Join Us on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 10:30 AM
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
CHOOSING JESUS OVER THIS PRESENT WORLD
“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world…” (2 Timothy 4:10)
The story of Demas and Paul in 2 Timothy 4:10 serves as a powerful reminder of the choices we face between worldly attractions and our commitment to Christ.
Demas began his journey with Paul, contributing significantly to the ministry and supporting the spread of the Gospel.
However, over time, he succumbed to the allure of “this present world,” prioritizing personal comfort and material gains over his spiritual calling.
This departure highlights a critical juncture many believers encounter: the tension between maintaining steadfast faith and yielding to the temptations of the world.
In stark contrast, Paul remained unwavering in his mission, focusing on the eternal rewards and the fulfillment of God’s purpose for his life.
Paul’s dedication exemplifies the perseverance needed to navigate the challenges of ministry and personal faith.
His ability to keep his eyes on the “eternal prize” allowed him to overcome numerous hardships and continue his work with joy and resilience.
The divergent paths of Demas and Paul present us with a clear choice: will we stay committed to our faith, or will we allow the fleeting attractions of the world to divert us from our divine purpose?
Every day presents us with decisions that test our commitment to Jesus.
Worldly distractions, though often disguised as harmless or even beneficial, can gradually diminish our passion for Christ and erode the foundation of our faith.
When we chase after temporary pleasures, we may find ourselves feeling empty and unfulfilled, despite achieving worldly success.
True fulfillment and lasting joy, however, are found only by anchoring our desires in Jesus and prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else.
By doing so, we not only safeguard our faith but also align ourselves with God’s calling, ensuring that our lives reflect His glory and purpose.
Imagine a marathon runner who is nearing the finish line after months of rigorous training and unwavering determination.
As he approaches the last stretch, a vibrant roadside carnival sets up, filled with enticing games, delicious treats, and lively entertainment.
The runner faces a moment of temptation: to pause and enjoy the carnival’s fleeting pleasures or to press on and complete the race.
If he chooses the carnival, the momentary fun costs him the race he has worked so hard to finish.
Similarly, the world often presents us with appealing diversions that can distract us from our spiritual goals.
These distractions may seem harmless at first, but they can significantly impact our spiritual “finish line,” preventing us from fully realizing God’s plans for our lives.
Just as the marathon runner must resist the allure of the carnival to achieve his goal, we must recognize and overcome the temptations that seek to divert our focus from Jesus.
Maintaining our spiritual discipline and keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal rewards ensures that we stay on track, overcoming the temporary distractions that the world throws our way.
By doing so, we honor our commitment to Christ and move closer to fulfilling His divine purpose for us.
Identify Worldly Distractions: Take a moment to examine your daily routine and pinpoint activities or habits that might be pulling you away from your spiritual practices. These could include excessive screen time, prioritizing work over prayer, indulging in materialism, or succumbing to peer pressure.
Set Clear Boundaries: Once you’ve identified these distractions, establish practical boundaries to limit their impact on your spiritual life. For example, designate specific times for prayer and Bible study each day, limit your use of social media, or commit to saying “no” to activities that compromise your values.
Prioritize Spiritual Growth: Reorganize your schedule to place spiritual activities at the forefront. Make it a priority to engage in daily devotions, participate in church services, join a Bible study group, and serve others through acts of kindness and volunteer work.
Seek Accountability: Share your goals with a trusted friend or mentor who can support you in maintaining your commitments. Regularly check in with them to discuss your progress and encourage each other to stay focused on your spiritual journey.
Embrace Contentment in Christ: Cultivate a sense of contentment by reminding yourself of the eternal rewards that come from choosing Jesus over worldly pleasures. Reflect on scriptures that emphasize the value of spiritual riches over material wealth, reinforcing your commitment to prioritize God in every aspect of your life.
Prayer – Heavenly Father, Thank You for the example of Paul, who remained steadfast in his faith despite numerous challenges. Help me to resist the temptations of this present world and to choose obedience to You above all else. Strengthen my resolve to stay committed to my spiritual journey, even when distractions arise. Guard my heart against the allure of temporary pleasures and anchor me in the hope and joy of Your eternal rewards. May my life reflect Your glory and draw others closer to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Assignment – Identify a Worldly Distraction: Choose one specific distraction that has been hindering your spiritual growth. This could be something like excessive time spent on social media, prioritizing work over prayer, or allowing materialism to take precedence over spiritual values.
Set a Practical Boundary: Develop a concrete plan to limit or eliminate this distraction for the upcoming week. For example, decide to turn off your phone during meal times, set aside a specific hour each day for prayer and Bible study, or establish a budget to reduce unnecessary spending.
Find an Accountability Partner: Share your chosen distraction and your plan to overcome it with a trusted friend or mentor. Ask them to check in with you regularly, offering encouragement and support as you work to maintain your commitment.
Reflect on Progress: At the end of the week, take time to reflect on your progress. Consider writing in a journal about the challenges you faced, the successes you achieved, and how overcoming this distraction has impacted your relationship with God.
As we embrace the new year, let us commit to choosing Jesus over the temporary allurements of this present world. Like Paul, let us keep our eyes fixed on the eternal prize, allowing our faith to guide us through every challenge and temptation. By prioritizing our relationship with God and setting clear boundaries against worldly distractions, we can experience profound spiritual growth and divine transformation. May 2025 be a year marked by unwavering faith, deeper relationships, and a renewed dedication to God’s purpose for our lives. Happy New Year, and may God’s blessings abound as we journey together in faith.
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Greg Schriener
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Brody Fuller – Jackson Byrd’s Roommate at College
Carol Angel in passing of her husband, Don
Carol Lawhead
Daisy Almand
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Newby
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother-in-law
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Jessica Headrick
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim McClain’s Sister
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Linda Lanier
Liz Knight
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Marynell Ford
Matt Barron’s Mother
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Mike Bryan
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Roach Mitchell
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher