Goals and Priorities

Hebrews 12:1–3 (NIV) — 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

1. Gods priority for us should be our priority for ourselves
• Our vision directs our priorities that will be revealed in our decisions
• The room with a view Daniel 6: Relationships are Gods priority
• Gods view, we are designed for relationship (Matthew 22:37-40)
• Heaven is our final destination – maturity is our temporary goal

2. There are some things that hinder God’s priorities for us.
A. Sin that so easily entangles us
B. Good things that distract us
C. Opportunity cost
Matthew 6:31–33 (NIV)

Four Homewreckers
1. Unaligned priorities –when our priorities are not Gods

Jeremiah 2:13 (NIV) — 13 “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

2. Unshared priorities – when my priorities are not shared with those I lead with
• Thinking ahead for the unmarried
• If you are a believer – remain in the relationship but get support
• Get on the same page with your spouse –get help if you need it
2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV) — 14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
1 Corinthians 7:12–13 (NIV)

3. Unexamined priorities
• Our real priorities are what we do not say
• We know that our calendar and checkbook reveal our real beliefs
2 Corinthians 13:5–6 (NIV) – Luke 6:44–45 (NIV)

4. Unsupported priorities
• Rumble strips in our lives are needed
Hebrews 3:12–13 (NIV) – Psalm 141:5 (NIV) – Proverbs 18:1 (NASB95)

Next steps
1. The first step is always to accept Jesus and surrender
2. Get counseling and come together if you have a marriage divided
3. Get support for decisions you have made – a small group.

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT AND DISCUSS:
Passages to consider: Matthew 6:25-34; Ephesians 5:15-21; Hebrews 12:1-3; Philippians 2:3,4

Questions:
1. Read Hebrews 12:1-3 and Matthew 6::25-33, What do these passages show us about priorities and goals?
2. What motivates or drives your priorities and goals? A) What practices help you move towards what is a priority in your life?
3. How does following Jesus impact the goals and priorities you are setting in the different areas/spheres of your life? A) What can get in the way or distract? What strengthens you in that focus?
4. Look at Philippians 2:3,4 and Ephesians 5:15-21 – How do these passages speak to us about having shared goals and priorities?
5. What have you discovered about listening and communicating to your spouse/ close friends / children about goals and priorities? A) How well do you know the priorities of someone who is close to you? B) What does growing in the area of shared goals look like for you?
6. Challenge: Write out your priorities. Look at how you spend your time, money, energy and thoughts. How well do your ‘on paper’ priorities match your ‘real-time’ priorities? A) How well do your practiced priorities match with God’s heart and priorities?