Good Looking

1 Corinthians 11:28

Good Looking

I adapted this sermon from "Christ Our Focus" by Ralph Andrus (http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=103326)

Introduction

A. A special pair of shades that can deliver the gift of sight. Called “Argus” — named after the mythological Greek god who had 100 eyes — this innovative system can help blind people to see.

B. 1 Corinthians 11:28

C. In our culture we are taught from a very early age to be concerned with how we look – we are to be good looking. But nowhere in the Bible are we told to be good looking. However, it does tell us to do some good looking.

D. As we observe the Lord’s Supper today, I want to remind you of six directions you ought to look as you examine yourself.

1. Look Within

A. Jesus told us that the greatest commandment was…

B. As we think about how we love God, we ought to look within at our heart, soul, mind, strength

C. You and I can only look at one another, God looks at your heart today. What does He see?

2. Look Backward

A. There are a number of reasons to look backward. Consider that the Bible says to…

1. “Remember from where you have fallen…”

2. “Stir up the gift of God that was put in you…”

3. “If you bring your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you…”

B. The point is to look back and see if there is anything in your life that you’ve not really dealt with that you can make right today?

C. Perhaps you’ve not been doing what you should be doing, or you’re doing something you ought not be doing.

D. Regardless, look back and examine your life – is it right with God?

3. Look Forward

A. 1 Corinthians 11:26 – “till he come…”

B. What’s God doing in your life? Are you growing? Are you learning? Are you doing anything?

C. When was the last time you challenged yourself?

4. Look Downward

A. Are you on the right foundation?

B. I’m not asking you whether you are saved – is your life settled on Christ?

5. Look Upward

A. We cannot help but look upward as we partake of this table.

1. Do you remember that Christ gave His life for yours?

2. That’s why Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me…”

B. He is…

1. The object of our salvation

2. Our example for life.

3. The object of our affections

4. The King for whom we wait.

C. We can only examine ourselves truly when we do so in light of who Christ is. If we’re not looking at Him then our view of ourselves is going to be skewed.

6. Look Around

A. The Lord’s Supper is intended to teach something – to remind us of something both in the past and also in the future.

B. Jesus’ death should remind us of sin, sinners and salvation.

C. Jesus’ return should remind us He’s coming again to judge and reward.

D. We ought to be reminded of the harvest that lies all around.

Conclusion

A. Let me ask you – are you good looking? Or are you a good looker?

B. I want to invite you to come to the altar and invite God to help you see what you need to see.

C. Each of us are like the blind people I spoke about earlier. Left to ourselves we can only grope around in the dark on our best days. It is only when we see by the light of Christ, our spiritual glasses so to speak that we truly see ourselves.

D. Before we partake of the Supper today – you take that look.