Sermons

This is us – God Focused

Values define who we are and how we do what do – gateway for the gospel to go to the nations 1st one underpins everything – God focused

God focused

Heb 12:2 Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus
Not easy! Much easier to look to the right and the left, or to look down.

Paul is a great example of keeping God focused in every circumstance – Philippians 1:18-26 Under arrest – chained to guards left and right
Other people were flourishing in ministry, some with good motives and some with bad.

Choose to focus on God

First thing he says is \\\”But what does it matter?\\\” – whatever! So what? Choose to respond to the “whatevers” by keep focused on God.

Apokaradokia – strained expectation!

Next key to help us do that comes in v20 \\\”I eagerly expect and hope\\\” – Compound word – Paul most likely the first to use it! And that makes it interesting Apo – to turn away, ignoring
Kara – head
Dokia – best described as stretching forward!

Looking forward – keeping eyes focused on Jesus. Turning to left or right – eyes off Jesus on the circumstances. Instead APOKARADOKIA

For me to live is Christ and to die is gain

He does not know whether he will be released or martyred. Either way, its a \\\”what does it matter\\\”.

Prayer and the supply of the Spirit

But he also knows he is not alone. Look at v19 \\\”For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ\\\”
We are challenged to pray for each other here!

Supply of the Spirit

To stay focused on God, to keep living for Christ knowing that to die is gain. To keep our eyes on Jesus, and boldly proclaim Him. We need the supply of the Spirit.

Questions

1. 1)  How do you cultivate a “What does it matter?” attitude in the entitled culture we live in?
2. 2)  What practical things can we do to make those right choices?
3. 3)  How have you put “apokaradokia” into practice?
4. 4)  To live is Christ to die is gain – Paul unpacks that in the passage – what does it mean?
5. 5)  In pairs – what can we pray for? Pray!
6. 6)  The supply of the Spirit is also vital – pray for each other for more supply of the Spirit to stay God focused