Bible Message/Preaching : Focusing on Jesus
1Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,... 3For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. (Heb 12:1-3)
What does it mean to look-unto?
Observing, making an example, trusting or putting our faith in....
Why do we look unto someone?
What creates trouble in trust/hope in the one whom we look to?
Why look unto Him?
Because who we're & because of Who He is!
But when a storm hit our lives, we forget! Especially when things don't work out the way we want them to.... we start to doubt and shift our focus to the problems rather than the solution – the Lord!
So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matt 14: 22-32)
Grape needs pruning so that it bears more and it hurts! Look for what needs to be changed in our life!
Faith is given by God, we cannot do anything by ourself!
HEB 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen
ROM 8:24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
Jer 32:27 "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Zech 4:6 So he answered and said to me: "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the LORD of hosts.
4:7 Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of "Grace, grace to it!" "
1PET 1:21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
1TIM 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,
Phil 3:12-15 12Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Gen 19:26 But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
Lk 17:31-33 31"In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. 32 "Remember Lot's wife. 33 "Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.
EPH 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
ROM 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Rom 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
Tribulation -> perseverance -> character -> hope
ROM 4:18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be."
What affects our sense of 'reality'?
Friends, family, work, study, surroundings, media – books, tv, I-net,....
Renewing of the mind: Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Remind ourself about the greatness of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 4:29 "But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Mt 22:36-40 36"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, " You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 "This is the first and great commandment. 39 "And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 "On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
| Emotions: | Fear, Anger, Disappointment/discourage, sorrow,.... v/s | Confidence, Hope, Joy, |
| Addictive items: | Smoke, alcohol, drugs... v/s | prayer, meditation, Scripture reading... |
Rom 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Meditation:
- Where is the focus of my heart?
- What change is needed to get my focus right on the Lord?
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