Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3

Introduction:

I. Focus is defined as a center of activity or attention. It is a point of concentration. It involves the ability to see clearly.

II. Hebrews 12:1-3 encourages us to look to Jesus and to consider his example as we run our own race and overcome the things of life that would keep us from heaven.

III. Looking to Jesus involves the ability to focus our thoughts upon Him to the extent that we are able to know Him, to fulfill our obligation to Him and to remain faithful to the end.

Discussion:

I. Focused to Find (Hebrews 12:2-3)

A. Paul on, Mars Hill, makes it clear that God has created conditions that enable men to seek the Lord. (Acts 17:16-34)

B. Having our minds established or settled on what our goals in life are is very important.

C. Once we decide heaven is our goal and that we are going to “find Jesus,” there is the danger of looking for Him in the wrong places.

D. We find Jesus in the Bible. (John 5:39)

II. Focused to Fulfill (Hebrews 12:1)

A. The race has been set before us.

B. We are assured of God’s grace in this race but there will be distractions.

C. Jesus was able to avoid the distractions because of the joy that was set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2)

III. Focused to Finish (Hebrews 12:1)

A. The examples of faith in Hebrews 11 are to motivate us to lay aside any hindrance to our endurance.

B. Revelation 2:10 admonishes us to be faithful till death. This is only possible by looking to Jesus.

Conclusion

By focusing on Christ we can find how our sins are forgiven.