No Other Gods pt4-Focus on Godly Things

Main Point:  When Christians place other interest, desires, or priorities before God, it is referred to in biblical teaching as idolatry of the heart, which shifts the primary source of trust, affection, and worship away from God.  Having other things before God leads to a lack of ‘Focus’ on the things that are eternal.

Foundation Scripture:  Exodus 20:1-3.  God requires us to have no other Gods because He alone is the only one Holy and Righteous, and He alone has saved us from a lost eternity.

4 Things that happen when we have other God’s/Interest before the one true God.

1. Loss of Clarity on what God’s will and plans are for you to impact His Kingdom.
2. Diminished Joy and peace
3. Overall Spiritual Stagnation (lack of growth and maturity)
4. Diminished Focus on the most important thing

 
What is the most important thing for a Christian?

• To love God first
• To Love others with Godly love, which proves we Love God.
• To make sure God is first place and the driver of our lives. Check your heart.
• Share the good news of salvation with others which is ‘loving God’

 
Pastor’s Thoughts:

• If you lack focus on Godly things, check your heart to make sure God is first.
• When God is not first, your focus on the most important thing (loving God) is diminished.
• When you love and have passion for something, you will take actions that shows you value it.
  • When we have passion for God (put Him first), we will take action that keeps us focused on Godly things.
    • For example, 4 Spiritual Food Groups are actions taken by someone who is focused on pleasing God  
      • Bible Reading, Prayer (secret place), Faithful Church attendance, Tithes and offerings.

Scriptures on Focus:

• Colossians 3:2. Set your mind on things above not things on earth
  • Allow your mind to be renewed by surrendering your trust to God.  Romans 12:2.
• Philippians 4:8. Focus on Godly truths not on things that are not important to God’s Kingdom
• Matthew 6:33. Seek first the Kingdom of God will take care of the rest according to His purposes

Conclusion:

• When God is not first your focus will be on other things that are temporary.
• When God is first your focus on Godly things is shown by the actions you take to please God.
• Set you mind on Godly things