Focus On The Glory Of God

Our associate pastor Brother Ryan Crawford brought us our Sunday morning message: "Focus."

We stood for opening prayer and the reading of God's word taken from Philippians 3:10-16

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

"Focus as a noun is defined as a central point, a point of concentration, where focus as a verb means to adapt to the prevailing level of light and become able to see clearly, or to pay particular attention to. In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul states in verse 13, '...this one thing I do' -- not a dozen he does, not several, just the one thing. And this one thing was 'pressing toward the mark' and the pleasing of his Lord, for His honor and His glory."

1 Corinthians 10:31 -- Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

"Is your life so focused on Christ to where it pleases Him as a sweet smelling savor? Let us look at the life of Paul and see where his focus lay, and ours should be."

"Paul's life first was focused on a person. Paul knew the Lord was in his life. Paul's experiences with Jesus were personal, both in his salvation and in his relationship. Paul knew this Jesus who was in this life."

Isaiah 45:22 -- Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

"Paul's experience was also powerful."

2 Timothy 1:7 -- For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

"Paul also learned through his personal experiences that sometimes living for the Lord could be painful but that Paul, too, would partake in the fellowship of His sufferings."

Galatians 6:17 -- From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

"And knowing The Christ that was in his life, in the here and now, Paul would know Him in the life to come." (See verse 11.)

John 5:28-29 -- Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

"Paul was also looking forward to the time he would know Christ fully. Because Jesus is a giver of pardon through His Salvation, He gives us a royal pedigree as Sons of God; Jesus is the reason for our service having a purpose."

"Focus in your Christian walk is also a practice for even greater things to come. Focusing on the prize is one way we do this. Breaking this down further, humility is required for this first part: focusing on the prize, in the present (verse 12.) If Paul could say he had room to grow, what about you?" Focus regarding the past speaks of forgiveness (verse 13.) "'Forgetting those things which are behind.' What past or failures are you holding on to that distracts your focus? God forgives and forgets."

Hebrews 8:12 -- For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

"Now regarding the future prize, progress is needed. We need to move forward," (see verse 13.) We must be faithful to fulfill our function, our purpose."

2 Timothy 4:7-8 -- I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

"Focus your life on people (see verses 15-16.) Let us show genuine concern, and be gentle in your corrections. Then Paul gave us a general command: 'if any be otherwise minded,' God can get you back on the right path. To be spiritually minded, we must have a common authority, which is the Word of God. God's will for us will be plain to us, if we obediently adhere to His written Word."

"Focus in your place, wherever that place is."

Judges 7:21 -- And they stood every man in his place round about the camp; and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.

"Be active."

Psalms 27:4 -- One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

"Be not ashamed."

Romans 10:11 --For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

"Be always abounding."

Colossians 2:6-7 -- As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

"And finally, focus has several products. You will find peace."

Philippians 4:7-9 -- And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

"You will find provision."

Matthew 6:33 -- But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

"You will find promises."

1 John 3:2 -- Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

"Who are you focused on? Will you practice your focus for this next week, as you move out into our community, seeking that which is lost?"

All Bible verses quoted above are from the KJV, the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

You can hear a rebroadcast of one of Dr. Larry Crawford's services, on KURM radio, 100.3 on the FM dial, at 8:30 a.m. Sunday mornings. Or listen to our pastors' services on our website at http://www.firstbaptistchurchpineville.com/Sermons.html.

If you have no church home of your own, we would love for you to join us (off the N/E corner of Pineville square, just behind U.S. Bank) in ours. No friendlier, down home church, can be found anywhere in the four-state area.