Looking Unto Jesus
E.A. Johnston passionately urges believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, as the hope and foundation for enduring life's trials and anticipating Christ's imminent return.
In this devotional sermon, E.A. Johnston calls believers to fix their gaze on Jesus Christ as the source of faith, hope, and endurance. Drawing from Hebrews 12:1-3 and rich biblical imagery, Johnston emphasizes the many roles of Jesus and the urgency of living expectantly in light of His imminent return. This message encourages Christians to live with unwavering focus on Christ, trusting in His promises and preparing for His coming.
Full Transcript
The great preacher, Martin Lloyd-Jones said, If we looked more at Jesus, we should soon forget ourselves, and his true friends, and our eyes should be on him in these end times, because I believe that Christ shall soon return. Why, the signs are all around us. He will soon come for his bride.
But will he find us looking up and waiting expectantly, or will he find us with our eyes glued to this world, and consumed with the things of the world? There is a text from the book of Hebrews, which always stirs me to things of eternity. It's found in Hebrews 12. You can turn in your Bibles there now, friends.
It's in verses 1 through 3. Let me read that for us at this time. Patience, the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction as sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Listen, friends. He is the lily of the valley, the bright and morning star, the rose of Sharon, the pearl of great price, worth selling all for and losing all for. Jesus is the bread of life, who promises that he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Jesus is the light of life, who declares he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Jesus is the truth, and the truth shall make you free. For if the Son makes you free, friends, you shall be free indeed.
Jesus is the good shepherd, who gives his life for the sheep. He goeth before them, and the sheep follow him. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, who states no man cometh unto the Father but by me.
Jesus is the narrow way, the only way to heaven's glories. Jesus is the genuine vine. All others are fakes and frauds.
Abide in me, and I in you. Jesus declares, without me ye can do nothing. He is the spotless Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world.
He is King of kings and Lord of lords, and every knee will one day bow to him and confess him as Lord. Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Christ Jesus, the Redeemer, who suffered and died and was buried and rose from the dead, who ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father, and he earned that right by way of a bloody cross.
He will sit on a great white throne and judge all things. A Christ will rule forever. He is the blessed hope who will appear again.
He is faithful and true. He saith, Surely I come quickly. Even so, Lord, come, Lord Jesus.
Let us keep looking unto Jesus as we live our lives unto him. Jesus is not only worthy, he is worth it. Let us pray.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The importance of looking unto Jesus in turbulent times
- Martin Lloyd-Jones' encouragement to fix our eyes on Christ
- The urgency of Christ's imminent return
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II
- Hebrews 12:1-3 as the foundation for endurance
- Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith
- Enduring the race with eyes fixed on Jesus
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III
- The many titles and roles of Jesus: Bread of Life, Light, Truth, Shepherd
- Jesus as the only way to the Father and true vine
- The significance of abiding in Christ for spiritual vitality
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IV
- Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords
- The hope of Christ’s return and final judgment
- A call to live expectantly and faithfully looking unto Jesus
Key Quotes
“If we looked more at Jesus, we should soon forget ourselves, and his true friends, and our eyes should be on him in these end times.” — E.A. Johnston
“Jesus is the bread of life, who promises that he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” — E.A. Johnston
“Let us keep looking unto Jesus as we live our lives unto him. Jesus is not only worthy, he is worth it.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Maintain a daily habit of focusing your thoughts and prayers on Jesus to strengthen your faith.
- Endure life's challenges by remembering Jesus as the author and finisher of your faith.
- Live with an expectant heart, preparing for Christ’s return by aligning your life with His teachings.