Philippians 3:12-14 “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Continuing our study from the video series by “Turning Point” ministries, we looked at a couple biblical definitions for our better understanding. (1) Sanctification – 1. The act of making holy. In an evangelical sense, the act of God's grace by which the affections of men are purified or alienated from sin and the world, and exalted to a supreme love to God. 2. The act of consecrating or of setting apart for a sacred purpose; consecration. This process immediately follows “Justification” by faith, and is a lifetime progression of growing into the likeness of Christ. (2) Consecration - The act or ceremony of separating from a common to a sacred use, or of devoting and dedicating a person or thing to the service and worship of God, by certain rites or solemnities. Consecration does not make a person or thing really holy, but declares it to be sacred, that is, devoted to God or to divine service.
Pastor David Jeremiah unpacked the Four Principles in Sharpening our Focus forward.
1. Focus on God’s Purpose. The over-arching purpose is reconciliation and restoration of the Sinner. Jesus came to seek and save the lost and His Great Commission commands His followers to do likewise. Within that, God’s ultimate purpose for your life is that you become more and more like His Son Jesus Christ in Sanctification. Focus on and emulate Christ. It’s not a question of “why”, but how do I glorify God in this?
2. Focus on God’s Perspective. Forget the impact of the past, both good and bad. Get pass past successes, victories and mistakes. Acknowledge, but do not live in the past. People that focus on their past know where they have been but do not see where they are going in front. Humbly live in the present, knowing you have not yet arrived. Forget guilt paid for by Christ and because of true repentance have no regrets.
3. Focus on God’s Plan. His plans for us individually are unique, tailor-made for us alone. Learn what it means to walk by faith [the assent of the mind or understanding to the truth of what God has revealed. Simple belief of the Scriptures, of the being and perfections of God, and of the existence, character and doctrines of Christ]. Evangelical, justifying, or saving faith is the assent of the mind to the truth of divine revelation, on the authority of God's testimony, accompanied with a cordial assent of the will or approbation of the heart; an entire confidence or trust in God's character and declarations, and in the character and doctrines of Christ, with an unreserved surrender of the will to his guidance, and dependence on his merits for salvation. In other words, that firm belief of God's testimony, and of the truth of the gospel, which influences the will, and leads to an entire reliance on Christ for salvation. Heaven is the destination, so plan accordingly.
4. Focus on God’s Prize. The key is to maintain an eternal perspective, focusing by faith on our ultimate heavenly home; our eternal reward. Where you are going to go when you die is the ultimate question of life, because it focuses us on the path to walk forward towards Heaven. Find your passion, discern your God-given gifts and dream of godly pathways then set priorities to achieve it, while always focusing on the kingdom of Heaven and your citizenship there. Stay committed to God and the Bible because He is the giver of life and His Word of God is the Standard of living. Follow the Lord, know God and make Him known, being good stewards, and letting nothing godly go to waste.
There are no small tasks in doing the Lord’s work and there are no insignificant dreams when aligned with God’s will and purpose. You can trust God with His vision for your life. When God puts a dream in your heart, use the four step to sharpen your focus and never stop until you realize it. Focus forward on Jesus, our Savior and Lord.
Know that you are blessed. In Christ, Brian
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