Focusing on Purpose: Overcoming Distractions for Victory
Summary
In this sermon, I encouraged the congregation to turn away from distractions and focus on their God-given purpose. I referenced Psalms 119 verse 37, which speaks about turning away from illusions and pursuing only that which is true. I emphasized that distractions are the enemy's way of preventing us from fulfilling our divine purpose. I declared that this is not a season of distractions, but a season of God's great victory and fulfillment in our lives. I also mentioned the upcoming City Awakening event, which I believe will be a significant time of revival and overcoming.
In the second part of the sermon, I reflected on the challenges of the previous month, describing it as a month of distractions and warfare. I encouraged the congregation to ask God to help them focus on what is right and true, as per Psalms 119 verse 37. I shared my personal struggles with distractions while planning the conference, and how I felt the urge to give up. However, I reminded the congregation that we must not give in to fear or distractions, but instead fight the good fight of faith. I reiterated the importance of not giving up in this season and focusing on God's truth.
Key Takeaways:
- Distractions are the enemy's way of preventing us from fulfilling our God-given purpose. We must actively turn away from these distractions and focus on our divine calling ([03:21]).
- This is a season of God's great victory and fulfillment in our lives. We must declare this over ourselves and believe in it ([04:03]).
- We must ask God to help us focus on what is right and true, as per Psalms 119 verse 37. This will help us stay focused on our purpose and not get sidetracked by distractions ([01:18]).
- We must not give in to fear or distractions, but instead fight the good fight of faith. Even when things get tough, we must not give up ([01:57]).
- We must turn our eyes away from illusions and distractions, focusing instead on God's truth. This will help us stay on the path God has set for us ([02:36]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalms 119:37 #!!00:33!!#
2. Psalms 119:37 #!!02:36!!#
3. Psalms 119:37 #!!03:21!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What does Psalms 119:37 say about distractions and illusions?
2. How does the Psalmist ask for help in dealing with distractions?
3. What does the Psalmist mean by "drench my soul with life as I walk in your path"?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Psalms 119:37 relate to the concept of focusing on what is true and noble?
2. What does it mean to "turn my eyes away from illusions" in the context of our faith journey?
3. How can we understand the phrase "drench my soul with life as I walk in your path" in our daily lives?
Application Questions:
1. Can you identify a recent situation where you were distracted from your purpose or God's calling for you? How did you handle it?
2. What are some practical ways you can "turn your eyes away from illusions" and focus on what is true and noble in your life?
3. How can you seek God's help in turning away from distractions, as the Psalmist does in Psalms 119:37?
4. What does it look like for you to "drench your soul with life as you walk in God's path"? Can you share a specific example?
5. How can you apply the promise of Psalms 119:37, that this is a month of God's great victory and fulfillment, in your current circumstances?
Devotional
Day 1: Overcoming Distractions
In our spiritual journey, distractions often arise to deter us from our God-given purpose. These distractions can manifest as chaos, warfare, or illusions that divert our focus from the truth. We must actively seek God's help to turn our eyes away from these distractions and focus on what is true, noble, and worthy. [03:21]
Psalm 119:37 - "Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word."
Reflection: What distractions are currently pulling you away from your God-given purpose and how can you seek God's help to overcome them?
Day 2: Embracing the Month of Victory
Every new month brings new challenges, but it also brings new victories. We must declare and prophesy that each month is a month of God's great victory and fulfillment in our lives, our families, and whatever we put our hands to. [04:03]
1 Corinthians 15:57 - "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you actively declare and prophesy God's victory in your life this month?
Day 3: The Fight of Faith
In the face of distractions and challenges, we must fight the good fight of faith. We must not give up, but instead, persevere and remain steadfast in our faith. [01:57]
1 Timothy 6:12 - "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
Reflection: What challenges are testing your faith right now and how can you fight the good fight of faith in these situations?
Day 4: Seeking Truth
In a world full of illusions and distractions, we must seek the truth. We must ask God to help us focus on what is right, true, and worthy. [01:18]
John 8:32 - "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Reflection: How can you actively seek and focus on the truth in your daily life?
Day 5: Walking in Freedom
God wants us to walk in freedom. We must overcome our distractions and challenges to experience this freedom. [02:36]
Galatians 5:1 - "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: What steps can you take to walk in the freedom that Christ has given you?
Quotes
1. "Distractions are the enemy saying get distracted so that you do not fulfill your god-given purpose. I encourage you to say to yourself and declare over yourself that you will not be distracted in this season." - 02:54
2. "I decree and I prophesy right now that this is not a month of distractions but this is a month of God's Great victory in fulfillment in your life this month in your family and whatever you put your hands to." - 03:21
3. "Help me turn my eyes away from illusions so that I pursue only that which is true. Drench my soul with life as I walk in your path." - 01:18
4. "Do not be afraid. Do not allow distractions to cause you to throw in a towel that I've not caused you to throw the towel in. You got to fight the good fight of faith in this season." - 01:57
5. "I challenge you and decree over your life right now that the eyes of your heart and the physical eyes were you but it." - 02:36