Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Pastor Chang Kim

Hebrews 12:1-2

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Introduction: October 20, 1968, at the Mexico City Olympics Stadium,

Aquari, with quiet dignity said,

"My country did not send me seven thousand miles to start this race. My country sent me to finish."

I.          Lay Aside Every Weight v1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely

Hebrews 11:13-16.

At the end of chapter 11…since God had provided something better for us.

 A sinful habit: materialism, possessions, academics, our status, pride, boasting, cheating, lying, cursing, pride, anger, social media, substance abuse, stealing, bitterness, unable to forgive, friendships, relationships, a love for something in this world that is so strong that it’s keeping you from really following Christ.

Matthew 22:37-39

II.        Run with Endurance v1b

Let us: we are not running the race on our own, yet we are running our own race.

Run with endurance:

The Christian life is not a sprint; it is a marathon. 

Matthew 13:1-9

Footprints in the sand: 

“Run with endurance” means you get up and have your quiet time, every day, even when you don’t feel like it.
“Run with endurance” means you remain faithful to the ministry God gave you, even when you don’t “feel” like it’s doing any good.
“Run with endurance” means you continue to follow The Lord, even when people hurt you, or oppose you, or neglect you. Those things happen to every Christian, not just you. Running with endurance means you don’t let that stop you. You just keep on following Christ regardless.

“Run with endurance” means you keep following the Lord even as you go through some difficult trials in your life. You don’t let those things “derail” you. You keep on putting one step in front of the other, following Jesus.

III.      Fix Our Eyes on Jesus v2

Why should we fix our eyes on Jesus?

1. Founder of our faith

2. Perfector of our faith

3. Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross

4. Despising the shame: disregard, ignore the shame

5. Seated at the hand of the throne of God

Conclusion: In the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. Great Britain’s Derek Redmond  

God sees us, God knows us, God loves us.

Romans 8:37-39