The Proper Focus of a Christian
Introduction:
As believers navigating a world filled with both trials and temptations, maintaining a proper focus is crucial for spiritual endurance and growth. This study, based on 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 and related scriptures, explores three key aspects of a Christian's proper focus: our daily renewal, the eternal weight of glory, and the unseen realities of eternity.
I. OUR DAILY RENEWAL: The Engine of Endurance
Paul understood that the challenges of Christian life could easily lead to discouragement. Therefore, a deliberate focus on daily renewal is essential to avoid losing heart.
• A. KEEPS US FROM LOSING HEART:
1. Satan's Relentless Opposition (2 Corinthians 4:7-10): Paul vividly describes the pressures and afflictions he faced – being hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down. These trials, often instigated or exploited by Satan, aim to wear us down and cause us to abandon our faith. Consider the various "troubles" Satan throws our way today – these can range from personal struggles and relational conflicts to societal pressures and spiritual attacks. How do these challenges sometimes make you feel like losing heart?
2. The Perishing Outward Man: Paul acknowledges the reality of our physical decline.
▪ a. The Body Growing Older: The natural process of aging brings its own set of limitations and frustrations. How does the awareness of our bodies growing older sometimes affect our perspective?
▪ b. The Body Suffering from Persecution (2 Corinthians 11:22-33): Paul's extensive list of sufferings highlights the intense physical and emotional toll of following Christ in a hostile world. While we may not face the exact same trials, we can experience opposition and hardship for our faith. What forms of "persecution" or opposition might Christians face in our context ?
• B. KEEPS US FOCUSED ON THE INWARD MAN: Despite the decay of the outward, our spirit can be continually strengthened.
1. Renewal Through the Word of God (John 17:17, Ephesians 5:26): Jesus prayed for our sanctification through the truth of God's Word. The Word nourishes our souls, provides guidance, and reminds us of God's promises. How does consistent engagement with Scripture renew your spirit and refocus your heart? (Referencing John 14:1-4, how do Jesus' promises there offer renewal?)
2. Renewal Through Prayer (1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 6:8): Casting our anxieties on God and communicating with Him through prayer brings comfort, strength, and a renewed perspective. How does prayer serve as a channel for God's renewal in your life? (Consider how knowing God already knows our needs, as in Matthew 6:8, impacts our prayer life and sense of renewal.)
3. Renewal Through Fellowship (Hebrews 10:23-25): Encouraging one another, sharing our faith, and participating in Christian community strengthens our resolve and reminds us we are not alone in our struggles. How does fellowship with other believers contribute to your spiritual renewal and help you maintain heart?
II. THE ETERNAL WEIGHT OF GLORY: Our Hope and Motivation
Paul contrasts our present afflictions with the surpassing glory that awaits us, urging us to keep this eternal perspective.
• A. OUR LIGHT AFFLICTION: Paul surprisingly calls our troubles "light affliction."
1. Human Factor Trials: Some difficulties arise simply from living in a fallen world and interacting with imperfect people. Can you think of examples of trials you've faced that seem to stem from human limitations or choices?
2. Faith-Based Trials: Other challenges come specifically because of our commitment to Christ, such as social exclusion, mockery, or discrimination. Have you experienced any form of exclusion or mockery for your faith? How did you respond?
• B. GREAT REWARD FOR ENDURANCE: Our perseverance through these trials is not in vain.
1. Jesus' Promises (Matthew 5:11-12, Revelation 2:10): Jesus Himself assured His followers that persecution would be met with great reward in heaven. What comfort and motivation do these promises offer in the midst of difficulties?
2. Paul's Testimony (2 Timothy 4:6-8): Looking back on his life, Paul expressed confidence in the "crown of righteousness" awaiting him, earned through his faithful endurance. How does Paul's example encourage you in your own journey of faith?
3. The Great Cloud of Witnesses (Hebrews 12:1-2): The examples of faithful individuals in Hebrews 11 and the encouragement to fix our eyes on Jesus as we run our race emphasize the importance of perseverance with an eternal perspective. How does remembering the faithfulness of others strengthen your resolve?
III. THE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT SEEN: Our True and Lasting Reality
Paul directs our focus beyond the temporal world to the eternal realities that are unseen by our physical eyes.
• A. THINGS SEEN ARE TEMPORARY: The tangible world, including both its hardships and its fleeting pleasures, is not our ultimate reality.
1. Temporary Trials and Persecutions: The difficulties we face in this life are finite and will eventually pass. How does this truth offer perspective during challenging times?
2. Secondary Application: Temporary Distractions: The earthly joys and pleasures that can draw our focus away from God are also temporary and ultimately cannot satisfy. How can the allure of temporary pleasures distract us from our eternal focus?
• B. THINGS NOT SEEN ARE ETERNAL: Our true and lasting inheritance lies in the spiritual realm, unseen now but eternally real.
1. Our Eternal Destination (2 Corinthians 5:7, Philippians 3:20): We live by faith, not by sight, knowing that our citizenship is in heaven. How does this understanding shape your daily priorities and perspective?
2. Focus on Higher Things (Colossians 3:2): We are called to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. What are some "higher things" that should occupy our thoughts and affections? How can we practically shift our focus towards them?
3. Direction Follows Focus: The analogy of a car highlights the principle that our lives will move in the direction of our focus. If we are constantly looking at temporary, earthly things, our hearts will be drawn there. Where is your focus primarily directed? What adjustments might you need to make to align your focus with eternal realities?
- What Happens When God Appears to Man?
- The Separation of the Righteous from the Wicked
- The Impossibility of Self-Justification
Conclusion:
The proper focus of a Christian is a deliberate and ongoing effort. It involves a daily commitment to spiritual renewal, a confident hope in the eternal weight of glory, and a steadfast gaze on the unseen realities of God's kingdom. By cultivating this focus, we can endure present trials, resist worldly distractions, and live with an eternal perspective that shapes our thoughts, actions, and priorities. How will you intentionally apply these principles to your life this week? What one area of your focus needs the most attention right now?
