Keeping Your Eyes On Jesus

KEEPING YOUR EYES ON JESUS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Hebrews 12:1-2

Key Verse: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2, KJV)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 14:28-31, Psalm 25:15, Isaiah 45:22, Colossians 3:1-2

INTRODUCTION:

Life is a race filled with challenges, distractions, and obstacles. Many begin well but lose focus along the way because they shift their eyes from Christ to the storms of life. The writer of Hebrews exhorts us to run with patience, keeping our gaze on Jesus, who is both the beginning and completion of our faith.

When we take our eyes off Jesus, fear, doubt, and discouragement set in. Peter walked on water while he looked at Jesus, but when he turned his eyes to the wind and waves, he began to sink. Our success in the Christian journey is determined by where our gaze is fixed.

Keeping our eyes on Jesus means depending on Him daily, trusting Him completely, and drawing strength from Him continually. It is not a one-time decision but a consistent lifestyle of focus, trust, and surrender.

1. JESUS IS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH

To keep our eyes on Him, we must recognise who He is and His role in our faith journey.

a) The Author of Faith (Hebrews 12:2)

He initiates our salvation; faith begins with Him, not our effort.

b) The Finisher of Faith (Philippians 1:6)

He perfects what He starts, ensuring we reach the goal.

c) The Foundation of Our Confidence (1 Corinthians 3:11)

Christ is the only foundation upon which faith can stand.

d) The Perfect Example (1 Peter 2:21)

We are to follow His steps, enduring trials as He did.

Biblical Example: Abraham kept his eyes on God’s promise, and his faith was counted as righteousness (Romans 4:20-21).

2. DISTRACTIONS THAT DRAW US AWAY FROM JESUS

The enemy seeks to shift our gaze from Christ to temporary concerns.

a) Fear and Doubt (Matthew 14:30)

Fear arises when we focus on the storm instead of the Saviour.

b) Worldly Pleasures (1 John 2:15-17)

Love for the world blinds us from eternal priorities.

c) Trials and Persecutions (Mark 4:17)

Hardships can make us lose focus if we do not stay anchored in Christ.

d) Pride and Self-Dependence (Proverbs 16:18)

Trusting in ourselves diverts our gaze from God’s grace.

Biblical Example: Demas forsook Paul, being distracted by the love of this present world (2 Timothy 4:10).

3. THE BENEFITS OF KEEPING YOUR EYES ON JESUS

When our gaze is fixed on Christ, we enjoy blessings that sustain us through life.

a) Stability in Storms (Isaiah 26:3)

Perfect peace comes to those whose mind is stayed on God.

b) Strength for the Journey (Philippians 4:13)

Fixing our eyes on Him empowers us to do all things.

c) Victory Over Sin (Romans 6:14)

Christ’s grace enables us to overcome the power of sin.

d) Assurance of Eternal Glory (John 14:2-3)

Our gaze on Jesus keeps us focused on the eternal hope of heaven.

Biblical Example: Stephen, full of the Holy Ghost, kept his eyes on Jesus even while being stoned, and he saw the heavens opened (Acts 7:55-56).

4. HOW TO KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS DAILY

Practical steps are necessary to maintain focus on the Lord.

a) Daily Devotion and Prayer (Psalm 5:3)

Starting the day with prayer keeps our hearts aligned with Christ.

b) Feeding on God’s Word (Joshua 1:8)

The Word strengthens faith and keeps our gaze steady.

c) Walking in Fellowship with Believers (Hebrews 10:25)

Godly company keeps us focused and accountable.

d) Living with Eternal Perspective (Colossians 3:1-2)

Setting our affections above helps us not to be distracted by temporal things.

Biblical Example: Paul pressed toward the mark of the high calling, keeping his eyes on Christ despite trials (Philippians 3:13-14).

CONCLUSION:

The Christian race cannot be successfully run without focus. Our eyes must remain fixed on Jesus, who began our journey and will complete it. Distractions will come, storms will arise, and trials will test us, but only by keeping our gaze on Christ can we endure to the end.

Do not look to your circumstances, problems, or even people, look to Jesus. He is faithful, unchanging, and dependable. When you keep your eyes on Him, you will walk in victory and finish your race with joy.

PRAYER POINTS:

1.  Lord, help me to keep my eyes on You daily.

2.  Father, deliver me from every distraction that shifts my focus from Christ.

3.   Lord, increase my faith to trust You in every circumstance.

4.   Father, grant me grace to overcome fear and doubt.

5.   Lord, let my gaze be fixed on eternal things, not temporary pleasures.