Pastor Cho's Sermon Outline - Yoido Full
Gospel Church - Seoul, KoreaThe Year to Fix Our Eyes on Jesus Hebrews 12:1 ~ 12:2 2009-01-04
Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV "1Therefore, 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. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Introduction: We are familiar with the story of Mencius' mother who moved to another house three times because of her son. One day Mencius' mother bought a house near a public cemetery. Since Mencius grew up watching and listening to funeral services, he always killed bugs and played like he was having a funeral service with them. So his mother moved to a home near a market place, and then she finally moved to a home near a school. This time Mencius grew up watching and hearing people read books and study. He copied them and finally became a great scholar. We will be changed according to what we see and hear. In the year 2009, let us fix our eyes on Jesus who was nailed to the Cross.
1. Our hearts change when we fix our eyes and thoughts on Jesus. 1) Our hearts will be filled with fear, anxiety, terror, despair, worry, and distress when we fix our eyes and thoughts on world news (Php 4:6-7). 2) Our hearts will be free when we fix our eyes and thoughts on the Cross of Jesus and the grace of redemption (Ro 8:1-2). 3) Our hearts will be filled to the brim with peace and joy by virtue of the forgiveness of the Cross, the grace of the Holy Spirit, healing, blessings, and hope for the eternal kingdom of heaven (Jn 14:27). 4) You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (Jn 14:6; Gal 5:1).
2. We will have bright, hopeful, and positive dreams. 1) If we fix our eyes and ears on the world, our dreams will turn into fear and terror, and we will have a pessimistic self-image (Job 3:25-26). 2) Once we realize the truth of the Cross, it will bring about true hope for the future and positive dreams (3Jn 1:2; Ps 103:1-5). 3) A positive self-image (2Co 5:17; Php 4:13).
3. We are provided with the Rock that is trustworthy and reliable. 1) Everything in the world, money, position, fame, power, pleasure ¡¦ - Everything is a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Everything is shaking, ever-changing, and unreliable (Jas 4:14). 2) The love of God and the love of Jesus are endless, everlasting, unshakable, and permanent. - When we trust and rely on His love, we will not be disappointed (Heb 12:2). 3) God called us because He loves us (Eph 1:4-6).
4. The language that is changed through redemptive grace. 1) The power of language (Jas 3:3-6). ¨ç Language is a bridle that controls the entire body. ¨è Language is a tool that directs the course of life. ¨é Language is a small fire that burns a whole forest. 2) Changed language - soaked by the grace of redemption. ¨ç Regarding forgiveness and righteousness. ¨è Life that is born again, and lives with the Holy Spirit (fruit). ¨é Words of healing. ¨ê Enter into the blessings of Abraham through words. ¨ë Words about eternal life and heaven (Ro 10:10).
Conclusion: If we fix our eyes on Jesus Christ and the Cross of Calvary, remember all of His grace, and live thankfully, then peace, joy, positive dreams, a bright self-image, faith as solid as a rock, and a confession of faith on our lips will come into our lives.