Keep the main thing, the main thing

Devotional

Day 1: Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

Staying focused on what truly matters is essential for a life of purpose and spiritual effectiveness. In a world full of distractions and superficial pursuits, it is easy to lose sight of our calling and get caught up in things that do not impact our destiny. We are reminded that our energy and attention must be directed toward the things of God, not the minor issues that can so easily consume us. When we keep the main thing—worshiping and serving God—at the center, we find clarity, joy, and resilience, even when others try to pull us off course. [01:21:29]

Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What is one distraction you need to set aside today so you can focus more fully on God’s purpose for your life?

Day 2: Worship as Revelation and Intimacy

True worship is not just a routine or performance, but an invitation to deeper intimacy with God. As we grow in our knowledge of who God is and what He has done, our worship becomes more profound and meaningful. Worship reaches its zenith in community, where each person’s unique journey enriches the collective praise. The more we see and understand God’s character, the more our hearts are moved to respond with authentic adoration, moving beyond superficiality into a place of spiritual depth and connection. [01:35:06]

John 4:23-24 (ESV)
"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek a deeper revelation of God this week, allowing it to transform your worship from routine to relationship?

Day 3: The Power of Perspective in Worship

How we view our circumstances directly shapes the quality of our worship. Even in times of persecution, chaos, or crisis, God calls us to look up and trust that He is at work, often performing His best when the enemy is at his worst. When we shift our perspective from our problems to God’s sovereignty, our worship becomes an act of faith and hope. This perspective empowers us to praise God not just for what He has done, but for who He is, regardless of our current situation. [01:43:09]

Revelation 5:11-14 (ESV)
"Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!' And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!' And the four living creatures said, 'Amen!' and the elders fell down and worshiped."

Reflection: When you face discouragement or trouble, what would it look like to intentionally shift your focus to God’s greatness and faithfulness in worship?

Day 4: Continuous and Contagious Praise

Praise is not meant to be episodic or reserved for special moments; it is to be continuous and contagious, inspiring others to join in glorifying God. The example of the living creatures and elders in Revelation shows that worship can be so powerful and persistent that it draws the entire community into deeper praise. Every time we reflect on God’s ongoing blessings, we find new reasons to worship, and our praise can encourage those around us to do the same, creating a ripple effect of gratitude and adoration. [01:54:03]

Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV)
"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!"

Reflection: Who in your life could you encourage today by sharing a testimony of God’s goodness and inviting them to praise with you?

Day 5: The Necessity of Spiritual Community

We are not called to walk the Christian journey alone; spiritual growth and perseverance require connection to a community of faith. The church is a body of worshipers and witnesses, called to support, encourage, and hold one another accountable. Isolation leaves us vulnerable to discouragement and distraction, but being rooted in a loving, worshiping community strengthens us for the challenges ahead and helps us keep our focus on God’s mission. [02:07:46]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to deepen your connection with your church community or to encourage someone who may feel alone?

Sermon Summary

In every season of life and ministry, it is essential to keep the main thing the main thing. Life is filled with distractions—some subtle, some loud—that threaten to pull us away from our true purpose and calling. Too often, we find ourselves majoring in the minors, allowing superficial concerns and petty disputes to consume our energy and attention. Yet, our destiny is too precious to be forfeited over distractions that do not matter in the light of eternity. The call is to refocus, to remember why we first said “yes” to God, and to resist the temptation to be sidetracked by titles, positions, or the opinions of others.

Worship is at the heart of our identity as the people of God. We are called together as a community of worshipers and witnesses, not for our own glory, but to make disciples and to reflect God’s glory to the world. True worship is not about performance or routine, but about intimacy with God—a response to the revelation of who God is and what God has done. As we grow in our knowledge of the Lord, our worship should deepen and mature. It is not enough to offer God the same praise we gave as spiritual infants; we are called to grow up, to move from survival worship to sanctifying worship, where our praise becomes an invitation to deeper intimacy with God.

The book of Revelation reminds us that worship is not just for the “not yet,” but for the “right now.” Even in the midst of chaos, persecution, and uncertainty, God calls us to shift our perspective and see that our circumstances do not have the last word. When we look up, we discover that God is still on the throne, still worthy of all honor, glory, and praise. Our praise must be both continuous and contagious, inspiring others to join in the worship of the Lamb who is worthy.

As we ordain new elders and leaders, the charge is clear: do not become distracted by the noise of ministry or the lure of becoming a hireling. Remember the vows made before God, and let your ministry be rooted in faithfulness, diligence, and love. Let us encourage one another, carry the spark of God’s presence back to our communities, and refuse to talk ourselves out of the possibilities God has placed within us. May we keep the main thing the main thing, and live as people who are truly blessed.

Key Takeaways

1. Distraction is the Enemy of Destiny Distraction is not always about obvious sin or failure; often, it is the slow drift into focusing on things that do not matter. When we allow minor issues, personal slights, or superficial concerns to dominate our attention, we risk missing the greater purpose God has for us. Our destiny is too valuable to be surrendered to distractions—keep your eyes on what truly matters and let go of the rest. [84:58]
2. Worship Must Mature as We Grow God receives our worship at every stage, but as we grow in faith, our worship should deepen. Just as a parent expects a child to develop new skills over time, God desires that our praise and devotion reflect our increasing knowledge and intimacy with Him. Stagnant worship is a sign of spiritual immaturity; let your worship evolve as your understanding of God expands. [96:46]
3. True Worship is Rooted in Revelation and Community Worship reaches its zenith not in isolation, but in the gathered community of faith. Each person’s testimony and journey enriches the collective praise, creating a tapestry of worship that is more profound than any individual offering. The more we know about God and the more we share in each other’s stories, the more powerful and authentic our worship becomes. [93:35]
4. Perspective Determines the Quality of Our Praise How we view our circumstances shapes the depth and authenticity of our worship. Revelation teaches us that even in times of crisis, chaos, or persecution, God is still worthy of praise. When we shift our perspective from our problems to God’s sovereignty, our worship becomes an act of faith that transcends our immediate situation. [103:09]
5. Ministry Requires Focused Faithfulness, Not Performance The call to ministry is not about titles, recognition, or outward success, but about faithfulness to God’s call and the vows made before Him. It is easy to become distracted by the noise and demands of ministry, but true shepherds remain rooted in their commitment to serve, teach, and love God’s people. Regularly revisit your calling, resist the temptation to become a hireling, and let your ministry flow from a place of devotion and integrity. [184:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[70:40] - Praise and Gratitude for Leadership
[73:12] - Reflections on Israel-Palestine and Justice
[77:38] - Scripture Reading: Revelation 5
[80:08] - Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
[82:11] - The Curse of Superficiality and Distraction
[84:58] - Distracted Living and Church Crashes
[87:10] - Remembering Your Call and Avoiding Distractions
[91:51] - The Church as a Community of Worship and Witness
[93:35] - The Power of Worship in Community
[96:46] - Growing in Worship and Spiritual Maturity
[100:07] - Worship as Intimacy and Revelation
[103:09] - Perspective and the Shift in Worship
[111:30] - Continuous and Contagious Praise
[125:53] - Testimony and Perseverance
[183:44] - The Charge to New Elders
[220:32] - Final Encouragement and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Revelation 5:11-14 (ESV) — 11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
12 saying with a loud voice,
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”
13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might
forever and ever!”
14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Observation Questions

In Revelation 5:11-14, who is present around the throne, and what are they doing?
According to the sermon, what are some examples of distractions that can pull us away from our true purpose in life and ministry? [[01:24:58]]
What does the preacher say is at the heart of our identity as the people of God? [[01:31:51]]
In the sermon, what shift happens between Revelation chapter 4 and chapter 5 regarding worship? [[01:41:33]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does the preacher say that distraction is the enemy of destiny, and how does this relate to the church’s mission? [[01:24:58]]
The sermon talks about worship maturing as we grow in faith. What does it mean for worship to move from “survival worship” to “sanctifying worship”? [[01:36:46]]
How does the preacher describe the importance of worshiping in community rather than in isolation? [[01:33:35]]
According to the sermon, how does our perspective on our circumstances affect the quality and depth of our worship? [[01:43:09]]

Application Questions

The sermon warns against “majoring in the minors” and letting small issues distract us. What are some specific distractions in your life or in our church community that might be pulling us away from our main purpose? How can you let go of these distractions this week? [[01:24:58]]
When you think about your own worship, do you feel it has grown deeper as you’ve grown in faith, or has it stayed the same? What is one way you can intentionally deepen your worship this month? [[01:36:46]]
The preacher says that worship is most powerful in community. Is there someone in our group or church whose story or testimony has encouraged your faith? How can you encourage someone else with your own story this week? [[01:33:35]]
The sermon challenges us to shift our perspective from our problems to God’s sovereignty. Think of a current challenge you are facing. How might your worship or prayer change if you focused more on God’s power than on your problem? [[01:43:09]]
For those serving in ministry or leadership, the preacher warns not to get caught up in titles or recognition. Are there ways you have been tempted to seek approval or status rather than serving out of love and faithfulness? What would it look like to serve with a “yes” in your spirit this week? [[01:27:10]]
The preacher encourages us not to “talk ourselves out of the possibilities God has placed within us.” Is there a dream, calling, or opportunity you have been doubting or talking yourself out of? What is one step you can take to trust God with it this week? [[03:40:49]]
The sermon ends with a call to carry the spark of God’s presence back to our communities. What is one practical way you can bring encouragement, faith, or worship into your home, workplace, or neighborhood this week? [[03:41:11]]

Sermon Clips

Superficiality is the curse of this age. In other words, according to Richard Foster, that most Christians are a miller of an inch deep and a mile wide, that there is no depth to our preaching. There is no depth to our walk with Christ, but we are spread so thin that we are obviously visible, and yet we are vulnerable because we are not grounded and rooted. [01:22:03] (35 seconds) #DepthOverSurface

There's nothing wrong with eating your lunch, but don't do it at the cause of missing the destiny where you're headed. There's nothing wrong with texting and tweeting, but don't do it while you're trying to reach your destiny. Don't lose your destiny because of a distraction. [01:25:22] (22 seconds) #DestinyOverDistraction

When you first said yes to the Lord, it wasn't about a title. It wasn't about a position. It wasn't about sitting in the pulpit. It wasn't about going around people calling you Reverend Doctor. It wasn't about whether or not your name was on the program. It wasn't about if they spelled your name right on the church sign. It wasn't about if you had a reserved parking space. It wasn't if you had a package that was the best in the conference. It wasn't about if you had a package that was the best in the conference. It wasn't about if you had could not help but say yes to the Lord's call on your life. [01:27:52] (38 seconds) #CalledNotTitled

Let me help us to remember that the church is a community of worshipers called together to worship and to witness. That is our core operating affirmation. We are worshipers and called to witness so that we can make disciples and to be a witness to the world of God's glory. Keep the main thing. The main thing. [01:31:43] (59 seconds) #WorshipAndWitness

Don't talk yourself out of the spark and the energy that you've received this week. There are some of us that even before we get back to our local church, we will talk ourselves out of the things that the Lord deposited in us this week. We'll say our church is too small. We'll say I'm not able to lead like that. The Lord wants to stretch you. Amen. And don't dare talk yourself out of the possibilities that God has deposited in you. [03:40:40] (40 seconds) #DontTalkYourselfOut

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