08 Jul Eyes on the Prize – Craig Strok
Key Verse: Philippians 3:12-16
Life is a race, we need to keep focused on the prize. However, we all worship something, and if it is not God then it is something else. We need to be honest with ourselves especially when eternity is at stake. We get distracted from or we run in the other direction from God or church or church people. There are a variety of different things we may find ourselves worshipping that is not God.
Q. Have you ever found yourself running from God or distracted from God and why?
EYE ALIGNMENT QUIZ:
1. DO YOU DERIVE A SUBSTANTIAL MEASURE OF SELF-WORTH BASED ON YOUR IDENTITY, STATUS, TITLE, JOB, INCOME OR EVEN YOUR CHOSEN AREA OF SERVICE?
2. DO YOU FIND YOURSELF SEEKING OR EXPECTING RECOGNITION, APPROVAL OR PRAISE FOR THESE THINGS?
3. DO YOU FIND IT DIFFICULT OR FRIGHTENING TO IMAGINE NOT HAVING THESE THINGS?
IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO ANY OF THESE, YOU HAVE AN EYE ALIGNMENT PROBLEM.
Craig spoke of his testimony and stated that he played guitar on the worship team and sometimes sang. In recent months, Craig broke his arm and he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, keeping him from doing what he loved. It was not until he surrendered unconditionally to God, that an unexplainable peace came over him. God gave most of it all back to him (he has hardware in his arm and he can speak) though he still cannot sing. He is cancer free and can play guitar again. Craig explains how he lost sight of God but God was showing Craig that He was still with him.
1: CHRISTIANS ARE MOTIVATED BY GRATITUDE FOR WHAT CHRIST HAS ALREADY DONE (THE RACE ALREADY RUN).
Paul is referring to his pursuit of Christ-likeness. We need to press on. We run the race, not for personal gain, but for the cause of Christ. Confidence in the flesh, vanity can serve as distractions. Paul considers these things rubbish compared to His relationship with Christ. As a Christian, our prize is everlasting glory with Christ in heaven. It is worth everything.
Q. Can you share a similar situation (as in Craig’s testimony above) where you were ‘serving’ God for your own self-fulfillment or self-gratification? How did God change your direction to focus on Him instead of yourself?
2: CHRISTIANS ARE ORIENTED TOWARD THE INCOMPARABLE PRIZE WE HAVE IN CHRIST.
Our prize is the call of God through Christ. As Christians, We are not to think otherwise. Even when we feel like our circumstances are hopeless we have Christ which gives us hope. Paul wrote this letter from prison. That should give us hope!
Q. What are some things that you put your hope in, if not God, when your circumstances are less than favorable and why?
3: CHRISTIANS RECEIVE THE SUPERNATURAL PROVISION OF GOD.
Q. Can you give an example of how God supernaturally provided for you in a way that you did not expect and how was His glory shone thought it?
PRAY FOR EACH OTHER, THE LOST, THE CHURCH, WOONSOCKET, NEW CHURCH PLANTS, NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES AND PASTORS, LEADERS AND GOVERNMENT.
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