FOCUS ON ME

1) Practice—“Looking unto Jesus.” In this race look to Him, the author and finisher of our faith.

In essence, “Looking unto Jesus” encapsulates the call to maintain a steadfast gaze on Christ, finding inspiration, guidance, and strength in His example as we navigate the journey of faith. It emphasizes the importance of fixing our eyes on Him as the focal point of our lives, drawing from His grace and empowerment to endure and overcome challenges.

SOLOMON ~ Turned away from God in his old age and indulged in idolatry and married foreign women who led him astray.

COME HERE PETER,

PETER ~ He asks the Lord to bid him come on the water, the Lord tells him to come on and he takes his eyes off of JESUS and begins to sink…,

COME HERE, PAUL

Paul had a partner by the name of demas. Demas was a worker of Paul but deserted him and the work of the ministry because he took his eyes of JESUS and fell in love with this present world.

2) Pain—“For the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.”

it means that Jesus willingly endured the suffering and humiliation of the crucifixion because He was focused on the greater purpose and outcome. The “joy set before Him” refers to the redemption and salvation of humanity through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Despite the agony and shame of the cross, Jesus looked beyond the immediate pain and humiliation to the ultimate victory and fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation. His joy was in accomplishing the will of the Father and reconciling humanity to God, even though it required immense suffering on His part.

1. Job: Despite losing his wealth, family, and health, Job remained faithful to God and did not curse Him (Job 1:20-22; Job 2:9-10).

2. Joseph: Sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused and imprisoned in Egypt, Joseph remained steadfast in his faith and eventually rose to become a powerful leader, saving many lives, including his family’s (Genesis 37-50).

3. Paul: Endured numerous trials, including beatings, imprisonments, and persecution, yet he remained resolute in his commitment to spreading the Gospel and encouraging believers (2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Philippians 4:11-13).

4. Daniel: Despite facing the threat of death in the lion’s den for his faithfulness to God, Daniel continued to pray and trust in God’s deliverance (Daniel 6). 5. Esther: Risked her life by approaching the king to save her people, the Jews, from destruction, showing courage and perseverance in the face of danger (Esther 4-9).

3) Position—“And is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Stephen saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God to welcome him home to heaven.

The phrase "And is set down at the right hand of the The one of God" refers to the exalted position of Jesus Christ after His resurrection and ascension into heaven. It signifies his status of honor, authority, and power, being seated at the right hand of God the Father.

In Christian theology, this position is significant because it denotes Jesus' role as the exalted Lord and ruler over all creation. It emphasizes His supremacy, sovereignty, and victory over sin and death. Jesus' seating at the right hand of God also symbolizes his intercessory role, as he advocates for believers before the Father (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).

AT THE RIGHT HAND OF HIS FATHER IS HUGE!!!

It Signifies:

1. ITS A POSITION OF HONOR - it signifies the highest position of authority indicating JESUS as the status in divine order.

2. ITS A POSITION OF FULFILLED PROPHECY - It fulfills Old Testament Prophecies that speak of the MESSIAH being seated at the right hand of God. (Psalm 110;1 and Daniel 7:13-14 .

3. ITS A POSITION OF INTERSESSION - JESUS position on the right right hand of GOD spotlights his role as mediator between God and humanity, interceding on our behalf!!!