Sermon Notes:
Breaking Through the Barrier of Wrong Priorities

Introduction: Churches today often face challenges in attracting newcomers and making them feel at home. One significant barrier that we must confront is the issue of wrong priorities. When we, as a church, focus on our personal desires, we lose sight of our true mission: to love others and glorify God. Let’s explore the priorities that can hinder church growth and how we can follow the examples set by Jesus and Timothy to overcome these challenges.

Barrier of Wrong Priorities

1. Focusing on Our Own Needs (James 4:1-3)

“What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”

In many struggling churches, people tend to focus on their own unmet or perceived needs. They come to church expecting to receive rather than to give. As James points out, selfish motives lead to conflict and missed opportunities for true blessing. Instead of focusing on ourselves, we must ask ourselves: What is my focus? Am I here to serve God and others, or just to fulfill my own desires?

2. Ignoring Others While Socializing with Friends (Romans 12:13)

“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”

Many times, we are guilty of focusing on our Christian friends while unintentionally ignoring others. We fail to notice those who feel isolated or lonely. Romans 12:13 reminds us to be hospitable, eager to welcome those in need. Church is not just a place for socializing with friends, but an opportunity to meet new people, build relationships, and show Christ’s love to everyone—especially newcomers.

3. A Coveting Mindset (Romans 12:1-2, NLT)

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Instead of asking “What’s in it for me?” we should offer ourselves as “living sacrifices” to God. Church is not about what we can receive, but about how we can serve. We must change our mindset from one of getting to one of giving, aligning our priorities with God’s will.

4. Exiting Quickly After Service (Philippians 2:3-4, NLT)

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

Rushing out of church after service without taking time to connect with others can leave people feeling abandoned. Philippians 2:3-4 calls us to think of others first, not ourselves. We should take time to pray for, engage with, and encourage others. This intentional outreach can make a significant difference in the lives of those we meet, especially newcomers.

What can Change

Living to Please God (John 4:34-36, NLT)

“Then Jesus explained: ‘My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.'”

Jesus’ focus was not on his own needs but on doing the will of God. He lived with a deep sense of purpose, knowing the harvest of souls was ready. In the same way, we must prioritize pleasing God by welcoming others and working for His Kingdom. Church is not just for our nourishment; it is a place where we can reap a harvest by bringing others to Christ.

Being Devoted to Christ and Others (Philippians 2:20-21, NLT)

“I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ.”

Paul commended Timothy for his genuine concern for others. His devotion to Christ led him to prioritize the needs of others over his own. This example challenges us to evaluate our own devotion to Jesus. Are we willing to put the interests of others first as Timothy did? This kind of selflessness can transform our church into a true welcoming community.

Conclusion: Breaking Through the Barrier of Wrong Priorities

As we reflect on these scriptures, let’s examine our hearts. Are our priorities aligned with God’s will, or are we focused on ourselves? When we prioritize others, welcome newcomers, and live to please God, we create a church that reflects Christ’s love.

Application:

  • In your small groups, discuss how you can train your mind to think and act like Jesus, following His example in John 4:34-36.
  • Reflect on Timothy’s devotion in Philippians 2:20-21. How can you apply this in your life to transform your church?
  • Make a commitment to stay connected with others after service, intentionally reaching out to those who may feel isolated.

Let’s break through the barrier of wrong priorities and become a church where everyone feels welcome and loved!