Focus

1. Leviticus 10:1, 2: Nadab and Abihu – unauthorized fire. Tell the story, beginning with the lead-up (Chapter 8: 7-day ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons; chapter 9: after the ordination is complete, Aaron offers a sacrifice and God accepts it). Really strange story. Why did it happen that way?
2. Romans 12:1, 2¹ – Present yourself to God as holy
3. Consecration
   1. Exodus 12:14, 15 – Preparation for the passover – There were a number of things involved in preparation
   2. Key: Removal of leaven. Leaven is a symbol for sin.
   3. Consecration involves total surrender of ourselves to God. We must let nothing get in the way
   4. Matthew 7:6 – Carefully guard what is holy – We must let nothing come between us and God
4. Hebrews 12:1, 2: Eyes fixed on Jesus
   1. Baseball – Batting – Keep your eye on the ball.
   2. We should allow nothing to distract us from God: Friends, family, job, other circumstances
5. Follow God no matter what – Stand for right in our lives
   1. Acts 5
      1. The apostles are having a major impact on Jerusalem
      2. Arrested by the High Priest and the Sadducees – thrown in jail to await trial the next day
      3. During the night, an angel releases them from jail with instructions to continue speaking publicly
      4. Sadducees are shocked to find out what happened, and bring them to the Sanhedrin without using force
      5. Acts 5:28, 29: We must obey God rather than men.
   2. In addition to standing firm, we have a calling to mission
   3. Let nothing come between us and God.
6. Appeal to three groups of people
   1. Some people aren’t Christians
      1. I ask you to decide to follow Jesus. God has plans to give you hope and a future, and he promises eternal life.
      2. 1 John 5:11, 12: God is the Source of life eternal.
   2. Some people say they are Christians but haven’t been keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus
      1. Now is the time to repent. You’ve neglected God in the past, but today can be the beginning of a new chapter in your life.
      2. Revelation 3:20 – Jesus stands at the door and knocks. Will you let Him in?
   3. Others are committed Christians
      1. Stay strong. Don’t give up.
      2. 2 Timothy 4:7, 8: Keep your eyes on Jesus

Footnotes