Oct 02

October 2, 2011 - The Focus Factor

Written by Pastor Joseph Adams.

focusfactor

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

Factor – something that actively contributes to a result.

Focus (English) – “The main emphasis – concentrated attention or effort on a particular subject - To center your attention on.”

“…fix your eyes…” (Greek) – aphorao – “to regard earnestly, to look away from one thing to another, undivided attention.” TCBL Greek Dictionary.

1. The Priority of The Focus Factor

“…let us throw off everything…” Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

How important is focus in the Bible? Some focus scriptures:

23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. 24 Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. 25 Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Proverbs 4:23-27 (NLT)

39 I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them. Jeremiah 32:39 (NIV)

3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)

13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

2. The Problem of Distractions

“…so easily entangles…” Hebrews 12:1b

Difficulties
Deceptions
Discouragements
Desires of the flesh

3. The Plan for The Focus Factor

Focus On: Christ Jesus

2 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2a

Focus on: The Cross

“…who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, Hebrews 12:2b-3 (NIV)

Focus With: The Word

5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Hebrews 12:5-6 (NIV)

37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Psalms 119:37 (NIV)

13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. 1 Timothy 4:13 (NLT)

Applying the Word to focus our thoughts and words on Christ and the promises the Cross provides keeps the focus factor working in our lives.

Focus with: Worship

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our "God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV)

17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments. Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV)

Focus To: Run The Race

Focus to: Persevere in Your Purpose

3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:3 (NIV)

Worship – Discipleship – Ministry – Evangelism - Fellowship

Focus to: Glorify God and Experience His Blessing, Enjoying Your Relationship with God Forever.

20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)