Lesson 3
March 17, 2004
Definition
of “Focus”
The verb
“focus” means “to bring into view, to make something clear.” The idea is
“clarity.”
But
focus also means “to devote oneself to a task, or to an idea, or to a person,
or to whatever is in one’s field of vision.”
A point
of focus then is a place of activity, concentration, influence, importance, or
even determination. It is a point of origin from which ideas, beliefs,
influences, and controls emanate.
Applying
the principle of focus to God and His Word, we are talking about so focusing on
the truths of Scripture concerning God, His person, promises, principles, His
plan, and purposes that we not only see them with spiritual clarity, but they
become the focal point of our thinking, a place of mental activity, correction,
influence, and therefore control over our minds, emotions, and volition.
Philippians 3:12‑21
There are three objectives and demands in this text:
(a) There
are demands in relation to the flesh (verse 14), lusts or desires which have their
roots in ignorance. Why?
Because they are rooted in wrong beliefs, falling for the delusions of
Satan and that of our own sin nature, thinking such things can give security,
significance, and happiness.
(b) Then
there are demands in relation to God who is holy, set apart from sin (verses
15-16). Finally,
(c) there are demands in relation to the world and its value
system which lives as though ‘we only go around once so get all the gusto you
can.’
The responsibility so vital to our ability to accomplish these objectives is seen in verse 13.
Such action prepares the way for the next command, “be sober.”
“Set your hope completely” is, however, the key point.
The great need is to stay single-minded with a single focus in spite of the many worldly distractions all around us.
Hebrews 12:1-3
These witnesses (chapter 11) provide a constant testimony to the
life of faith which stands as an incentive for us to run with endurance the
race God has marked out for each of us regardless of the difficulties.
How, then, did Christ endure what He had to suffer?
Though He despised the shame of the cross, He kept His eyes focused on
the final goal seen in the words, “who for the joy set before Him endured
the cross.”
So important is this truth, that verse 3 continues the concept of
focus and right thinking.
There is in this command, a call to look carefully at the end result
of the Savior’s faith in the Father's plan as it applies to you.