Focusing on Jesus Amid Life's Distractions
Summary
I emphasized the importance of focusing on Jesus and not allowing the distractions of life to overwhelm us. I used the story of Zacchaeus as an example of someone who ran away from the crowd to get a better view of Jesus. I stressed that focusing on problems can make us forget what God has done in our lives. I also highlighted the importance of teaching children about God and making church a priority in their lives. I reminded the congregation that Jesus wants our undivided attention and that it is through obedience to Him that we receive blessings. I also pointed out that Jesus doesn't require us to change before we come to Him, but His love transforms us once we do.
Key takeaways:
- We need to focus on Jesus and not let the distractions of life overwhelm us. [ [16:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oM422LAQY0&t=998.22s])
- Teaching children about God and making church a priority in their lives is crucial. [ [17:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oM422LAQY0&t=1067.58s])
- Jesus wants our undivided attention and obedience. [ [21:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oM422LAQY0&t=1314.72s])
- Jesus doesn't require us to change before we come to Him, but His love transforms us once we do. [ [32:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oM422LAQY0&t=1971.059s])
- There's a war going on for our focus, and we need to do whatever it takes to keep our eyes on Jesus. [ [21:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oM422LAQY0&t=1281.059s])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 19:4 - "So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way." [16:38]
2. Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." [18:19]
3. Philippians 4:6 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." [14:10]
Observation Questions:
1. What does the action of Zacchaeus climbing the sycamore-fig tree to see Jesus signify?
2. How does Proverbs 22:6 relate to the importance of teaching children about God and making church a priority?
3. What does Philippians 4:6 instruct us to do when we feel overwhelmed or anxious?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Zacchaeus' action of climbing the tree reflect our own efforts to seek Jesus amidst life's distractions?
2. How can we apply the teaching of Proverbs 22:6 in our roles as parents, mentors, or leaders in the church?
3. What does it mean to present our requests to God with thanksgiving as instructed in Philippians 4:6?
Application Questions:
1. Can you identify a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed or anxious? How could you have applied Philippians 4:6 in that situation?
2. What are some practical ways you can prioritize teaching your children or mentees about God and the importance of church?
3. Like Zacchaeus, what are some 'crowds' or distractions in your life that you need to run away from to get a better view of Jesus?
4. Can you think of a time when you focused more on your problems than on God's power? How can you shift your focus in the future?
5. What are some specific steps you can take this week to focus more on Jesus and less on your worries or fears?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Focus
Our focus can either lead us towards or away from Jesus. When we allow the distractions of life to consume us, we risk losing sight of Him. However, when we intentionally shift our focus towards Jesus, we can experience His transformative power in our lives. This requires us to step away from the crowd and seek a better view of Jesus, just like Zacchaeus did. [16:38]
Bible passage: Luke 19:4 - "So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way."
Reflection: What distractions are currently hindering your focus on Jesus and how can you overcome them?
Day 2: The Danger of Pride
Pride can prevent us from seeking God and experiencing His grace. When we are full of ourselves, there is no room for Jesus in our hearts. We must strive to humble ourselves and seek God's face, choosing the narrow and difficult road that leads to life. [27:09]
Bible passage: Proverbs 16:18 - "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
Reflection: In what areas of your life is pride preventing you from fully surrendering to God?
Day 3: The Importance of Teaching Children About God
As parents, our focus should not only be on our children's physical and intellectual growth but also on their spiritual development. Teaching them about God and making church a priority in their lives can guide them even when they stray. [19:31]
Bible passage: Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
Reflection: How are you intentionally teaching your children about God and His Word?
Day 4: The Call to Leave the Crowd
Just like Zacchaeus, we must be willing to do whatever it takes to focus our eyes on Jesus. This may require us to leave the crowd, give up our addictions, and give Jesus our undivided attention. [21:54]
Bible passage: Matthew 6:24 - "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other."
Reflection: What are you willing to give up in order to focus your eyes on Jesus?
Day 5: The Power of Obedience
Obedience to Jesus can change everything in our lives. When we hear His call and respond in obedience, we can experience freedom and blessings. However, when we refuse His call, we miss out on the abundant life He has for us. [23:44]
Bible passage: John 14:15 - "If you love me, keep my commands."
Reflection: How is God calling you to obedience today and what steps can you take to respond to His call?
Quotes
1. "If you allow the things of this life to overwhelm you, it will cause you to miss Jesus. When you focus on all the problems, you forget what God has done in your life. Your focus is all the enemy needs to bring you down." - 16:35
2. "There is a war going on for your focus and it's for your attention. If the enemy can get you to focus on anything else that isn't him, it'll be no time before you decide to give up on this fight. In order for us to win this fight, we have to turn our eyes to Jesus, be obedient to his call and keep living a life that is in constant repentance towards Jesus." - 03:25
3. "There's no room for pride in the kingdom of God. When you have pride in your heart, there's too much of yourself and it leaves no room for Jesus. God has called us to be obedient, he's called us to live a holy life unto him, a life from sin, a life that is separate from the world." - 26:52
4. "Jesus doesn't want to be part of your life, he doesn't want part of your focus, he wants all of it. He wants your time, he wants your thoughts, he wants your family, he wants your job, he wants to be first in your life. It's when we choose to leave the crowd, it's when we decide to climb upon that tree to look at Jesus, to focus our eyes on him, that you'll begin to hear him calling you." - 21:42
5. "Jesus is looking for people who would just simply obey him. It was Zacchaeus obedience to Jesus that changed everything in his life. It was through an act of obedience that he received his freedom. Your obedience is what allows you to receive the blessing of God or not." - 21:42
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