Pastor James Lindly’s Sermon titled “Focus”
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KEY VERSE:
Philippians 3:14-21 (ESV)
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Spiritual focus is vital to the Christian life. Without it, we can fall into deep despair and lose out on the victorious life God wants to give us here on Earth!
I. FOCUS ON THE PRIZE.
Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
A. God Himself is the Christian’s Prize. When we focus on God, He becomes are very reward!
Psalm 73:25
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
B. Earthly prizes are temporal, God wants us to focus on our eternal prize in Heaven.
John 6:27
Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”
Revelation 22:12
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done.
II. FOCUS ON OUR DEVOTION.
Philippians 3:16
Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
A. Many Christians today are not focused on the things of God.
B. God devoted Himself to us, we must in turn devote ourselves to Him.
III. FOCUS ON YOUR WALK WITH CHRIST.
Philippians 3:17-19
17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
A. The Christian’s Walk is their witness to others about Christ.
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world.
B. Satan is watching your walk with Christ and he is ready to strike at any moment!
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
C. Paul says we should focus on those who are walking accordingly, who and what are you focused on?
IV. FOCUS ON YOUR CITIZENSHIP.
Philippians 3:20-21
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
A. This is not our HOME. Christians have a home prepared for them in Heaven!
John 14:2
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
B. Our Citizenship is made for us by God Himself!
Revelation 21:2
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
C. OUR CITIZENSHIP IS EXCLUSIVE!
Revelation 21:27
But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
V. FOCUS ON THE POWER OF CHRIST.
Philippians 3:21
who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
A. Christ is coming with great power and glory!
Matthew 24:30
Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Romans 14:11
for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”
Conclusion:
Spiritual focus begins by looking to Christ: Hebrews 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.