TOPIC: STAY FOCUSED
Memory Verse
“For the Lord God will help me; therefore, I shall not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.” Isaiah 50:7
Lesson Text
Luke 9:61-62
LESSON INTRODUCTION
The Almighty God created eyes in front and not back because He wants us to always look to the front. It is quite expedient for us as believers to keep our gaze on Jesus Christ in this fast-paced and distraction-filled world. It means prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else and continuously aligning our lives with His will. Today we will explore the essence of this topic and I pray God will give us understanding.
LESSON OUTLINES
A. MAKE JESUS YOUR TOPMOST PRIORITY
B. DON’T LOOK BACK
A. MAKE JESUS YOUR TOPMOST PRIORITY
Let us consider the man spoken of in Lk. 9:61.
- He offered himself to Jesus. Jesus Christ must have made an impact on him.
- He was willing to follow Jesus.
- The man had double loyalty and allegiance. Note ‘first’ &
‘But. There were some concerns before he follows the Lord. He prioritized his family before the Lord. Why family first? Could he have been attached to his family more than Jesus Christ? Maybe they wanted his counsel and advice. Could it be that he wanted their approval!
According to Matt. 16:24 and Matt. 10:38, Jesus expects us to put Him first and nothing else. He wants us to make Him and all that pertains to His Kingdom our utmost priority (Matt. 6:33) not disregarding our families though. He also wants us to not fret over the things we may lose while making Him our topmost priority (Philippians 3:8). Lastly, He expects our service to Him to be taken seriously. Deut. 10: 12. 1Chron. 28:9
B. DON’T LOOK BACK
We are enjoined not to look back (Lk. 9:62; Matt. 7:21; Gal. 4:9; Heb. 10:38; 2 Pt. 2:20; Mk. 13:13) but instead press towards obtaining the prize set before us (Philippians 3:13-14). Remember, we will all give account unto God (Rom. 14:12). Lot’s wife looked back and she became a pillar of salt. Gen. 19:26
Here are a few specific things we shouldn’t look back on:
- Don’t look back at past sins. They are already forgiven (1Jn.
1: 7-9; 1 Jn. 2: 1). His blood has cleansed from all unrighteousness.
Learn to forgive yourself because Christ already forgave you. - Put all failures and defeats behind you and make failure a stepping stone to greater heights. Failure is not bad, but to give up is bad. To stumble is not to fall but to move forward faster. Remember, quitters don’t win, and winners don’t quit. Blind Bartimaeus, instead of giving up, cried out more. Mk. 10:46-52
- Forget the past situation (Num. 11:4-8 – Israel looking back to Egypt) and hold on to the promise of God. Isa. 43:15-19
- Forget all old conflicts and hurts. Let old wounds be gone.
Col. 3:13 - Don’t dwell on old victories (Philippians. 3:13-14). Let them propel you to new victories. God is a specialist in doing new things, so strive for more victories instead of dwelling on the old ones.
CONCLUSION
Staying focused on God requires intentionality and discipline. This will definitely subdue distractions and offer support as we run the race set before us with perseverance.
QUESTIONS
- What are the common distractions you face that hinder your focus?
- How can you refocus your gaze?
FURTHER READING
SUN: Philippians 4:13; MON: Isa. 43:18-19;
TUE: 1 Jn. 2:15; WED: Jn. 21:15-25; THUR: Col. 3:1-2; FRI: Lk. 17:21;