Getting on Track Part 2 The Focused Life

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait "on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of "disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith." Acts 6:1-7 The problem of distraction: 1. We can value our _____________ over the _________________. 2. We can value the ______________ over ___________________. How to eliminate distractions and live out your mission: 1. I must focus on _________________ more than _____________. Example: The Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 Example: Paul went from Christian killer to apostle

F W Shortridge, 2012. All rights reserved. Material in whole or part may be from other sources used by permission. Al scripture unless otherwise noted is from the New International Version.

Brothers and sisters, 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 for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you." " " " " Philippians 3:13-15 Example: Peter went from failure to focused apostolic leader 2. I must focus on the ___________ more than my ___________. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and nd me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13 3. I must remain ________________ and not _______________. S- Spiritual Gifts H- Heart A- Abilities P- Personality E- Past Experiences Jesus replied, No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is t for service in the kingdom of God." " " " Luke 9:62 Result: The Word of God spread through the community of faith!

F W Shortridge, 2012. All rights reserved. Material in whole or part may be from other sources used by permission. Al scripture unless otherwise noted is from the New International Version.