FOCUS
Adventure Week Sunday
J.C. Thompson
June 12, 2022

A. Introduction

B. In order to FOCUS, you must

1. Keep your eyes ON the PRIZE. (Colossians 3:1-2. C/R: Matthew 6:33)

Colossians 3:1–2 (CSB)

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

• We are called to seek the things above or set our minds on. Paul here intentionally wants us to form an opinion. Make our minds up.
• If we are a Christian, then be a Christian. Which means we need to decide to FOCUS on the things that Christ focuses on.
• If Christ is our FOCUS, we must be able to FOCUS on the way in which He FOCUSED.

The Scriptures

• How can we know what Christ cares about, where His FOCUS is, the Scriptures.
• Often times we allow someone other than God tell us what to think about God. But we must know what God tells us, that comes through intentional time with Him through His word.

People/Family

• Kids, I specifically here am talking about your family. If your parents bring you to church, they want you to know God. They want you to know Christ and His Spirit.
• The people in our lives are a help to us on FOCUSING on Christ.

The Kingdom of God.

• Now I am using a castle here to illustrate this. Jesus told us to seek His kingdom.

Matthew 6:33 (CSB)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.”

• By seeking the kingdom of God, by doing things the way that benefits or is befitting of the kingdom of God all the things we need will be added to us.
• Jesus told us that we do not need to concern ourselves over having what we need if we seek His kingdom first, we will always have what we NEED.

These are the things that should receive our FOCUS. These will help us point our eyes towards Jesus Christ.

But there are also things that try to steal our FOCUS.

2. Keep your eyes OFF the POINTLESS. (Psalm 119:37)

Psalm 119:37 (CSB)
Turn my eyes
from looking at what is worthless;
give me life in Your ways.

• I think this is one of the most challenging verses for kids and students.
• I want you to think of just this past week, how many things did you encounter that were worthless.
• How many reels, stories, YouTube videos, shorts, games, highlights, books, songs did you consume this week that were really more than worthless?
• You see the Scriptures paint for us the difference between the things of heaven and the things of earth as opposites.
• We aren’t talking about a slightly better lunch or a slightly better song. We are talking about the things that this world has to offer us are trash compared to the riches that God offers to us.
• We are not only settling when we fall for the substitute, we are substituting things that will disappear for things that will last forever.
• But it is tough in your day and age to cling to what matters, because there is an enemy who wants to distort your FOCUS.
• How does he do that? He gives you things that seem important or worthy.

1. Video Games

• These games can quickly turn into something more than just a phase or an interruption.
• Something that intends to distract or provide entertainment can turn into something more.
• Too much time on these games can result in mood swings, lying or deception, isolation and anger.
• If you’ve struggled with this, talk to one of our pastors today and get some assistance.

2. Phones

• Have you ever had something incredibly important going on where you must give complete attention and it just seems like something is trying to interrupt you? (iPhone Ding)
• When you are working on a tough assignment or trying to explain something clearly to someone else? (iPhone Ding)
• Or maybe you are trying to spend time with someone very important to you and are having an incredible conversation and you just keep getting interrupted (iPhone Ding).
• Adults in here you have this struggle as well, don’t you? Sometimes it is even at home and you are caring for your family, participating in family team-building time and out of nowhere you get these things (POP UP AD 1)
• By now you know that your phone is listening to you, but sometimes it’s almost like it knows what you are thinking (POP UP AD 2 - SOMETHING ABOUT VOLUNTEERS)
• So, you have to be careful to understand that today notifications and alerts are distractions that take more than they give. You have to learn to get away from those things.

3. Achievements and Trophies

• Now for those of you in school this is something like your grades or club activities, but for those of you in here who are a bit older it is things like work, promotions, etc.
• Now I want to be clear, I do not believe that ambition is always wrong but I think it always presents temptations for more and that is a dangerous thing.
• Any good thing can become an idol or your only thing.
• Whether it be a title, an award, or an accolade, these things ultimately will be passing away from our earth.
• So, the ultimate question kids is this:
• Where is your focus? Do your conversations, choices and desires FOCUS on Christ or is your FOCUS somewhere else?
• This week at Adventure Week we are going to dial down on our FOCUS and we as followers of Christ can FOCUS on Him and practice the things that he taught His disciples to practice.
• Let’s pray for this week and if you want to talk to someone today about changing your FOCUS, CARE volunteers will be down at the front and at the CARE connection room.
• Let’s pray.