Focusing on Jesus: Our Anchor in Distraction
Summary
In our journey through Hebrews chapter 3, we are reminded of the importance of focusing our attention on Jesus. Distractions, though often seen as mere annoyances, can have severe consequences, even leading to spiritual peril. The text urges us to "consider Jesus," emphasizing that He is worthy of our prioritized attention and focus. This call to focus is not just a casual suggestion but a vital exhortation to prevent spiritual drift and maintain our faith.
The author of Hebrews draws a comparison between Jesus and Moses, a revered figure in Jewish history. Moses was faithful in his role, leading the Israelites out of Egypt and delivering God's law. However, as significant as Moses was, Jesus is presented as superior. Jesus is not just a servant in God's house; He is the Son who built the house. This distinction highlights Jesus' unique role and authority, underscoring why He deserves our full attention and devotion.
Furthermore, our eternal destiny hinges on Jesus, not Moses. While Moses played a crucial role in God's plan, it is through Jesus that salvation is made possible. Jesus' faithfulness as the apostle and high priest of our confession is central to our hope. He fulfilled God's mission by living a sinless life, dying for our sins, and rising again, thus securing our salvation.
The sermon also challenges us to examine our lives for distractions that pull us away from Christ. Whether it's the subtle allure of moralistic therapeutic deism or the pursuit of happiness over holiness, these distractions can lead us astray. We are encouraged to fix our eyes on Jesus, allowing Him to transform our thoughts, desires, and actions.
Jesus is worthy of our focused attention because He is faithful, superior to Moses, and the foundation of our eternal hope. By considering Jesus in all aspects of our lives, we align ourselves with His purpose and experience the fullness of life He offers.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Danger of Distractions: Distractions can be more than just annoying; they can be spiritually lethal. Just as a momentary distraction can lead to physical harm, spiritual distractions can lead us away from Christ, jeopardizing our faith and eternal destiny. [05:41]
2. Jesus' Superiority to Moses: While Moses was a faithful servant in God's house, Jesus is the Son who built the house. This distinction emphasizes Jesus' unique authority and role in God's plan, making Him worthy of our full attention and devotion. [14:39]
3. Eternal Destiny Through Christ: Our eternal destiny depends on Jesus, not on Moses or any other figure. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of our salvation, and it is only through Him that we can be part of God's family. [23:11]
4. The Call to Perseverance: True salvation is demonstrated through perseverance in faith. While we cannot earn our salvation, our continued faithfulness to Christ is evidence of genuine belief and transformation. [31:42]
5. Avoiding Spiritual Distractions: Moralistic therapeutic deism and the pursuit of happiness over holiness are common distractions. By focusing on Christ, we align our lives with His purpose, allowing Him to transform our thoughts, desires, and actions. [40:08]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:41] - The Danger of Distractions
- [08:30] - Consider Jesus
- [10:45] - Jesus' Faithfulness
- [14:39] - Jesus vs. Moses
- [18:20] - Moses' Role and Status
- [23:11] - Jesus as the Son
- [26:00] - Our Eternal Destiny
- [31:42] - The Call to Perseverance
- [34:15] - Identifying Distractions
- [36:50] - Moralistic Therapeutic Deism
- [40:08] - Focusing on Christ
- [43:00] - Conclusion and Challenge
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 3:1-6
- Exodus 33:11
- John 14:6
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Hebrews 3:1-6 say about Jesus' role compared to Moses? How is Jesus described in relation to God's house? [14:39]
2. According to the sermon, why was Moses held in such high regard by the Jewish people? What specific relationship did he have with God? [05:41]
3. How does the sermon describe the potential dangers of distractions in our spiritual lives? Can you recall any examples given? [31:42]
4. What does the term "apostle" mean in the context of Jesus' mission, as mentioned in the sermon? [14:39]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does the author of Hebrews emphasize Jesus' superiority over Moses, and how does this relate to the audience's temptation to return to their old ways? [23:11]
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of "moralistic therapeutic deism," and why is it considered a distraction from focusing on Christ? [34:15]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that perseverance in faith is evidence of true salvation? How does this align with the message in Hebrews 3:6? [31:42]
4. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "consider Jesus" in Hebrews 3:1, and what practical implications does this have for believers today? [05:41]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: What are some distractions that have pulled you away from focusing on Jesus? How can you address these distractions this week? [31:42]
2. The sermon mentions the danger of prioritizing happiness over holiness. Can you identify a recent decision where you prioritized happiness? How might you approach a similar decision differently in the future? [40:08]
3. Consider the last major decision you made. How did you involve Jesus in that decision-making process? What steps can you take to ensure Christ is central in future decisions? [34:15]
4. The sermon challenges us to persevere in faith as evidence of true salvation. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate perseverance in your faith journey? [31:42]
5. How does understanding Jesus as both the apostle and high priest of our confession impact your view of His role in your life? How can this understanding deepen your relationship with Him? [14:39]
6. Reflect on the concept of "moralistic therapeutic deism." How might this mindset have subtly influenced your view of God? What changes can you make to align more closely with a biblical understanding of God? [34:15]
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of considering Jesus in all aspects of life. What is one specific area of your life where you struggle to keep Jesus at the center? What steps can you take to change that? [05:41]
Devotional
Day 1: The Peril of Spiritual Distractions
Distractions in our spiritual journey are not just minor inconveniences; they can lead us away from Christ and jeopardize our faith and eternal destiny. Just as a momentary distraction can cause physical harm, spiritual distractions can have severe consequences. The allure of worldly pursuits, the constant noise of daily life, and even seemingly harmless diversions can pull us away from our focus on Jesus. It is crucial to recognize these distractions and actively work to refocus our attention on Christ, who is the foundation of our faith. [05:41]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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."
Reflection: Identify one distraction in your life that consistently pulls you away from focusing on Christ. What practical steps can you take today to minimize or eliminate this distraction?
Day 2: Jesus' Unique Authority and Role
The comparison between Jesus and Moses in Hebrews highlights Jesus' unique authority and role in God's plan. While Moses was a faithful servant in God's house, Jesus is the Son who built the house. This distinction emphasizes why Jesus deserves our full attention and devotion. His authority is unparalleled, and His role in our salvation is central. By understanding and acknowledging Jesus' superiority, we can deepen our faith and commitment to Him. [14:39]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge Jesus' authority in your daily decisions and actions? How can this acknowledgment transform your relationship with Him?
Day 3: Salvation Through Christ Alone
Our eternal destiny hinges on Jesus, not on Moses or any other figure. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of our salvation, and it is only through Him that we can be part of God's family. This truth calls us to place our trust and hope solely in Jesus, recognizing that He is the only way to eternal life. By embracing this reality, we can experience the fullness of life that He offers. [23:11]
Acts 4:12 (ESV): "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of salvation. How does recognizing Jesus as the sole source of salvation impact your faith and daily life?
Day 4: The Importance of Perseverance in Faith
True salvation is demonstrated through perseverance in faith. While we cannot earn our salvation, our continued faithfulness to Christ is evidence of genuine belief and transformation. This perseverance is not about striving in our strength but relying on the grace and strength that Jesus provides. By remaining steadfast in our faith, we align ourselves with God's purpose and experience His transformative power in our lives. [31:42]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: Consider a current challenge or trial you are facing. How can you rely on Jesus' strength to persevere in faith through this situation?
Day 5: Aligning with Christ's Purpose
Moralistic therapeutic deism and the pursuit of happiness over holiness are common distractions that can lead us astray. By focusing on Christ, we align our lives with His purpose, allowing Him to transform our thoughts, desires, and actions. This alignment is not about following a set of rules but about cultivating a relationship with Jesus that shapes every aspect of our lives. By prioritizing holiness over happiness, we can experience the true joy and fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with God's will. [40:08]
1 Peter 1:14-16 (ESV): "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are prioritizing happiness over holiness? How can you realign this area with Christ's purpose today?
Quotes
"Distractions can be annoying, but distractions can also be lethal or they can be deadly. I've read the story of a young nurse in India. She was 23 years old and she was by a railroad track trying to take a selfie. And she was with some friends. So it was a scenic railway bridge. And they wanted to get that kind of in the background. They were taking pictures for social media. And she wanted to get a train behind her as she was going. And she didn't realize how close she was and was hit and killed by the train." [00:02:48] (42 seconds)
"Why am I bringing this up? Because here, when we come to Hebrews chapter 3, It says, therefore, holy brothers, you who share in the heavenly calling, consider Jesus. Okay? And so that's really his point here. That's really what he's driving us to do. He's driving the church that he's writing to, that group of Christians that he's writing to. Remember, we don't know who wrote this book. But he seems to be someone who had a pastoral affinity for this group of people. These were people from a Jewish background. They were converts to Jesus. But they were tempted to go back." [00:04:01] (36 seconds)
"So I'm going to talk about how that Jesus is faithful like Moses. I'm going to talk about that as good as Moses was, Jesus is better. And finally, that our eternal destiny depends on Jesus and not Moses. And we're going to talk about this from this text here this morning. So Jesus is worthy of our prioritized attention and focus. Let's pray, ask God's blessing, and then we'll talk about three reasons why. Father, I pray as I have this wonderful privilege to teach from this text here this morning that I would do so in a faithful way, that is faithful to your word, that is faithful to you, and that would bring you honor and glory because you deserve it, God." [00:06:41] (40 seconds)
"Well, why is he pulling Moses into the conversation here? As he's bringing this word of exhortation, he's trying to encourage these people, and all of a sudden he brings up Moses. He brought up angels. We talked about that was because they were the ministers of the former covenant of the law, and so they said, you know, Jesus is better than that because they were tempted to go back to that. He says, you know, no, he's better than that. Now he's bringing up Moses. Well, there's a couple reasons why he would do that. First of all is because of Moses' status with the people. In the people's eyes that he was writing to, the status of Moses is almost impossible to be overemphasized and overstated." [00:07:19] (40 seconds)
"Like Exodus chapter 33 verse 11, this is what it says, thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friend. That's why they reviewed Moses so much. It's because it was like God would speak to him as a friend in some ways. He had such a tremendous status and position that God was using him for. In Deuteronomy chapter 34 verse 10, it says, And there has not risen, arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and all his land, and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of all Israel." [00:08:37] (46 seconds)
"So it was a mission that God gave him, lead him in the Exodus. He delivered the law. It was God used Moses to deliver the law to the people. He's the one that set up the system of temple worship. We read it in the book of Leviticus. We're studying that in Adult Discipleship Hour. We saw in the very beginning how it was Moses who set this up and then passed it on to Aaron and passed it on, but it was Moses who set this up. He authored the first five books of the Bible, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, which makes it kind of interesting when you go back to these passages here that Moses wrote this. Kind of interesting here." [00:10:43] (41 seconds)
"Notice what the text says about Jesus here. It says in verse 3, it says, let's see here, for Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, as much more glory as the builder of a house. And then later on, it says that now Moses, verse 5, was faithful in all of God's house as a servant, verse 6, but Christ is faithful over God's house as what? A son, right? And so here, Jesus is the son who built God's house. So this is the point that he's making here. He's making to them, he said, consider Jesus, focus your attention, focus everything about him, prioritize your attention, your focus on Christ, consider him." [00:21:24] (44 seconds)
"Very exclusive message of Jesus is the only way. He is the only way that we can have eternal life. Jesus uniquely helps us in ways that Moses could never help us. Because Jesus lived as a man, and he endured all the temptations, and he resisted them, and he lived a perfect life, and then he died a death he shouldn't have died. It's like we talked about earlier here. So we are his house, but how do we get into God's family? How do we be part of this household? The Bible is abundantly clear. It is only through Christ. So he's pleading, this author here is pleading with the people who are hearing this. He's saying, don't go back, because it's not Moses that secured your salvation. It's Jesus." [00:26:29] (49 seconds)
"And so he demands your full attention. He demands your life. He demands everything because of what he's done for you. But now there's this interesting thing here. Verse 6, it says, and we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our conscience and our boasting and our hope. This is coming up a lot in the book of Hebrews, these if statements. And we talked about one in chapter 2. There's going to be more coming up here where it's like, you know, yes, if you hold on. In chapter, later next week, we're going to look at another one. It's in verse 14, for we share." [00:27:27] (42 seconds)
"We have this idea of Jesus says, no man can be snatched from my Father's hand. And so we have this idea of that if we're saved, that then Christ saves us here. But then we have these verses here that talk about, well, if you hold fast or if you stay true, what is going on here? He's talking about like this idea of perseverance. He's saying that we have to persevere. The best way to understand this is that we have to understand who he's writing too. He's writing to people who have claimed to be Christians, right? And that then they are saying, I no longer want to be a Christian here. So that's what he's saying here." [00:28:24] (34 seconds)
