Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus: Transforming Community Through Faith
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the centrality of Jesus Christ in our lives and our mission as a church. We began by emphasizing that our mission is to create communities of grace and truth, focusing on Jesus and His teachings. The importance of continually focusing on Jesus was highlighted, as assuming the gospel can lead to losing it. We were reminded that our mission is not new but the next step in fulfilling God's plan for us.
We delved into Hebrews 12, where the writer encourages us to run the race marked out for us by fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. This passage teaches us that we must throw off everything that hinders and the sin that entangles us. By looking to Jesus, we find the strength to endure and not grow weary. Jesus is not just our example but our joyful, suffering Savior who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.
We also discussed how looking to Jesus transforms our community. As we fix our eyes on Him, we become a community that embodies His grace and truth. This transformation leads to practical expressions of love, hospitality, and care for the vulnerable. Our mission includes creating spaces for grace and truth to flourish, both within our church and in the broader community.
The Cultivate initiative was introduced as a way to further our mission by transforming our church into a community center used seven days a week. This initiative aims to meet real needs and provide spiritual connections, embodying the grace and truth of Jesus in tangible ways. We were encouraged to look to Jesus as we run our race, trusting that He will transform us and our community.
### Key Takeaways
1. Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus: The writer of Hebrews urges us to run our race by fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. This means continually focusing on Him, not just as an example but as our Savior who endured the cross for our sake. By doing so, we find the strength to endure and not grow weary. [37:39]
2. Throwing Off Hindrances and Sin: To run our race effectively, we must throw off everything that hinders and the sin that entangles us. This involves identifying distractions and sins in our lives that keep us from fully focusing on Jesus. By laying these aside, we can run with perseverance the race marked out for us. [36:16]
3. Community Transformation: As we look to Jesus, our community is transformed to embody His grace and truth. This transformation leads to practical expressions of love, hospitality, and care for the vulnerable. Our mission includes creating spaces for grace and truth to flourish, both within our church and in the broader community. [57:36]
4. The Cultivate Initiative: This initiative aims to further our mission by transforming our church into a community center used seven days a week. It seeks to meet real needs and provide spiritual connections, embodying the grace and truth of Jesus in tangible ways. This initiative is a practical step in fulfilling God's plan for us. [01:07:30]
5. Jesus as Our Joyful, Suffering Savior: Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, taking the penalty for our sin upon Himself. He is not just our example but our Savior who brings us into the joy of the Father. By looking to Him in faith, we receive His righteousness and are made right with God. [50:58]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:41] - Introduction to Cultivate
[27:19] - Guidebooks and Hebrews 12
[28:15] - Wearing the Cultivate T-shirt
[28:37] - Prayer and Community Involvement
[28:58] - Mission and Values
[29:22] - Looking to Jesus
[30:16] - Importance of Focusing on Jesus
[31:18] - Don Carson's Insight
[32:37] - The Marriage Analogy
[33:44] - The Pizza Hut Story
[35:00] - The One Thing We Deliver
[36:16] - Running the Race
[37:39] - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
[38:55] - Hindrances and Sins
[40:05] - Modern Distractions
[41:23] - Horizontal vs. Vertical Focus
[42:41] - Jesus as the Pioneer and Perfecter
[44:05] - Worship at Moody Bible Institute
[45:21] - Jesus Completes What He Starts
[46:37] - The Ruins of Artemis' Temple
[49:32] - Jesus as More Than an Example
[50:58] - Jesus as Our Joyful, Suffering Savior
[52:20] - Empathy and Sacrifice
[53:52] - Consider Him
[55:02] - Comparing to Jesus
[56:22] - Jesus' Promise of Peace
[57:36] - Community Transformation
[01:00:02] - Hospitality and Care
[01:01:13] - Jesus Creating a Community in His Image
[01:02:38] - Discipleship Journey
[01:03:49] - Acts 2 Church Model
[01:05:13] - Organic Growth Through Jesus
[01:06:22] - Cultivate Initiative and Community Center
[01:07:30] - Practical Steps and Global Missions
[01:08:53] - Light of the World
[01:10:06] - Child Care Center Story
[01:11:23] - Church History and Future Vision
[01:12:36] - Running Our Race
[01:14:15] - Closing Prayer and Communion Preparation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the writer of Hebrews mean by "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles"? How does this relate to running the race marked out for us? [36:16]
2. According to the sermon, why is it important to continually focus on Jesus and not just assume the gospel? [30:16]
3. How does the sermon describe Jesus as both the pioneer and perfecter of faith? What does this mean for us as believers? [37:39]
4. What are some practical expressions of love, hospitality, and care for the vulnerable mentioned in the sermon that result from looking to Jesus? [57:36]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize the need to fix our eyes on Jesus rather than just following His example? How does this focus help us endure and not grow weary? [37:39]
2. What are some modern distractions or hindrances that can keep us from fully focusing on Jesus, as mentioned in the sermon? How can we identify and throw these off? [40:05]
3. How does looking to Jesus transform our community, according to the sermon? What are the specific ways this transformation is manifested? [57:36]
4. The sermon introduces the Cultivate initiative. How does this initiative aim to embody the grace and truth of Jesus in tangible ways? [01:07:30]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. What are some specific hindrances or sins that you need to throw off to run your race more effectively? How can you start addressing these this week? [36:16]
2. The sermon mentions that assuming the gospel can lead to losing it. How can you ensure that you are continually focusing on Jesus in your daily life? What practical steps can you take? [30:16]
3. Think about your community. How can you contribute to transforming it to embody Jesus' grace and truth? Are there specific acts of love, hospitality, or care you can commit to this week? [57:36]
4. The Cultivate initiative aims to transform the church into a community center used seven days a week. How can you personally get involved in this initiative? What specific actions can you take to support it? [01:07:30]
5. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. How can you find joy in your own sufferings and challenges by looking to Jesus? Share a personal experience where focusing on Jesus helped you endure a difficult time. [50:58]
6. The sermon talks about creating spaces for grace and truth to flourish. How can you create such spaces in your own home, workplace, or community? What specific changes can you make? [57:36]
7. Consider the idea of Jesus as our joyful, suffering Savior. How does this perspective change the way you view your own sufferings and sacrifices? How can you apply this understanding in your daily walk with Christ? [50:58]
Devotional
### Day 1: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
Theme: Focus on Jesus for strength and endurance.
Description: The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to run the race marked out for them by fixing their eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. This means continually focusing on Him, not just as an example but as our Savior who endured the cross for our sake. By doing so, we find the strength to endure and not grow weary. Jesus is not only our model but also the source of our strength and perseverance. When we fix our eyes on Him, we are reminded of His sacrifice and the joy that was set before Him, which empowers us to keep going despite challenges. [37:39]
Bible Passage: "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, 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." (Hebrews 12:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: What specific distractions or challenges are currently hindering your focus on Jesus? How can you practically shift your focus back to Him today?
### Day 2: Throwing Off Hindrances and Sin
Theme: Remove distractions and sins to run effectively.
Description: To run our race effectively, we must throw off everything that hinders and the sin that entangles us. This involves identifying distractions and sins in our lives that keep us from fully focusing on Jesus. By laying these aside, we can run with perseverance the race marked out for us. The process of throwing off hindrances requires self-examination and a willingness to let go of anything that does not align with God's will for our lives. It is a call to spiritual discipline and intentionality in our walk with Christ. [36:16]
Bible Passage: "Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord! Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven." (Lamentations 3:40-41, ESV)
Reflection: What are the specific sins or distractions in your life that you need to lay aside? How can you take a practical step today to remove one of these hindrances?
### Day 3: Community Transformation
Theme: Transforming community through grace and truth.
Description: As we look to Jesus, our community is transformed to embody His grace and truth. This transformation leads to practical expressions of love, hospitality, and care for the vulnerable. Our mission includes creating spaces for grace and truth to flourish, both within our church and in the broader community. When a community collectively fixes its eyes on Jesus, it becomes a reflection of His love and compassion, impacting those within and outside the church. This transformation is not just about individual change but about creating a culture that mirrors the character of Christ. [57:36]
Bible Passage: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a community that embodies grace and truth? What is one practical way you can show love and hospitality to someone in your community today?
### Day 4: The Cultivate Initiative
Theme: Transforming the church into a community center.
Description: The Cultivate initiative aims to further our mission by transforming our church into a community center used seven days a week. It seeks to meet real needs and provide spiritual connections, embodying the grace and truth of Jesus in tangible ways. This initiative is a practical step in fulfilling God's plan for us, creating a space where people can experience the love of Christ through various programs and services. It is about making the church a hub of activity and support, reflecting the heart of Jesus for the community. [01:07:30]
Bible Passage: "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles." (Acts 2:42-43, ESV)
Reflection: How can you support the Cultivate initiative in your church? What is one way you can get involved in transforming your church into a community center?
### Day 5: Jesus as Our Joyful, Suffering Savior
Theme: Jesus endured the cross for our joy.
Description: Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, taking the penalty for our sin upon Himself. He is not just our example but our Savior who brings us into the joy of the Father. By looking to Him in faith, we receive His righteousness and are made right with God. This understanding of Jesus as our joyful, suffering Savior deepens our appreciation of His sacrifice and motivates us to live in a way that honors Him. It reminds us that our suffering has purpose and that joy is found in following Jesus. [50:58]
Bible Passage: "For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering." (Hebrews 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as your joyful, suffering Savior change your perspective on your own struggles? What is one way you can express gratitude for His sacrifice today?
Quotes
1. "Peace, grace, hope, and love is yours in Jesus Christ. Let him capture your imagination and your heart and your passions. Let Jesus have all of you. He is worth it. He is worthy. Our mission is still all about Jesus and his people. Specifically, creating communities of grace and truth. North Point is meeting real needs and providing an avenue for spiritual connections. The needs don't stop growing, but neither does the grace and the truth of Jesus." [26:41] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We believe we have a responsibility to build God's kingdom and have an impact long after we are here to change lives for years to come." [27:19] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our mission is cultivating communities, cultivating, learning, growing people that are filled with the grace and the truth of Jesus. And we've got three values or ways we're seeking to do this by looking to Jesus and keeping him at the center, by embracing community and growing in our relationships as the church, as the family of God, and by engaging our culture." [29:22] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The big call we get here is that it's our time. It's our time to run the race that God has marked out for us. But you notice that the first way we begin to run our race is not so much by outward action. Run your race, go do your thing. What does he say in verse 2? He goes, you run your race by looking to Jesus. By fixing your eyes on Jesus." [37:39] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus is the pioneer and the perfecter of faith. He's not so much by outward action. Run your race, go do your thing. What does he say in verse 2? He goes, you run your race by looking to Jesus. By fixing your eyes on Jesus. So instead of or before we get outwardly working, we first look up to Jesus Christ and fix our eyes on him." [37:39] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Jesus is the pioneer and the perfecter of faith. He outlasts them all. The gates of hell will not prevail against his church. Jesus, pioneer and perfecter of faith. But we have to be, we have to be a little bit careful here because Jesus is not just the pioneer and the perfecter of faith as a model to us, as an example to us. That is part of what the writer of Hebrews is saying." [49:32] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus isn't just our faith example. He's our Savior. And through looking to him in faith, we receive his righteousness. Remember Romans that we have been going through, if you've been around North Point for a little while? We learned in Romans the word justification, which means to be made right with God. We are made right with God as Jesus on the cross gives us his righteous life as a credit to us." [50:58] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Jesus said this to us in Matthew chapter 5. He said it this way. You are, to his followers, you are the light of the world. Does that statement strike anybody as a little bit odd? Meaning, in the gospel of John, Jesus says something else. He says what? He says, I am the light of the world. Interesting that now Jesus would say to his followers, I put my light in you. I give you my light, and now you are my means of bringing light to this world." [01:08:53] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus adds to this community as we look to him together that is God through us embodying grace and truth through us embodying looking to Jesus and letting that come out in our lives it it results in hospitality and care and giving and generosity and serving so that more and more people say I want in on that I want to be a part of that." [01:05:13] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We believe we have a responsibility to build God's kingdom and have an impact long after we are here to change lives for years to come. Well, good morning. It is week two of Cultivate. I'm excited to lead you in this this morning. It was great to hear the man's story about how God's worked in them. It's also great to look out and see lots of Cultivate t-shirts. So job well done for those of you that are wearing those." [27:19] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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