Praxis: Keeping your Eyes on the Goal

Christians not letting themselves get distracted.

Biblical Reference: II Cor 4:16-18, Rom 8:18-21, Phil 3:12-14, Heb 12:1

Location Anywhere

Background / Setup
When running our spiritual race, we need to stay focused on our goal as Christians. Things will and do happen to us to distract us and slow us down. We are going to be competing to see how well we do against adversity, not against others on our team. We need to work with our team.

Warm-up
Divide entire group up in as small groups as possible. Tie people in groups together. (Keeps people from separating.)

Each group is competing against the others to find all pieces (in shortest time). One person (or more) in each group has to be previously asked to distract and slow down the group from achieving their goal. Give a certain amount of time to find the pieces, and of not done, instruct participants to come back. Participants will use time rather than return when done.

Study
Exercise was to simulate our spiritual walk. What were some similarities you saw? (Read each verse and answer.)
Romans 8:18-21 Will be suffering in walk.
II Corinthians 4:16-18 Don’t get discouraged, persevere.
Philippians 3:12-14 Keep eyes on goal.
Hebrews 12:1-3 Draws whole subject together (keep eyes on goal).
Application
We need to keep our focus on the goal and not let everyday distractions slow us down.
Are we really competing with each other? Or the obstacles?

Reflection
What were the biggest obstacles?
What are things in your life that seem to distract you from your goal?
What are some things that we can do to keep these things from distracting you or even help you through problems?
Let’s pray and ask God to help us to be strong and stay focused on him.