Lesson 4 March 21, 2004

Consequences of a Wrong Focus

 

While a right focus leads to progress, endurance, and growth, the consequences of a wrong focus is a downward spiral.

(a)  concentration on the problem,

(b)  contempt for the problem,

(c)  contrivance to solve the problem, and

(d)  conformed to or controlled by the world,  which invariably occurs rather than being transformed into the image of Christ.

 

Step One—Concentration on the Problem

Numbers 11:1-6

 

 

When we start complaining about our plight it is usually because our focus is off the Lord and on our problems, on the details of life, or on the prosperity of others.

 

Our unbelief and our wrong focus is the product of wrong beliefs.

 

The false belief is that our security and significance are found in the details of life (position, power, prestige, possessions, pleasure, etc.) rather than in the Lord and our fellowship with Him.

 

Example of whining Israel (Deut. 8:1-5)

 

We need to note carefully what they could not have been complaining about:  (Numb. 11)

(a)  The absence of God’s perfect provision and will—vs. 6; nor

 

(b)  The absence of God’s personal presence—vs. 20; nor

 

(c)  The absence of God’s sacred purpose—vs. 20; nor

 

(d)  The absence of God’s sovereign power—vs. 23.

 

 

They had rejected the Lord and His plan and purpose for their lives as His special people.

 

 

They had failed to focus on God’s person, His presence and power, and on God’s purpose for them as His chosen people (cf. Ex. 19:4-6).

 

 

Faith looks at the problems, but it doesn’t remain focused on them.  Our faith must be focused on the Lord.  Proverbs 3:5-7

 

 

This downward process eventually enslaves us resulting in compromise and worldly conformity.   Proverbs 5:21-23

 

In Numbers 13 we have the story of the ten spies who returned with their report of conditions in the land, but it was an evil report.

 

* Their focus here is clearly on the problems rather than on the Lord.

 

Need to note the stark contrast in verse 31-32a.

 

 

A wrong focus leads to a number of serious consequences:

(a)  It blinds one's vision to the provision or blessings of God. They lost sight of the fertility of the land (cf. vs. 27).

 

(b)  It magnifies the problem. They saw everyone in the land as giants and themselves (the redeemed people of the mighty God) as grasshoppers. It is like looking through the wrong end of a telescope.

 

(c)  It blinds the vision to the person of God, causing unbelief in His person, plan, principles, promises, and purposes.