Keep Your Eyes on the Prize - Sermon Blog
“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” — Colossians 3:1–2 (NLT)
We don’t believe in coincidences—only God’s timing. This word was written weeks ago, but it lands right where many of us live today: surrounded by noise, hungry for peace, and pulled in a thousand directions. The message is simple and stubbornly practical: focus.
Jesus isn’t asking you to pretend the noise isn’t real. He’s inviting you to aim your attention somewhere stronger than the chaos.
It’s Not Natural—It’s Supernatural
It’s easy to fixate on what we can see. That’s natural. But setting your sights on heaven is supernatural—it’s a choice, not a drift. Paul says it this way:
“I focus on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize…” — Philippians 3:13–14 (NLT)
Focus isn’t denial; it’s direction. When you choose your focal point, you choose your future.
Focus Clarifies the Noise
Picture the circle of voices around you—news, notifications, opinions, pressure. When you give everything your attention, you hear nothing clearly. But when you turn your face toward Jesus, something shifts: the noise may continue, but it loses your focus. You begin to recognize His voice in the middle of the static.
Opposite of focus? Distraction.
And distraction is often dressed up as “I’m just multitasking.” Anything that steals your gaze—past mistakes, packed schedules, even good things like ministry—can become a distraction if it moves your eyes off Jesus.
Proper Focus Leads to Peace
God doesn’t tease us with peace; He keeps us in it.
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You.” — Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
We assume peace arrives when problems leave: less stress, less drama, more money, another vacation. But the Bible flips that script. Peace isn’t the absence of problems—it’s the presence of God. You can carry a calm center in a chaotic world when your mind is fixed on Him.
Jesus confirmed we’ll face “many trials.” Translation: life won’t always feel peaceful. But you can be kept in peace anyway—by where you place your mind.
Love God… With Your Mind
We talk often about loving God with heart and soul. Jesus adds one more word we can’t ignore:
“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” — Matthew 22:37 (NLT)
Loving God with your mind means directing your attention toward Him—on purpose, every day. You can’t expect peace of mind while giving your mind to everything else.
“Letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” — Romans 8:6 (NLT)
No wonder anxiety spikes when distraction rules. We become what we behold.
A Simple (Not Easy) Pathway to Peace
Here’s how we keep our eyes on the prize this week:
Fix Your Thoughts (Daily 10):
Spend the first 10 minutes of your day in Colossians 3:1–17. Read, underline, and write one “I will” statement (e.g., “I will set my mind on Jesus before I set my mind on my phone.”).Trade a Scroll for a Psalm:
Every time you reach for social media, read one Psalm first. (Start with Psalms 23, 27, 34, 46.)Breathe + Pray (Box 4–4–4–4):
Inhale 4 sec, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4. As you breathe out, pray: “Jesus, I set my mind on You.” Repeat 3–5 times.Name the Noise:
Write the top 3 distractions stealing your focus. Next to each, write one boundary (timer, do-not-disturb, unfollow, device curfew) and one replacement (Scripture, worship, silence, walk).Stay with the Flock:
Join a Group or Serve Team. The right people help your eyes stay on the right prize.
When Anxiety Shows Up
You’re not broken because anxiety knocks. You’re human. But anxiety and peace can’t rule the same space. When worry rises:
Pause your pace.
Pray Scripture back to God (Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:8–9).
Place your attention: “Jesus, You have my mind.”
Practice gratitude—three specific thanks, out loud.
“Fix your thoughts on what is true… Then the God of peace will be with you.” — Philippians 4:8–9 (NLT)
A Prayer for Focus
Jesus, You’re seated at the right hand of the Father. Today, I set my mind where You are. I release the noise and receive Your peace. Teach me to love You with my mind. Guard my thoughts. Guide my attention. Keep me in perfect peace as I fix my thoughts on You. Amen.
Bottom Line
Keep your eyes on the prize.
Peace isn’t hiding from you—it’s waiting where you fix your focus. Lift your gaze. Jesus is there.
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