Definition and Importance: In a biblical context, focus refers to the act of directing one's attention and efforts toward God, His teachings, and His purposes. It involves prioritizing spiritual matters over worldly distractions and maintaining a steadfast commitment to living according to God's will. Focus is essential for spiritual growth, effective ministry, and a fulfilling Christian life.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's kingdom and righteousness above all else. It suggests that when believers focus on spiritual matters, God will provide for their needs.

2. Philippians 3:13-14: "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus." The Apostle Paul illustrates the concept of focus by describing his singular pursuit of God's calling, leaving behind past distractions and striving toward the future.

3. Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." This passage encourages believers to focus on Jesus as the ultimate example and source of strength, casting aside distractions and sin.

4. Colossians 3:2: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This directive calls Christians to focus their thoughts and desires on heavenly matters, aligning their lives with God's eternal perspective rather than temporary worldly concerns.

Practical Application:

· Prayer and Meditation: Regular prayer and meditation on Scripture help believers maintain focus on God. By setting aside time to communicate with God and reflect on His Word, Christians can align their thoughts and actions with His will.

· Worship and Fellowship: Engaging in worship and fellowship with other believers reinforces spiritual focus. Corporate worship and community support provide encouragement and accountability, helping individuals stay centered on their faith.

· Discernment and Prioritization: Christians are called to discern what is truly important and prioritize their lives accordingly. This involves making choices that reflect a commitment to God's purposes, such as serving others, sharing the Gospel, and living a life of integrity.

· Avoiding Distractions: In a world filled with distractions, maintaining focus requires intentional effort. Believers are encouraged to identify and minimize influences that draw them away from their spiritual goals, whether they be material possessions, unhealthy relationships, or time-consuming activities.

Examples from Scripture:

· Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42): The account of Mary and Martha highlights the importance of focus. While Martha was distracted by her tasks, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teaching. Jesus commended Mary for choosing "the better part," illustrating the value of focusing on spiritual nourishment.

· Nehemiah: Nehemiah's focus on rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem despite opposition and distraction serves as an example of steadfast dedication to God's work. His determination and reliance on prayer demonstrate the power of focused leadership in fulfilling God's purposes.

Conclusion: Focus, as depicted in the Bible, is a vital aspect of the Christian life. It involves directing one's attention and efforts toward God and His kingdom, ensuring that spiritual priorities take precedence over worldly distractions. Through prayer, worship, discernment, and intentional living, believers can cultivate a focused life that honors God and advances His purposes.Luke 21:36
Watch you therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Topicalbible.org

Philippians 3:12-14
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Topicalbible.org

Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.
Topicalbible.org

Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Topicalbible.org

166. aionios -- agelong, eternal
... time-independent. See 165 (). [166 () does not focus on the future , but
rather on the of the (165 ) it relates to. Thus believers ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/166.htm - 8k

543. apeitheia -- disobedience
... 543 (), 544 (), 545 (). All these cognates focus on , ie to be in their
heart concerning obeying His will (Word). Word Origin from ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/543.htm - 7k

1983. episkopeo -- to look upon, fig. to care for
... 1983 (from 1909 , ", fitting," intensifying 4648 , "look intently") --
properly, focus on, look at with real (caring) interest. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1983.htm - 7k

213. alazon -- vagabond, hence an impostor, boaster
... listeners. [As a masculine noun, 213 () tends to focus on the of the empty
boasting, ie the sinful arrogance that drives it.]. Word ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/213.htm - 7k

4559. sarkikos -- pertaining to the flesh, carnal
... Cognate: 4559 -- fleshly (carnal). 4559 () pertains "to behavior which is typical
of , but with special focus upon more base physical desires" (, 1, 41.42). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4559.htm - 7k

1381. dokimazo -- to test, by impl. to approve
... 1381 ("to approve by testing") is done to what is , ie . 1381 () does focus on
something (ie to show it is ). allow, discern, examine, approve, try. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1381.htm - 8k

2128. eulogetos -- well spoken of, ie blessed
... the is. Indeed, is , ""! [The suffix (-) shows that the focus of 2128 ()
is on the of the person who is eulogized.]. Word Origin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2128.htm - 7k

3405. misthapodosia -- payment of wages
... in -government. 3405 ("divine ") is determined by the -- ie what He (note
the focus on as , with ). See also 3408 (). [3405 refers ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3405.htm - 7k

1582. ekkremannumi -- to hang from, hang upon (the lips of a ...
... 1582 (from 1537 , " and " and 2910 , "to hang, hinge") -- properly, out from (one's
own perspective) and to (the new focus), ie with the of being totally ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1582.htm - 7k

1985. episkopos -- a superintendent, an overseer
... "Though in some contexts 1985 () has been regarded traditionally as a position
of , in reality the focus is upon the for others" (, 1, 35.40). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1985.htm - 8k

Preface
... Evolution was given to the modern world out of focus, was first seen by it out
of focus, and has remained out of focus to the present hour. ...
/.../drummond/the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/preface.htm

Conformed to the Image of Christ
... a certain stage in this advance toward the interior point where all the sides of
the mirror meet in absolute oneness, the power of the focus concentrates all ...
/.../smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 16 conformed to the.htm

The Book of Christ
... It is indeed far from our purpose to minimize the rich significance of the humanity
of Jesus, but we are trying now to get the scriptural focus. ...
/.../mcconnell/understanding the scriptures/chapter v the book of.htm

What do we Count them Worth?
... when we were children, we caught the sunlight, and focussed it, and set bits of
paper on fire; and we longed that our prayers might be a lens to focus the Love ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxix what do we.htm

The First Galilean Ministry.
... As regards its form, it would be: so to present the teaching of Holy Scripture,
as that it can be drawn together in the focus of one sentence; as regards its ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi the first galilean.htm

Li. Dining with a Pharisee, Jesus Denounces that Sect.
... God made that generation the focus of the world's light and privilege, but the men
of that time made it the focus of the world's wickedness and punishment. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/li dining with a pharisee.htm

Introduction
... his heart and mind. It was in Scripture that, first and last, Augustine
found the focus of his religious authority. At the same ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/confessions and enchiridion/introduction.htm

The Gaze of the Soul
... is directed. Faith is a redirecting of our sight, a getting out of the focus
of our own vision and getting God into focus. Sin has ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tozer/the pursuit of god/vii the gaze of the.htm

Introductory Notice to Dionysius, Bishop of Rome.
... [2334] Iren??us has justly stated her case: as the focus of the empire, she was the
natural center of exchange and social commerce among all nations. ...
/.../dionysius/against the sabellians/introductory notice to dionysius bishop.htm

Athanasian Creed
... Athanasian Creed. The Athanasian Creed is noted for its strong focus on the
doctrine of the Trinity. Schaff notes that "the Athanasian ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the athanasian creed /athanasian creed.htm

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