Bgroup Lesson Aug 18
Big Idea: A believer who is focused is a powerful believer. Our problem is that we can be so easily distracted by many things around us. If not careful we could even end up at the wrong destination. A focused believer finishes their race and is full of energy to complete the task before them.
Key Scripture:
Hebrews 12:1-3 “Therefore since we are surrounded by such a huge cloud of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”
Olympic athletes are focused on the finish line. As believers, we must stay focused on the race that is set before us as well. As we stay focused, what is before us expands and what is behind us diminishes. But the question may be, how do we stay focused? Let’s look to the scriptures for some powerful insight.
Holding on to our past will weigh us down. If we focus too much on our past it will enlarge in our life until it begins to dominate our thoughts. We must understand that the weights of our past failures and mistakes only serve to remind us of the lessons we have learned. Read Philippians 3:13.
Discussion Question: How do we move on from our past failures and hurts?
Distractions will keep us from moving forward so we must filter out the distractions. Winners focus on winning, losers focus on winners. If we constantly watch the accomplishments of others it is impossible to stay focused on what God has called us to do. The Apostle Paul said it this way; “Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Phillipians 4:8).
Discussion Question: Have you experienced situations in your past where you had so many things vying for your attention that you became emotionally paralyzed? How do we as believers get refocused?
We must run the race that is set before us. Your race has been especially designed and destined for you from God. A good way for us to stay on track is to continually monitor our progress until we reach our destination, understanding that for each of us there will come an end to our race. Focus on the future reward: that you will receive more than the current distractions that would try to dominate your life.
Discussion Question: What is a good way to monitor your daily, weekly progress toward your finish line?
One day we will all stand before Jesus. Everything that we see right now and all that has been created is for His glory alone. When we understand that we were created for His glory, everything else becomes secondary and our purpose and focus comes alive!
Discussion Question: Do you think of eternity often? What fills your heart when you think past this life?
Life becomes so much easier when the world around us is in focus. Blocking out the distractions of sin and our past is important to keeping ourselves on track. What are you focused on? Take a few minutes and pray that the Lord will bring us clarity of purpose for our lives and that we will bring glory to Him.