Friday, July 14, 2006
Focus#2
LUKE 10
Binoculars last week and we found out they were out of focus, and inward correction was needed.
We also discovered if you just wanted the binoculars for a paper weight, to hold something down, focus was not a high priority nor is it needed. We discovered this happens in the church.
We discovered that many times we that Sunday morning worship is nothing more than a speed bump that just slows our day down a little and never give Sunday evening service a thought.
We discovered that we usually develop a routine for to get us through the busyness and after a while we no not need sight to continue when we can do it blind folded. We also discovered this happens in the church and we miss opportunities to witness and minister Jesus to those around us.
We discovered that Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because they could not see God fighting there battles and giving them the promise of the land that flows with milk and honey.
And lastly we discovered that our sins were washed away by the blood of the lamb but this fleshly carnal person must be nailed to the cross for Jesus said take up your cross and get focused follow me.
Luke 10:38-42
Luke chapter 10 we could say speaks to us about getting “focused”.
Jesus sends out seventy disciples they come back rejoicing because demons are subject to them they thought that was why they should rejoice but the truth of the matter is rejoice because your name is written down in heaven.
Be encouraged that demons are subject to you but that is not the key to rejoicing.
Then a man, a lawyer ask what shall I do to inherit eternal life? V26 & 27, 28
Then notice the parable and man falls among thieves they strip him, wound him and leave him for dead.
The priest came by and went to the other side of the road, the Levite does the same.
The Samaritan has compassion
Jesus asked which of these was a neighbor?
It was the one focused on meeting the need.
Here are some common myths that we have come to believe:
1. Busy equals important. (God will not ask you on judgment day, “how busy were you?”
2. Someone wins the rat race. (God is not as interested in “what you do” as “who you are”
3. Hurrying will buy us more time. (we just fill the extra time with more work)
4. “Down time” is wasted time. (God instituted the Sabbath for rest)
The greatest tragedy of the busy life is that same tragedy that Martha faced
Offered the opportunity to sit at Jesus’ feet, we can’t spare Jesus any time.
What was Martha’s problem?
Was her desire to serve Jesus the problem? No…
1. She was distracted
Her preoccupation with serving, distracted her from what was most important.
Vs. 40…Martha was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing…
2. She was depressed
She began to feel sorry for herself
Vs. 40…Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you…
3. She was disapproving
She became critical of Mary for not doing her part.
4. She was demanding
She tells the Lord what she wants Him to do, instead of letting the Lord tell her what she should do.
Vs. 40…Tell her to come and help me…
Maratha had lost focus. She could not see the most needful thing. What she was fixing in the kitchen was not the main course, Worship was the main course.
Church let me say it with all the love I can, Worship is one of the most important parts of our life.
When we get to busy for Worship we are too busy, too distracted, too depressed, fault finding too much and we will become demanding of others.
The need for focus
Focus can be our best friend or worst enemy, when we keep our focus on positive things it is a true friend, when we focus on the negative it becomes our worst enemy
Where is your focus today? On the clock, on the job, on the water?
V42 One thing is needful and Mary has chosen that good part and it will not be taken away from her.
Most of what we focus on will one day perish or be taken away from us, unless our focus is on Christ.
[close]
Church
Have you lost Focus on why Jesus came?
Have you lost Focus on the great commission?
Have you lost Focus of the importance of a strong Church witnessing to the community?
Have you lost Faith that God will give you the victory?
Unbeliever
Can you see your need of Jesus?
Can you Focus on what God has already done for you? Sent Jesus to die on the cross for your sins.
Can you see yourself asking for forgiveness of sin?
Come today.
