1 Timothy 1:14-17
The
grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
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.
It is always the Holy Spirit’s work to turn our eyes away
from self to Jesus. But Satan’s work is just the opposite; he is constantly
trying to make us look at ourselves instead of Christ. He insinuates, “Your
sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; you do not repent enough; you
will never be able to continue to the end; you do not have the joy of His
children; you have such a wavering hold on Jesus.” All these are thoughts about
self, and we will never find comfort or assurance by looking within.
But the Holy Spirit turns our eyes entirely away from self:
He tells us that we are nothing, but that Christ is everything. Remember,
therefore, it is not your hold of Christ that saves you—it is Christ; it is not
your joy in Christ that saves you—it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ,
although that is the instrument—it is Christ’s blood and merits.
Therefore, do not look so much to your hand with which you
are grasping Christ as to Christ; do not look to your hope but to Jesus, the
source of your hope; do not look to your faith, but to Jesus, the founder and
perfecter of your faith.
We will never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our
deeds, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest
to the soul. If we are to overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by
“looking to Jesus.”
Keep your eye simply on Him; let His death, His sufferings,
His merits, His glories, His intercession be fresh upon your mind. When you
waken in the morning look to Him; when you lie down at night look to Him. Do
not let your hopes or fears come between you and Jesus; follow hard after Him,
and He will never fail you.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness:
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
Comments