Out of Focus

Hebrews 10

(v. 1) The law (our actions, good deeds or bad) can make us worthy or perfect.
(v. 2-4) Our purification, God's discipline, is not to the end of becoming perfect or worthy, but it is for our own sake.
(v. 5-7) God's work and will in the world is what happens during this process of purification, sharpening.
(v. 8) Don't become distracted by the behaviors or what we're called to "do" but instead think of what God's larger purpose is.
(v. 9-10) God's "business" is not in making us perfect beings who do what He wants us to do but instead in drawing us to Him. It's not about the tasks but the goal.
(v. 11-14) While we focus day after day of the job of becoming what we want, getting what we want, perfection, we forget or ignore that God has already done the work of perfecting. While we are busy worrying about doing what is "right" or worth of God, we forget God Himself. God's end was never that we become perfect, because He has already accomplished the work of making us white as snow.
(v. 15-18) God is focused on relationship with us while we're busy trying to do what He's already done. "Sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary."
(v. 19-23) We should remember that we are already saved, already made perfect in His sight, so we should go to Him in confidence, knowing He is already at work in our lives. Let us focus on drawing closer to God rather than being what we think we should be or doing what we think we should do. We should also not be held back by guilt for sin that keeps us from God. He has already cleansed us, so we should not use that as an excuse for running from Him. Whatever happens as a result of our sin or our failures is no reason to give up on God, it is not evidence of His abandonment, because His work of saving us is not exclusive of His desire for relationship with us.
(v. 24-35) Our focus should instead be on one another, how we can encourage each other in light of this, that God is in pursuit of us.
(v. 26-27) If we live our lives in sin as if the work of sanctification/purification is not complete, without belief in God's continuing work in us, there is nothing but fear for judgment for those sins.
(v. 28-29) To live without acknowledging His work of salvation, to make us pure and worth in His sight, we are defacing God and the Son's work.
(v. 30-31) God has made sin his enemy, and it is not for us to win that battle ourselves. Our job is not to face sin alone but to face God.
(v. 32-34) Think back to when we suffered, whether on our own or with others, knowing this is not the end game. Our final days are not to be faced by sin but instead we hope to a future with God.
(v. 35) Don't let these things make you forget your hope and confidence in God, because that faith will be rewarded.
(v. 36) Persevere so that once you have endured this struggle with sin in an effort to draw near to God, we will be with God.
(v. 37) God is not delaying. He is coming.
(v. 38-39) His people, those who end up with Him, are those who hang on to faith. He will not share His joy with those who give up.


God, help me to see that I am focusing on the work of perfection, not even only for me and for him, for our relationship. Help me to see the futility in fighting for something that is not lasting and to fight instead to stay near to you, to persevere through the struggles with sin, to hang on to relationship with you. Even "accomplishing" a "good" marriage relationship will not be counted to my credit when I face you on that final day. Instead of focusing on the sin that we struggle with, help me to focus on your work already done, not only to make us pure and holy, but your work to draw us to you. Help me to see the worth in that, a faith in what is not seen, rather than in despairing over what I see here and now. Help me not to see struggle as a sign that you have forgotten me or to think that I have failed...I cannot fail if you have already won. Let me not think that way to excuse myself for ignoring or avoiding you. Let me instead focus on how you desire me to come to you. Help me to have that confidence in you, your love for me, and your victory over sin. Help me to remember that and to hang on to that confidence in the face of lies, pain, and loss.