Choosing Intimacy with God Over Distraction
Summary
Distractions are everywhere in our lives, constantly pulling us away from what truly matters—our relationship with God. It’s easy to get caught up in serving, working, or even just the daily grind, and miss the invitation to sit at the feet of Jesus, to listen, to be present with Him. The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 reminds us that while service is good, it is not a substitute for intimacy with Christ. Mary chose what was better: to be with Jesus, to listen, to receive. Martha, though well-intentioned, allowed her busyness to distract her from the presence of the Lord right in her own home.
We must learn to distinguish between traction—actions that move us toward God’s purpose—and distraction—anything that pulls us away from it. Distraction isn’t always obvious; sometimes it’s hidden in good things, like ministry or work, but if it keeps us from God Himself, it’s a problem. Scripture calls us to fix our eyes straight ahead, to focus on what is unseen and eternal, not just the temporary things of this world. Our prayer life, our time in the Word, and our quiet moments with God are not optional extras; they are the very means by which we are preserved, strengthened, and made effective as salt and light in the world.
The example of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate in Acts 3 shows us that God’s greatest gift is not just the fixing of our circumstances, but the restoration of our ability to praise Him, to walk in newness of life, and to focus on Him above all else. Like Nehemiah, we must be vigilant, refusing to be pulled away from the work God has given us by the schemes and distractions of others. Jesus Himself modeled the discipline of withdrawing to lonely places to pray, showing us that intimacy with the Father is the source of all true strength and direction.
Practical steps are necessary: identify your distractions, schedule distraction-free time with God, and replace lesser activities with moments of spiritual focus. Even something as simple as associating a selfie with John 3:16 can turn a moment of distraction into an opportunity to remember and share the gospel. Above all, remember that Jesus gave everything just to be with us. Let us not give Him our leftovers, but our first and best attention, seeking Him with undivided hearts.
Key Takeaways
- True intimacy with God is found not in endless service or busyness, but in sitting at His feet, listening, and being present with Him. Like Mary, we must choose what is better, prioritizing relationship over activity, and allowing God’s Word to shape our hearts before we rush to serve. [01:06:11]
- Distraction is not always about sinful or obviously bad things; it can be anything—even good things—that pulls us away from God’s purpose for us. We must learn to discern what gives us traction toward God and what subtly derails us, asking God to turn our eyes from worthless things and preserve us by His Word. [01:22:38]
- Our focus must be on the eternal, not the temporary. Fixing our eyes on what is unseen—God’s promises, His presence, and our future with Him—anchors us in hope and keeps us from being consumed by the fleeting concerns of this world. This eternal perspective transforms our priorities and our daily choices. [01:16:00]
- Spiritual strength and effectiveness come from regular, intentional withdrawal to be alone with God in prayer. Jesus modeled this for us, and we are called to make—not just find—time for God, creating sacred spaces in our lives where distractions are set aside and communion with Him is our sole focus. [01:36:22]
- The work God calls us to do—whether building, serving, or witnessing—requires vigilance against distraction and the courage to say no to anything that would pull us away from His assignment. Like Nehemiah, we must be able to say, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down,” guarding our focus and surrounding ourselves with others who are committed to the same purpose. [01:39:44]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[50:24] - Introduction: Saying No to Distractions
[53:06] - The Importance of Writing and Testing Everything by Scripture
[54:39] - Traction vs. Distraction: Defining the Terms
[56:48] - The Marathon Analogy: Staying on Course
[57:33] - Pursuing What Matters: It’s All About Jesus
[58:48] - The Bible as a Mirror: Self-Reflection
[01:01:07] - Mary and Martha: Choosing What Is Better
[01:04:41] - Service vs. Relationship with God
[01:09:29] - Proverbs 4:25: Fixing Our Gaze
[01:14:14] - 2 Corinthians 4:18: Focusing on the Eternal
[01:18:05] - The Simplicity and Power of Prayer
[01:20:54] - Psalm 119:37: Preserved by God’s Word
[01:25:23] - Acts 3: The Lame Man and the Gift of Praise
[01:34:18] - Jesus’ Example: Withdrawing to Pray
[01:38:20] - Nehemiah: Refusing Distraction
[01:41:31] - Saying Yes to Spiritual Depth
[01:45:18] - Practical Steps: Identifying and Replacing Distractions
[01:46:29] - The Selfie Exercise: Associating John 3:16
[01:49:03] - Closing Song and Invitation
[01:55:24] - Final Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Saying No to Distractions
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### Bible Reading
Luke 10:38-42 (ESV)
> Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Proverbs 4:25 (ESV)
> Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.
Acts 3:1-10 (ESV)
> Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
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### Observation Questions
1. In the story of Mary and Martha, what was Martha distracted by, and what did Jesus say Mary had chosen? (Luke 10:38-42) [[01:01:07]]
2. According to Proverbs 4:25, what does the writer instruct us to do with our eyes and our focus? [[01:09:29]]
3. In Acts 3:1-10, what did Peter offer the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, and what was the result? [[01:27:21]]
4. The sermon mentioned that distraction isn’t always about “bad” things. What are some examples of “good” things that can still distract us from God? [[01:04:41]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus said that “one thing is necessary” and that Mary had chosen “the good portion”? What does this reveal about Jesus’ priorities for us? [[01:02:41]]
2. The sermon draws a line between “traction” and “distraction.” How can someone tell the difference between actions that move them toward God’s purpose and those that pull them away, even if both seem good on the surface? [[54:39]]
3. In Acts 3, the lame man expected money, but received healing and the ability to praise God. What does this teach us about what God wants to give us versus what we often seek? [[01:31:49]]
4. The sermon referenced Nehemiah’s refusal to be distracted from his work. What does Nehemiah’s response teach us about setting boundaries to protect our focus on God’s calling? [[01:39:44]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to identify three distractions in our lives. What are three specific things that regularly pull your attention away from God? How do you feel about naming them out loud? [[01:45:18]]
2. Jesus modeled withdrawing to lonely places to pray. What would it look like for you to “make” time (not just “find” time) for distraction-free moments with God this week? Where and when could this happen? [[01:36:22]]
3. The story of Martha shows that even serving in ministry can become a distraction from intimacy with Jesus. Are there any “good” activities in your life that might be crowding out your relationship with God? How can you reorder your priorities? [[01:04:41]]
4. The sermon suggested associating a selfie with John 3:16 as a way to turn a distraction into a gospel opportunity. What is one everyday habit or “distraction” you could repurpose to remind yourself of God’s love or to share your faith? [[01:46:29]]
5. Nehemiah said, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down.” Is there something God has called you to do that you need to protect from distractions? What practical steps can you take to guard your focus? [[01:39:44]]
6. The sermon encouraged us to replace lesser activities with moments of spiritual focus. What is one weekly activity you could pause, slow down, or remove to make more space for God? [[01:45:18]]
7. The sermon ended with the reminder that Jesus gave everything just to be with us. How does this truth challenge the way you give your attention and time to God? What would it look like to give Him your “first and best” this week? [[01:54:24]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for help in identifying distractions, courage to set boundaries, and a renewed desire to seek Jesus first, giving Him their best attention and affection.
Devotional
Day 1: Choosing What Is Better—Sitting at Jesus’ Feet
True spiritual focus means prioritizing relationship with Jesus over mere activity or service, as seen in the story of Mary and Martha. While Martha was distracted by her many preparations, Mary chose to sit at the Lord’s feet and listen to His words, demonstrating that intimacy with Christ is the “one thing needed.” It’s easy to confuse busyness—even in ministry—for closeness with God, but Jesus gently reminds us that being with Him is the better portion that cannot be taken away. Let your heart be drawn to the feet of Jesus, seeking His presence above all else. [01:06:56]
Luke 10:38-42 (ESV)
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed even good things—like serving or helping others—to distract you from simply being with Jesus? What would it look like to intentionally sit at His feet today?
Day 2: Fixing Your Eyes on What Is Eternal
God calls us to keep our focus on what is unseen and eternal, not on the temporary things of this world. The world is full of distractions that can pull our attention away from God’s purpose, but Scripture reminds us to fix our gaze on the spiritual realities that last forever. When we look straight ahead—toward Christ and His promises—we find clarity, direction, and hope that transcends our circumstances. Let your heart be anchored in eternity, not in the fleeting things that clamor for your attention. [01:16:00]
2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV)
As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Reflection: What is one temporary thing that has been consuming your attention lately? How can you shift your focus today to the eternal promises of God?
Day 3: Guarding Your Eyes and Heart from Worthless Things
The psalmist’s prayer is a plea for God to turn our eyes away from worthless things and to preserve our lives according to His Word. In a world overflowing with distractions—possessions, achievements, entertainment—it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. God’s Word is what gives life and preserves us, making us salt and light in the world. Ask God to help you recognize and turn away from anything that draws your heart from Him, and to fill you with a desire for His truth above all else. [01:21:54]
Psalm 119:37 (ESV)
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
Reflection: What is one “worthless thing” you need to ask God to help you turn away from this week? How can you fill that space with His Word instead?
Day 4: Saying No to Distractions—Staying on Mission
Nehemiah’s example shows the power of saying “no” to distractions in order to stay focused on God’s calling. Despite repeated attempts to pull him away from his God-given work, Nehemiah refused to be sidetracked, recognizing the schemes of the enemy and the importance of the task at hand. Like Nehemiah, you are called to discern what pulls you away from God’s purpose and to stand firm, surrounding yourself with others who are committed to the same mission. When you say no to distractions, you say yes to spiritual depth and impact. [01:39:44]
Nehemiah 6:1-4 (ESV)
Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates), Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm. And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner.
Reflection: What is one specific distraction or “invitation” you need to say no to this week in order to stay focused on what God has called you to do?
Day 5: Make Time for God—Not Just Find It
Jesus Himself modeled the importance of withdrawing to quiet places to pray, showing us that intimacy with the Father requires intentionality. In our busy lives, it’s not enough to “find” time for God—we must make it, purposefully setting aside distraction-free moments to commune with Him. Whether it’s in your car, your kitchen, or a quiet corner, prioritize time with God each day. As you do, you’ll find your spiritual traction restored and your heart realigned with His will. [01:36:22]
Luke 5:16 (ESV)
But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
Reflection: Where and when can you intentionally withdraw for prayer this week? What practical step will you take today to make—not just find—time with God?
Quotes
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