Keeping Our Focus On the Gospel
Hebrews 3:1-6
February 11, 2024
Sermon Audio
Sermon Recap PDF
This passage challenges us:
I. To focus our attention on Christ
“The truth of the Gospel is the principle article of all Christian doctrine….Most necessary is it that we know this article well, teach it to others, and beat it into their heads continually.” — Martin Luther
II. To view the church the way God views the church.
People flit about in search of what suits their taste at the moment. It’s what some have called the “McChurch” mentality. Today it might be McDonald’s for a Big Mac; tomorrow it’s Wendy’s salad bar; or perhaps the wonderful chicken sandwiches at Chik-Fil-A. Thus, the church becomes just another retail outlet, faith just another commodity. People change congregations and preachers and even denominations as readily as they change banks or grocery stores. – Charles Colson
Today, it is common for churchgoers, especially in the middle rows, to view the church as a distributor of religious goods and services, and many churches are happy to take on that role. The result is a more passive church attendee, focused on what they can receive for their benefit, rather than serving God and giving themselves to his mission. In other words, a consumer mindset prevails. – Ed Stetzer
III. To persevere in our faith
Questions for Discussion/Application:
- Consider taking time to read Hebrews 3:1-6 out loud. What initial insights or observations of the text do you have?
- The exhortation, the challenge of verse 1 could be summarized as “Christian, in the midst of the tribulations you face, focus your attention on Jesus. Intentionally, deliberately, purposefully, focus on Him.” How practically do we do this? How practically do we focus our attention on Christ? What does it look like practically for us to keep the gospel as the main focus on our lives?
- Have you read CJ Mahaney’s book, “The Cross Centered Life” ? If so, how has it impacted you?
- Gospel-centrality is one of our Seven Shared Values as a family of churches. Read about this shared value here. Discuss why gospel-centrality in our lives personally and in the life of the local church matters.
- Read the quotes under the second point above, in the Sermon Recap. What are your own reflections on those quotes?
- Our passage speaks of how the church is God’s house. It is Christ’s house. We also know the church is the bride of Christ. Christ loves His bride and His passionate about his bride. How should these scriptural truths inform our on view and perspective of the church?
- What does it look like practically for us to be passionate about the local church and to give our lives to build His church
- Consider taking time to pray, asking God to help us (1) To focus our attention on Christ (2) View the church the way God views the church and (3) To persevere in our faith.