Spiritual Focus
Spiritual Focus12
This Do in Remembrance of Me
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 103:2ISA 53:5MAT 6:33LUK 22:19JHN 15:131CO 11:24PHP 4:8COL 3:2HEB 2:12PE 1:12C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the alarming tendency of Christians to forget Christ, despite His profound love and sacrifice for humanity. He laments that, although believers have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, they often allow worldly distractions to overshadow their memories of Him. Spurgeon calls for a conscious effort to remember Christ, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with Him over earthly concerns. He highlights the need for a 'heavenly forget-me-not' to keep Jesus at the forefront of their hearts and minds. Ultimately, he challenges the congregation to reflect on their own forgetfulness and to renew their commitment to remembering the Savior.
What Takes Priority in Your Life?
By David Wilkerson0MAT 6:33COL 3:2David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical importance of prioritizing our relationship with God over worldly pursuits. He warns that many Christians, despite their good deeds, may be misled into thinking they are secure in their faith while neglecting the deeper spiritual life. Wilkerson highlights Jesus' command to seek first the kingdom of God and the necessity of focusing on spiritual matters, as Paul instructs in Colossians. He encourages believers to dedicate time to prayer, Scripture, and fellowship, reminding them that neglecting these can lead to spiritual complacency. Ultimately, he challenges listeners to evaluate what truly takes priority in their lives: their personal ambitions or their relationship with the Lord.
Where Are You Looking?
By T. Austin-Sparks0PRO 4:25T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of maintaining a focused spiritual gaze, urging believers to look straight ahead towards Jesus, the ultimate example of faith and purpose. He warns against various distractions such as looking backward, around, short-sightedly, downward, and inward, which can hinder spiritual progress. By keeping our eyes on Christ, we can avoid the pitfalls of nostalgia, discouragement, selfishness, and introspection, and instead embrace the divine purpose set before us. The sermon encourages believers to look off from earthly distractions and focus on the eternal values of God's calling. Ultimately, a sustained upward look towards Jesus is essential for spiritual growth and fulfillment of God's purpose in our lives.
Setting Our Minds on Things Above
By A.W. Tozer0PRO 3:5ROM 12:2COL 3:2A.W. Tozer emphasizes that Christians should not be bound by societal expectations of optimism or pessimism but should focus solely on discerning God's will in every situation. He argues that true spirituality transcends popular opinions and moods, urging believers to reflect God's thoughts rather than conform to fleeting trends. Tozer highlights that a steadfast heart, fixed on trusting the Lord, may be misinterpreted as pessimism by the world, but for those who are spiritually attuned, the approval of God is what truly matters. Ultimately, the identity of being children of God and followers of Christ is the only legacy they seek to uphold.
The Barrenness of Busyness
By A.W. Tozer0LUK 10:38A.W. Tozer emphasizes the dangers of distractions that can lead us away from a deep relationship with Jesus, using the example of Martha and Mary to illustrate how even good friends and legitimate activities can pull us from sitting at the Master's feet. He warns that the busyness of life can result in spiritual barrenness if we do not actively dismiss these distractions. Tozer calls for a focus on the essential task of evangelization, urging believers to avoid the pitfalls of ineffective church programming and to remain committed to God's calling. He encourages mastering the art of prioritizing our time and energy to maintain a fruitful spiritual life.
Paralysis of Preoccupation
By Leonard Ravenhill0MAT 2:3MAT 11:28LUK 12:51JHN 7:43PHP 3:14COL 3:2HEB 12:1Leonard Ravenhill addresses the 'Paralysis of Preoccupation,' illustrating how King Herod, consumed by his political troubles, missed the monumental birth of Jesus just a short ride away. He emphasizes that while many were troubled by the news of Christ's birth, Mary and Joseph remained focused on their divine mission. Ravenhill warns that modern distractions have led believers to overlook the urgency of spiritual matters, urging them to reflect on their commitment to soul-saving and the moving of the Spirit. He challenges the church to rise above trivial concerns and recognize the significance of Christ's return, reminding them that preoccupation with lesser things can lead to spiritual stagnation. Ultimately, he calls for a renewed focus on the power and glory of Jesus, who is the door to greater spiritual riches.
That Is All They Have to Enjoy
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 119:37PRO 30:8ECC 1:2MAT 6:19ROM 12:22CO 4:18PHP 3:19COL 3:2JAS 4:41JN 2:15C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that true comfort for Christians cannot be found in worldly pleasures, which he refers to as vanity. He acknowledges that while ungodly individuals may seek happiness in earthly delights, Christians are called to seek joy in a higher, spiritual realm. Spurgeon illustrates this with the story of a godly wife who, recognizing her husband's spiritual state, strives to make his earthly life as pleasant as possible. He warns that indulging in vain amusements can lead to spiritual starvation and vulnerability to temptation. The sermon concludes with a heartfelt plea for divine assistance to turn away from vanity and lies.
Where Is Your Treasure?
By George Mueller0MAT 6:19George Mueller emphasizes that the heart of a disciple of Jesus should be focused on heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones. He explains that our true calling, inheritance, and citizenship are in heaven, and that accumulating treasures on earth diverts our hearts from this truth. While believers may not openly sin, the habit of seeking earthly treasures can lead to spiritual decline, whereas laying up treasures in heaven strengthens our divine nature and spiritual faculties. Ultimately, prioritizing heavenly treasures results in spiritual blessings and a heart aligned with God's kingdom.
On the Single Eye
By John Wesley0MAT 6:22John Wesley emphasizes the significance of having a 'single eye' focused solely on God, arguing that simplicity and purity in intention lead to a life filled with divine light. He warns that an evil eye, which seeks worldly pleasures and desires, results in spiritual darkness and ignorance of true holiness. Wesley challenges his listeners to prioritize their spiritual well-being over earthly gains, urging them to reflect on their choices in life, especially regarding relationships and vocations. He concludes with a call to repentance, encouraging believers to align their intentions with God's will to experience true happiness and fulfillment.
No Distractions
By David Wilkerson0PSA 119:11JER 2:19MAT 22:37HEB 10:25JAS 4:8David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical need for believers to maintain a focused and intentional relationship with God, warning against the dangers of distraction and neglect in worship. He reflects on Jeremiah 2:32, highlighting how God's people have forgotten Him despite His blessings, leading to spiritual backsliding and complacency. Wilkerson urges the congregation to examine their daily practices of prayer and worship, reminding them that true worship requires dedication and a heart free from distractions. He stresses that neglecting God can lead to a mere habit of worship rather than a heartfelt connection, which is essential for spiritual strength and victory over life's challenges.
Looking Unto Jesus
By A.B. Simpson0PSA 101:3MAT 5:8ROM 12:22CO 10:5EPH 6:11PHP 4:8COL 3:2HEB 12:2JAS 4:71JN 2:15A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of constantly looking unto Jesus, urging believers to turn their gaze away from evil and not allow their minds to dwell on it. He illustrates the importance of having spiritual 'eyelids' to shield oneself from the temptations and defilements of the world, likening them to a protective stockade. Simpson warns that exposure to evil can corrupt the soul, even without consent, and stresses that the remedy lies in a steadfast focus on Christ. He encourages believers to cultivate an inner vision of Jesus to maintain spiritual purity and strength.
So Ahab Went Up to Eat and Drink. and Elijah
By F.B. Meyer01KI 18:42MAT 6:33PHP 4:6F.B. Meyer contrasts the actions of Ahab and Elijah, illustrating the divide between the worldly and the spiritual. While Ahab indulges in physical desires, Elijah prioritizes communion with God, demonstrating the importance of spiritual focus over earthly appetites. Elijah's perseverance in prayer, even after a significant victory, highlights the necessity of seeking God's presence and guidance. The sermon encourages believers to maintain a posture of humility and expectation, trusting that God is already preparing answers to their prayers. Ultimately, it calls for a deeper commitment to the Kingdom of God over worldly distractions.