..." [04:36]
• Insists this single resolution will bring direction and help answer the big question: "What am I really for?"

7. Summary and Exhortation

• Recaps Paul's aim: to know Christ, share in his sufferings, and be like Him.
  • "All I care for is to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, to share the fellowship of his sufferings and be made like him, that one day I may attain to the resurrection." [05:16]
• Encourages listeners to make this their New Year's resolution:
  • "This one thing I do, I want to know Christ." [05:40]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Life’s Focus:
  • "I'm not busy doing many different things. I'm busy doing one thing in many different ways. And all of them are about getting to know the Lord Jesus Christ better, to share his life and to become like him. That's the heart. In some ways, it's the secret of everything I do." [02:58]
• On Simplicity:
  • "If you are a Christian, you really need only one New Year resolution. And Paul's will be a great help to you..." [04:15]
• On Direction:
  • "This is what will give you direction. This is what will help you answer the great question, what am I really for?" [04:57]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:08: Reflections on New Year's greetings and changing rhythm of daily life
• 00:48: Introduction and reading of Philippians 3:10–14 as Paul's personal resolution
• 02:24: Imaginary dialogue with Timothy about Paul's "one thing"
• 03:56: Childhood story of writing New Year’s resolutions
• 04:36: Advice to younger Christians on simplicity and life integration
• 05:16: Restatement of Paul’s singular ambition from an older Bible translation
• 05:40: Final exhortation: "This one thing I do, I want to know Christ."

Conclusion

Sinclair B. Ferguson encourages listeners—especially at the start of a new year—to devote themselves to a single, all-encompassing Christian resolution: to know Christ, in all of life’s varied circumstances. This episode offers down-to-earth wisdom for integrating faith, providing clarity and direction at the year’s outset.