Getting God in Focus
Faith is directing the heart's attention to Jesus, lifting the mind to behold the Lamb of God, and committing to Him for the rest of our lives.
The preacher emphasizes the importance of being diligent, using the Greek word 'spoudazo' which conveys the idea of hastening to do something with intense effort and motivation, suggesting zealous concentration and diligent effort. This word is found 11 times in the New Testament, urging believers to give their utmost for God's highest, to be conscientious, zealous, and earnest in fulfilling their duties. The verb 'spoudazo' speaks of intensity of purpose followed by intensity of effort toward the realization of that purpose, calling for careful and persevering application in all tasks and obligations.
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While many are busy trying to set forth satisfactory definitions of the word "faith," we do well to simply consider that believing is directing the heart's attention to Jesus! It is lifting the mind to "behold the Lamb of God," and never ceasing that beholding for the rest of our lives. At first this may be difficult, but it becomes easier as we look steadily at His wondrous Person, quietly and without strain. Distractions may hinder, but once the heart is committed to Him the attention will return again and rest upon Him like a wandering bird coming back to its window.
I would emphasize this one great volitional act which establishes the heart intention to gaze forever upon Jesus.
God takes this intention for our choice and makes what allowances He must for the thousand distractions which beset us in this evil world. So, faith is a redirecting of our sight, getting God in our focus, and when we lift our inward eyes upon God, we are sure to meet friendly eyes gazing back at us!
Sermon Outline
- Defining Faith
- Faith is directing the heart's attention to Jesus
- Faith is lifting the mind to behold the Lamb of God
Key Quotes
“Faith is a redirecting of our sight, getting God in our focus, and when we lift our inward eyes upon God, we are sure to meet friendly eyes gazing back at us!” — A.W. Tozer
“It is lifting the mind to behold the Lamb of God, and never ceasing that beholding for the rest of our lives.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to direct your heart's attention to Jesus every day.
- Commit to beholding the Lamb of God and never cease that beholding.
- Trust that God will make allowances for distractions and meet you with friendly eyes.