A.B. Simpson emphasizes the daily choices individuals make between spiritual and earthly pursuits, highlighting that these choices reflect our true preferences and align us with either Christ or the world. He illustrates this with Solomon's choice for wisdom, which stemmed from a genuine desire in his heart, leading to God's abundant blessings. Simpson challenges listeners to examine their own choices and intentions, asking whether they prioritize being God's children and seeking His favor over worldly desires. Ultimately, he warns that our choices determine our destiny, urging a commitment to spiritual priorities.

David Wilkerson discusses Jesus' judgment of the Ephesian Church as part of His assessment of the seven churches in Revelation. He emphasizes that while Jesus acknowledges the good in each church, He is deeply grieved by their loss of exclusive love for Him, particularly highlighting the Ephesians' departure from their 'first love.' This message serves as a warning not only to the Ephesians but to all believers, reminding them of the importance of prioritizing their relationship with Christ above all else. Wilkerson stresses that God desires an exclusive and passionate love from His followers, as He will not tolerate anything that takes His place in our hearts.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the critical need for a proper sense of values in life, illustrating how many, like a blind man or a child, often prioritize worthless things over what truly matters. He warns that spiritual blindness leads to wasted lives, even among believers who may be saved but lack the right priorities. Poonen highlights that true values are found in eternal rather than temporal pursuits, urging listeners to reassess their priorities in light of Jesus' teachings. He calls for a re-evaluation of what is deemed important, as many are unaware of their spiritual bankruptcy. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek the light of the Bible to guide their understanding of true values.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that riches can be a heavy burden and often hinder our pursuit of heaven and true happiness. He illustrates that worldly pleasures are mixed with sorrow and that the pursuit of material wealth distracts us from our spiritual duties towards God. Brooks questions why people prioritize earthly gains over their relationship with Christ, highlighting the futility of seeking comfort in worldly possessions that ultimately cannot provide true peace or security. He warns that the love of the world can lead to spiritual neglect, urging believers to focus on eternal matters rather than temporary gains.

Theodore Epp emphasizes the danger of prioritizing wealth and material comfort over spiritual values, warning that an obsession with money can lead to a loss of purpose and vitality in the Christian life. He highlights that many believers, while saved, fail to reflect Christ's transformative power due to their fixation on worldly pleasures and luxuries. Epp challenges families to reconsider their standards of comfort and the time spent pursuing financial gain, suggesting that such pursuits can detract from truly living and enjoying life. He points out that true richness comes from the Lord, not from material possessions, as illustrated in James 5:1-6.

David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of prioritizing prayer and the ministry of the Word, as demonstrated by the apostles in the early church. They recognized the need to delegate administrative tasks to maintain their focus on spiritual responsibilities, leading to the growth of the church. Wilkerson warns that many modern pastors fall victim to distractions and neglect their prayer life, which is essential for spiritual health and effectiveness. He encourages believers to resist interruptions and seek God's help to maintain a disciplined prayer life. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a return to the foundational practice of prayer to experience God's power and guidance.

Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the profound importance of knowing Jesus Christ over earthly achievements, as illustrated by Paul's reflections in Philippians 3 and 4. He urges believers to adopt a heart posture that values Christ above all else, recognizing that worldly accomplishments are insignificant in comparison. Beach encourages the congregation to reject distractions and false teachings that undermine the centrality of the cross and to focus on living a life that reflects the love and teachings of Jesus. He concludes with practical advice on maintaining a mindset aligned with God's truth, promising that the God of peace will be with those who do so.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of placing God at the center of our lives, using Jacob's transformation from naming a place Beth-el to El-beth-el as a metaphor for spiritual growth. He warns that many Christians remain at the initial stage of recognizing God but fail to prioritize Him above all else, including the church. Tozer challenges believers to reflect on their true interests, questioning whether they focus more on their church or their relationship with Christ. He asserts that while church involvement is valuable, it should never overshadow the personal connection with God. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a shift from merely acknowledging God to making Him the central focus of our lives.

J.M. Davies emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual responsibilities over worldly success in his sermon at the Belfast Missionary Conference in 1964. He reflects on 1 Corinthians 4:8, discussing how the apostles are seen as spectacles for the world, and challenges believers to consider their individual choices between worldly promotion and their ministry. Using the metaphor of olive oil, figs, and wine, he illustrates the necessity of bearing fruit for God and maintaining joy in the Lord, even when faced with tempting opportunities for prosperity. Davies warns against allowing earthly gains to overshadow the call to further the gospel, urging believers to hold tightly to their spiritual commitments. He concludes with a reminder of God's warnings to Israel about forgetting Him in times of prosperity.

Thomas Brooks warns against the dangers of being overly engaged in worldly affairs, emphasizing that excessive focus on earthly business can extinguish our spiritual fervor and hinder our relationship with God. He illustrates this by referencing the distractions of daily life, such as the shop, the farm, and the oxen, which can consume our time and attention, leaving little room for communion with God. Brooks urges believers to prioritize their spiritual lives and not allow worldly concerns to overshadow their heavenly affections.

A.W. Pink emphasizes the importance of prioritizing 'last things' in our lives, warning against the human tendency to procrastinate on matters of eternal significance, such as preparing for death and meeting God. He reflects on the need for a solemn review of the past year, urging believers to recognize God's guidance and grace while acknowledging their shortcomings. Pink critiques the modern church's focus on sensationalism and prophecy at the expense of foundational teachings, arguing that young converts should first develop their character in Christ before delving into eschatology. He warns that the inversion of divine order leads to spiritual incompetence and distracts believers from their true purpose. Ultimately, Pink calls for a return to the essentials of faith, urging that 'last things' should be addressed only after mastering the foundational truths of Scripture.

Chuck Smith emphasizes that God desires fellowship with humanity, created out of love, but sin has disrupted this relationship. He explains that living in fellowship with God brings life, while living in sin leads to spiritual death. God seeks to redeem fallen man, guiding them towards their spiritual nature, as exemplified by Solomon's request for wisdom over worldly desires. Smith highlights that God rewards those who prioritize His work, offering wisdom, riches, and honor to those who seek the spirit over the flesh. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a focus on spiritual priorities to experience the fullness of God's blessings.