Focus on Christ
Focus on Christ6
Isaiah 6:1
By Chuck Smith02CH 26:8PSA 115:1PRO 16:18ISA 6:1MAT 23:12JHN 3:301CO 3:6GAL 1:10COL 3:2HEB 12:2Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of recognizing God's sovereignty over human leaders, using King Uzziah's rise and fall as a cautionary tale. Uzziah, despite his early successes and prosperity, became an idol in the eyes of the people, which ultimately led to his downfall. Smith points out that God had to remove Uzziah for the prophet to truly see the Lord, highlighting the danger of ministers seeking personal glory rather than directing attention to Christ. The sermon serves as a reminder to focus on Jesus rather than human accolades, urging believers to lift up Christ instead of earthly leaders.
Losing Our Focus and Vision
By K.P. Yohannan0LUK 19:102CO 5:13PHP 3:82TI 4:7HEB 12:2K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the challenge of maintaining focus and vision in our spiritual journey, warning against the temptation to return to a more comfortable life. He highlights the importance of pursuing an intimate relationship with Christ, as exemplified by Paul, who considered everything a loss compared to knowing Him. The sermon encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus and to let their love for Him drive their passion for reaching the lost. Yohannan reminds us that staying faithful requires keeping the end goal in mind, resisting the devil's attempts to distract us with daily discouragements. Ultimately, a steadfast focus on Christ enables us to finish our race well.
Keep a Fixed Eye Upon a Bleeding Christ
By Thomas Brooks0ISA 53:5MAT 11:28ROM 8:1HEB 12:21PE 2:24Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of focusing on the sufferings of Christ as a source of refuge and strength during times of fear, doubt, and temptation. He encourages believers to turn their gaze towards the crucified Savior, who bore their sins and offers healing for their wounded consciences. Brooks reminds Christians that by keeping a fixed eye on a bleeding Christ, they can find comfort and solace amidst their trials and tribulations. He warns against the tendency to dwell on personal struggles rather than on the redemptive work of Jesus, which can lead to greater despair. Ultimately, he calls for a continual meditation on Christ's wounds as the remedy for all soul troubles.
Dolls and Rattles
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 73:25MAT 6:33PHP 3:8COL 3:2Thomas Brooks emphasizes that weak Christians often focus more on the blessings and comforts they receive from Christ rather than on Christ Himself. He compares this behavior to a child who is so captivated by dolls and rattles that they forget about their mother. In contrast, strong Christians prioritize their relationship with Christ over His gifts, recognizing Him as the true treasure. Brooks encourages believers to shift their focus from the gifts to the Giver, understanding that Christ is the ultimate source of joy and fulfillment.
Our Focus
By David Wilkerson01TH 5:1David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of maintaining our focus on Christ amidst the chaos and fear of the world, as experienced by early Christians who were anxious about the impending destruction of Jerusalem. He references Paul's assurance that believers need not worry about the signs of the times, as the return of the Lord is certain and should bring comfort. Wilkerson reminds us that history is moving towards God's eternal purpose, and we should not be distracted by daily news or calamities. Instead, our focus should be on the promise of Christ's return and the hope of a new heaven and earth where He reigns. Ultimately, we are called to look up and trust in God's plan.
Philippians 3
By John Nelson Darby0MAT 25:6JHN 13:31ROM 8:291CO 2:72CO 5:17EPH 1:3PHP 3:8PHP 3:20COL 3:11JN 3:2John Nelson Darby emphasizes the practical characteristics of the Christian life as outlined in Philippians 3, focusing on lowliness and the energy that propels believers towards Christ in glory. He highlights that the Christian path is not about sin but about walking in the Spirit, with Christ's accomplished work and heavenly calling as the central focus. Darby explains that believers are called to be conformed to the image of Christ, and that the Cross signifies the end of reliance on human righteousness, establishing a new identity in Christ. He urges Christians to live with their affections set on heavenly things, recognizing their citizenship in heaven and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he calls for a singular focus on Christ as the object of our lives, encouraging believers to count all things as loss for the sake of knowing Him.