reFOCUS Your Life
reFOCUS • Sermon • Submitted
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2 Timothy 2:1–7 (NLT)
1 Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.
2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.
5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.
6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.
7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
1. In times of turmoil, be strong
1. In times of turmoil, be strong
I heard a person say, “If you haven’t experienced challenges in your life, keep living.”
In life, challenges will come
Challenges are what makes us stronger
The saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is almost true
Almost, because our attitude determines our altitude
We need to learn to be strong in times of turmoil
The world is filled with darkness; it needs light
The children of God should not react like the children of the world
We need to be the forerunners—be strong
2. Impart to others what you learned
2. Impart to others what you learned
What you have learned
Many are teaching things that they don’t know
You teach what you know, you impart who you are
Knowledge puffs up if it is not applied
Applied knowledge leads to transformation
Don’t let it go in one ear and out the other
When you hear it, do it, then teach it (impart it)
3. reFOCUS your passion for people
3. reFOCUS your passion for people
People over pleasure
If you are only pointing out negatives you are just criticizing
You need to build others so that they can build others
Gal 5:13 “13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”
Gal 6:2 “2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
9-10 “9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Do people want to be around you or away from you
Does you group grow because of you
Ask those you minister with, “Are you better because of me?”
Don’t get involved in civilian affairs; in other words, if it is not building the Kingdom, then you don’t need to worry about it
Be a builder of people. Don’t tear them down
4. Seek the Kingdom of God, don’t sit in the Kingdom
4. Seek the Kingdom of God, don’t sit in the Kingdom
Mt 6:33 “33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Athletes have to follow the rules to win
You have to see the Kingdom of God to get all things given to you
People focus too much on the blessing instead of building a relationship with the One that blesses
Ps 37:4 “4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Ps 37:7 “7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
Be about the Kingdom of God
5. reFOCUS your priorities
5. reFOCUS your priorities
Your walk with God
Your family life
Your work life
Your duties as a Christian
Time
Talent
Treasure
Enjoy the fruit of your labor
As long as you sow seed, you will continue to receive a harvest
Keep sowing to keep reaping
Don’t eat your seed
If it is not enough for your need, then recognize that it is your seed