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Scripture Reading:  John 9:35-41

 

Keep Your Eyes On...

 

Intro.

1.  Jno. 9 – Relate healing of the blind man.

2.  Jno. 9:35-41 – Healing physical sight typical of healing spiritual blindness.

3.  Eph. 1:18 – The eyes of our hearts must be enlightened with truth (cf. Matt. 13:13, 15).

 

I. KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS Heb. 12:1-2.

  A.  As the Leader of the (our) Faith – 12:2.

    1.  Author (Prince, Acts 3:15) – “Signifies one who takes a lead in, or provides the first occasion of, anything” (Vine).

         a.      Of life – Acts 3:15 (5:31).

         b.      Of our salvation – Heb. 2:10.

  B.  As the Completion of the (our) Faith – 12:2.

    1.  Perfecter (finisher) – He brought the faith to its completion, its fullness – Eph. 1:10; cf. Gal. 3:1.

    2.  Jesus is the perfect Exem­plar of faith.

    3.  We must fill ourselves w/ His mind & temper by keeping His example ever before us – Jno. 8:12; 1 Pet. 2:21.

  C.  In Times of Temptation – (Heb. 12:1-4).

    1.  Which will mean daily looking to Him!

    2.  Heb. 4:14-16 – He knows what it is like!

    3.  Psa. 123:1-4 – Pray for God’s mercy (121:1-2; 141:8-10).

 

II.  KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE CROSSHeb.12:2.

  A.  Only Hope of our Salvation – Col.1:20; 1 Pet. 2:24.

    1.  In the cross we see:  Humiliation/Triumph; Defeat/Victory; Injustice/Justice.

    2.  All of these are seen in the cross – If we will look upon it!

    3.  1 Cor. 1:17-18, 21; 2:2 – Preach gospel – Preach cross – Saving gospel.

  B.  As our Motive for Service & Sacrifice.

    1.  Matt. 26:39, 42 – Sacrifice & submission as an obedient servant (Phil. 2:7-8).

    2.  Matt. 10:38; 16:24 – Willingness to bear responsibility & sacrifice of serving Christ.

 

III.  KEEP YOUR EYES ON HEAVENHeb. 12:2; 2 Pet. 3:13.

  A.  Keep Your Eyes on Heaven’s Purity – Rev. 21:27.

    1.  2 Pet. 3:14 – Diligently pursue purity in view of heaven!

    2.  In this sin-racked world, our eyes need to be fixed on heaven’s purity with the goal of being there ourselves one day – 1 Pet. 1:4.  (undefiled)

    3.  If there is now sin – Be cleansed... perfect holiness! – 2 Cor. 7:1

  B.  Keep Your Eyes on the Heavenly Reward.

    1.  The faithful will be glorified with Christ – Heb. 12:2; cf. Rev. 3:21.

      a.  Col. 3:4 – Glory with Christ – Therefore...set your mind (eyes) on things above!

      b.  Do you ever contemplate the splendor & grandeur of heaven & of being a part of its love, joy & peace?  See yourself experiencing its wonder.

    2.  2 Tim. 4:8; Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Jno. 3:2 – Glory with Him!

 

Conclusion

1.  Jesus came to earth so that those who do not see might have sight (Jno. 9:39).

2.  The eyes of the saved must be focused on Jesus, on the cross & on heaven in order to endure (Heb. 12:1-2).

3.  What are you looking at in your life?