In this message Pastor Edward teaches from Mark 1:35-39. How can I prevent distractions from deterring me from God’s purposes for my life? That is what we explore in this sermon.
Sermon Notes
Title: Defeating Distractions
TENSION QUESTION
How can I prevent distractions from deterring me from God’s purposes for my life?
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
Many Jesus followers today severely underestimate the detrimental impact of distractions on their relationship with Jesus.
“If the devil cannot make us bad, he will make us busy.” Corrie ten Boom
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
MARK 1:35-39
And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.”
MARK 1:35-39
And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
MARK 1:35-39
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
MARK 1:35
A PORTRAIT OF JESUS’ PRAYER LIFE
When baptized. (Luke 3:21)
Before choosing the 12. (Luke 6:12)
Before teaching how to pray. (Luke 11:1)
After performing miracles. (Matt. 14:23)
Before going to the cross. (Mark 14:32)
While on the cross. (Luke 23:34)
JESUS’ PRIORITIZED PASSION
Being with God had as much to do with Jesus being God as anything Jesus did for God. Jesus’ humanity required intimacy with the Father. Jesus’ divinity desired it.
And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.”
MARK 1:36-37
This was a thinly veiled rebuke. They were sayin, in essence: “Where have you been, Jesus? You do not have time to seclude Yourself in prayer. You have ministry to perform. Your fame is spreading everywhere, and the place is filled with seekers.”
R.C. Sproul
They pursued him, and when they found him they mildly reproached him. The idea was, “Jesus, things are going great after last night. Let’s get back and capitalize on it!”
R. Kent Hughes
THE DISCIPLES IGNORANT INTERRUPTION
The disciples were more interested in the urgent needs of the people rather than the ultimate purpose of Christ.
And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
MARK 1:35-39
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
MARK 1:15
“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
LUKE 19:10
JESUS’ PRIMARY PURPOSE
Everlasting life for everyone, everywhere. Not comfortable life
for some in some places.
JESUS’ PRIORITIZED PASSION
Intimacy with the Father
THE DISCIPLES IGNORANT INTERRUPTION
Physical needs of the locals
JESUS’ PRIMARY PURPOSE
Spiritual need of everyone, everywhere
As we grow closer to God in communion and devotion each day, we look outward with Him to the harvest in the world. As we gain a heart for Him, He gives us His heart for the world. As we fall in love with the King, we will want others to know Him and love Him, as well. We will begin to develop a love for the things that He loves.
Jesus Follower Devotion
3 QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS
Quantity and quality of “God Time?”
Distractions to “God Time?”
Whose spiritual needs concern you other than yours and your family?
