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 CROSS – Heb.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 HEAVEN – Heb. 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?