Failing To Look To Jesus

Hebrews 12:1-13

Looking To Others

EncouragingNeed helpBenefit of the church

Particularly True of Jesus

How often do we look to Him?Even with regular studying,

attendance, and prayer“To concentrate the gaze upon,

looking away from one thing to see another”

His Example

Patterns are helpfulSeamstressesCarpenters

His Example

Our exampleCannot direct ourselves

(Proverbs 14:12; 16:25)Not able (Jeremiah 10:23)Chaotic resultsPaul followed Him

(Galatians 2:20)

More Than A Blueprint

Find strength…When tempted to disobey

(Luke 22:42; Hebrews 4:15, 16)When courage fails (John 18:36)When suffering (1 Peter 2:21)When lifted up with pride

(John 13:14, 15)

His Sacrifice

Looking to the cross is…PainfulA reminder of the horribleness

of sinA reminder of the price paid for

forgiveness (1 Peter 1:18, 19)

His Sacrifice

Aware of our dependenceHumanist: “Save himself”Nothing to offer (Luke 17:10)

His Sacrifice

Aware of His great loveMan was sinful (Romans 5:8, 9)Love was the motivation

(John 3:16; 15:13)

The Hope Set Before Us

Lifelong raceMarathon runner looks past the

painCould lose our will to go on

(Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 10:36)Suffering then glory (Matthew 4)

The Hope Set Before Us

Hope in ChristHis resurrection our guarantee

(2 Corinthians 4:14)His ascension gives us hope

(Hebrews 12:1, 2)Would be “of all men most

miserable” (1 Corinthians 15:19)

The Hope Set Before Us

A factor in our salvationMany componentsAmong them is hope

(Romans 8:24)

Coming Judgment

A dual beingPart of it decays

(2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10)Other part lives onJudged based on our deeds

(2 Corinthians 5:10)

Coming Judgment

See the reality of judgmentAs He triumphed over sin, so

will weHis resurrection guarantees

judgment (Acts 17:30, 31)

Coming Judgment

Need a daily reminderLive in view of the judgmentLife is fleeting (James 4:14)

Conclusion

Looked to Jesus lately?Ready for judgment?