My Eyes are ever Toward the LORD

Vision 2017: Let

Psalm 25:15

Introduction:

I. Introduction

A. The coming of Messiah

a. Jesus came to earth that He may be touched by the feelings of my infirmities.

b. He was rescued from the traps of His enemies & defeated them.

c. The last enemy to be defeated is death. Jesus defeated the effect of sin (when forgiven), sickness, poverty...

B. The difference between Jesus and religious leaders is He didn’t stay dead, He is alive!

Scripture (BIBLE)

II. Looking into His Eyes

We are going to look at several people involved in the crucifiction of Christ. They were all looking at the same Jesus. Their eyes were on the same man but their perspectives were different. Their reactions were according to their heart. Every one of these looked right into the eyes of Christ.

Remember the application: I will learn to keep my focus on Christ and our relationship.

First of all Judas;

A. In his selfishness Betrayed Christ - he took his eyes off of Messiah & looked to religion, therefore he lost his life/soul.

- For 30 pieces of silver he betrays Messiah then tries to repent to religious leaders rather than Jehovah, his Creator

Then Pilate;

B. In his weakness he Condemned an innocent man.

a. Undoubtedly his eyes connected with the eyes of Jesus many, many times during this mockery, he never saw Jesus as King, Ruler, Authority -

b. He lost the grace God had given through sending the message in a dream to his wife.

We have Peter;

C. In his careless reaction he Denied knowing Him.

a. His history of quick answers, possibly often without much consideration brought to the surface the frustration of being identified with Christ, Messiah.

b. However, the difference between Peter & Judas or Pilate, he kept his eyes on Christ, he lost his guilt.

Then there is a group of soldiers;

D. In their brutality & savageness they Crucified Jesus.

a. Yes, they had crucified probably hundreds before, maybe they were somewhat blood-thirsty. But the beating, the mockery & whipping post were beyond the horrors of that day. –

b. They lost their opportunity to reject man's authority & honor the Eternal King.

We see soldiers again;

E. In their greed they Gambled for His few possessions. - they lost their honor.

Let’s look at the youngest Apostle John;

F. In his compassion he Loved - he lost nothing, he gained responsibility by taking care of Mary the mother of Jesus for the rest of her life.

What about the soldier who made a confession;

G. Had he participated at the whipping post, driving the spikes in the hands or feet? Had he been one who gambled for the garments? We don’t know.

However, In his being alert & willing he received Revelation - he declared Mark 15:39So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” He lost his unbelief.

One day it will be every eye;

H. Revelation 1:7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. NKJV

III.

A. Philippians 2:5-10 (BIBLE)

a. Jesus was in the "form of God," the nature of God, the essence of God. Hebrews 1 says He is the "express image of His Person." NLT says expresses the "very character of God." Amplified "the exact representation and perfect imprint of His [Father’s] essence."

b. Verses 6-8 describe the descent of Christ from His rightful place in heaven "taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man."

Becoming obedient to the point of death, but that wasn't good enough it had to be the insulting, degrading death on a criminal's cross.

c. Verse 9 Jesus ascends back to the glory of the Father, even more profound in that we recognize His glory and everything bows to Him. God raised Him to the highest place of honor and is given the name above every name! The reason, His death, burial and resurrection!

d. Then, it's not just about every knee bowing but also the pronouncement with every tongue confessing Jesus is LORD!

B. Because of the resurrection of Christ, you have the hope of resurrection & death defeated. 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 (BIBLE) NLT

C. The reason we can do this is because of the resurrection of Christ.

- He asks us to:

* Repent

* Live by Faith

* Be Baptized

* Be Filled with His Spirit

Conclusion: PRESENT THE GOSPEL FOR SALVATION – EVERY WEEK – AND THE NEED TO COME FORWARD IN PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE OF CHRIST.