Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-4

ETS: Paul encourages the Hebrew believers to keep focused on Christ.

ESS: It is of vital importance that believers keep the proper focus in life.

OSS: Christians will repent of having an improper focus in their lives; and commit to refocusing on Christ.

PQ: What do the scriptures have to say about the issue of focus in the believer’s life?

UW: Questions

Topic: A Problem of Focus

INTRODUCTION:

A- Video of mouse on wheel

B- It is important that you and I maintain the proper focus in life.

I. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING THE RIGHT FOCUS?

A. The scriptures instruct the believer to maintain the right focus. (Text)

1. The instruction given is to look away from the world or anything else that can distract and fix your gaze upon Christ (Αφορωντες·).

B. The scriptures give examples of people that we can emulate (Heb. 11:3-32).

1. Abel

2. Enoch

3. Noah

4. Abraham

5. Moses

C. Focus determines outcome.

1. Jonah provides a classic example of the negative side of this principle (Jonah 4:1-11).

2. Moses provides a classic example of the positive side of this principle (Heb. 11:23-27).

II. THE DANGERS OF HAVING THE WRONG FOCUS IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. (v.3).

A. Having the wrong focus will result in weariness.

1. Weariness from drawing on the wrong source of strength.

a. κάμνω = to grow weary, be weary

1) Physically weary

2) Mentally weary

3) Spiritually weary

B. Having the wrong focus will result in a defeated attitude.

1- ἐκλύω = to despond, become faint hearted

a)Defeated because of negative outlook

b) Defeated because of personal weariness

C. Having the wrong focus will result in falling into sin and its consequences.

1- Resentment builds up toward God and other people.

(Hebrews 12:15 KJV) “ Looking diligently lest any

man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of

bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby

many be defiled”

2- Rebellion against God sets in.

(1 Samuel 15:23 KJV) “ For rebellion is as the sin of

witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and

idolatry.”

III- THE SOURCES OF DEVELOPING A WRONG FOCUS IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.

A. Making people the focus instead of Christ (v.1-2).

B. Assuming a role that does not belong to you (thinking you must control circumstances instead of relying on Christ). (v.1).

C. Refusing to deal with sin in the scriptural way. (v.1).

D. Deciding that you are not going to persist in running the race Christ has for you. (v.1).

IV- THE WAY TO DEVELOPE THE RIGHT FOCUS IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. (VSS.1-4)

A. Glance at people, but focus on Christ.

B. Make a careful comparrison of your life with that of Jesus.

C. Release the weights and worries of life to Jesus.

D. Deal with sin through repentance and confession.

(1 John 1:9 KJV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and

just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all

unrighteousness.

E. Remind yourself of the reality of the finish line and the goal. (TEXT)

F. Commit to persistently run the race until you cross the finish line.

(Philippians 3:13-14 KJV) “ Brethren, I count not myself

to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting

those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto

those things which are before, (14) I press toward the

mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ

Jesus.”

CONCLUSION: