Daily Fixing Our Gaze on Jesus
The sermon emphasizes the importance of fixing our gaze on Jesus and being transformed into his image through devoted, focused worship.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the essential ministry calling of every Christian, which is to behold the face of Christ through devoted worship. He explains that this ministry does not require special gifts but is fundamental for all believers, as it must precede any other ministry efforts. Wilkerson highlights the importance of fixing our gaze on Jesus, indicating that true transformation occurs when we earnestly seek God's presence. He references Paul's teaching in 2 Corinthians, illustrating that as we focus on Christ, we are progressively transformed into His image by the Holy Spirit. This intimate communion with God is vital for spiritual growth and effectiveness in ministry.
Text
Paul speaks of a certain ministry calling that every Christian has. This ministry does not require particular gifts or talents; rather, it is to be undertaken by all who have been born again. In fact, this ministry is every believer's first calling. All other endeavors must flow out of it because no ministry can be pleasing to God unless it is birthed out of this calling.
I am talking about the ministry of beholding the face of Christ. Paul says, "We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18). What does it mean to behold the Lord's glory? Paul is speaking here of devoted, focused worship -- time given to God simply to behold him. And the apostle quickly adds, "Therefore, since we have this ministry" (4:1). Paul makes it very clear that beholding the face of Christ is a ministry we all must devote ourselves to.
The Greek word for "beholding" is a very strong expression; it indicates not just taking a look, but "fixing the gaze." It means, "Before I do anything else or try to accomplish a single thing, I must be in God's presence."
Many misinterpret the phrase "beholding as in a mirror" (3:18). They think of Jesus' face being reflected back to them. But Paul is speaking of an intensely focused gaze, as if peering at something earnestly through a glass, trying to see it more clearly. We are to "fix our eyes" in this way, determined to see God's glory in the face of Christ. We are to shut ourselves in with him and commune with such devotion that we are changed.
Paul continues is 2 Corinthians 3:18: "[We] are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." By being in the presence of Christ, we are being changed by the work of the Spirit. How wonderful to know that the Holy Spirit will work a progressive increase of the character of Christ in us as we focus on him.
Sermon Outline
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The Ministry of Beholding the Face of Christ
- Every Christian has a ministry calling to behold the face of Christ
- This ministry is every believer's first calling
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What Does it Mean to Behold the Lord's Glory?
- Devoted, focused worship - time given to God to behold him
- Fixing the gaze on God's presence
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The Importance of Fixing Our Gaze
- Shutting ourselves in with God and communing with devotion
- Being changed by the work of the Spirit
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The Result of Fixing Our Gaze
- Being transformed into the same image from glory to glory
- A progressive increase of the character of Christ in us
Key Quotes
“We are to shut ourselves in with him and commune with such devotion that we are changed.” — David Wilkerson
“By being in the presence of Christ, we are being changed by the work of the Spirit.” — David Wilkerson
“We are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Make time for devoted, focused worship to behold the face of Christ.
- Shut yourself in with God and commune with devotion to be changed by the Holy Spirit.
- Allow the Holy Spirit to work a progressive increase of the character of Christ in you.