1. Our first definition of focus is the main or central point of something, especially of attention or interest.
2. Our second definition of focus is careful attention that is given to something such as a task, or the ability to give your full attention to something.
3. Our third definition of focus is to adjust something to see or comprehend more clearly.

For example:

1. Because my daughter is learning to read, whenever she brings me a book, I completely shift the focus of my attention to the task at hand to be sure that I support her with her sight words.
2. No matter how chaotic our lives become, when my wife and I are on a date, I do my best to demonstrate unwavering focus on her throughout the evening to show my appreciation and dedication for and to our relationship.
3. Whenever I am working on a project at work or in school, I sometimes have to adjust my approach to focus more clearly on the details of the project to be as successful as I can.

In the same way, the promises of God require focus in multiple ways.

First, the promises of God must serve as the focus of our faith, demanding our attention and interest above all else.

Second, to truly grasp and benefit from the promises of God, we must give them careful attention, dedicating our full focus to understanding and internalizing them.

Lastly, we often need to adjust our perspectives and actions to see God’s promises more clearly. This requires continual focus and alignment with the Will of God to fully comprehend the depth and magnitude of his blessings.

Focus. Focus. FOCUS.

In this scripture, the author has just finished telling us that we can now “boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus…” and that because of this opportunity, we should “go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting Him.”

He then opens verse 23 with the our first demand for focus by letting us know that because of Christ’s blood, we should “keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going.” Because “God can be trusted to keep his promise.” Here, we’re faced with a real decision that helps define our focus: Either we believe in the Blood of Christ…or its just koolaid. 

In other words, we’re either going to focus on everything promised to us through the blood, or we aren’t.

Once we’ve chosen decided to focus on the promises granted to us through the blood, we arrive at our second level of focus where we’re asked to “think of ways to motivate (and encourage) one another to acts of love and good works.” This is crucial because without the motivation of others through their selfless acts of love, we run the risk of becoming sidetracked by the distractions of life, relationships, family, work, etc. We cannot stop these distractions, nor do we want to in most cases, but we do want to be sure that we are focused on sharing our testimony, uplifting one another and living unselfish lives to continue to push God’s heavenly agenda to the best of our abilities.

After focusing our attention on God’s promises and then choosing to focus on selfless service towards others, we are then asked by the author to continually adjust our focus through the principles of trust, patience and endurance in verses 35 & 36. Trust, patience and endurance require continual adjustment as they all are continually tested over time. We can only develop confident trust after our trust has been tested while it is doubtful, insecure, nervous, timid or uncertain.

Endurance can only be considered patient after it has been tested while agitated, discontented, intolerable, or irritable. We must remain committed to adjusting our focus through this period of testing to be able to “remember the great reward” that God’s promises will bring us, to “continue to do God’s will,” and to “receive all that He has promised.”

Follow the footsteps of faith
Proverbs 4:25 NLT

• Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Overcome obstacles through faith

Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT

• Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 
• 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

[a] Because of the joy [b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Cling to Christ, the foundation of our faith

1 Peter 1:13 NIV

• 13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.
  Understand God’s Grace & Christ’s Ways

Phillipians 3:12-16 MSG

• 12-14 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
• 15-16 So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.

Stand firm and steadfast in His salvation.

Phillippians 4:8 NLT

• 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.
  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 

In conclusion, the promises of God require multifaceted focus from believers. They demand to be the central point of faith, necessitating undivided attention
and interest above all else. To fully benefit from these promises, believers must dedicate careful attention to understanding and internalizing them.

Additionally, continual adjustment of focus is essential to align perspectives and actions with God’s will, ensuring clarity and steadfastness in the face of challenges. Ultimately, by prioritizing God’s promises, remaining committed to selfless service, and continually adjusting focus through trust, patience, and endurance, believers can confidently navigate life’s journey, secure in the knowledge of the depth and magnitude of God’s blessings awaiting them.

Focus. Focus. FOCUS.

1. Follow the footsteps of faith
2. Overcome obstacles through faith
3. Cling to Christ, the foundation of our faith
4. Understand God’s Grace & Christ’s Ways
5. Stand firm and steadfast in His salvation.