Summary

The principle is this: true gospel change of a person's character comes from steady gazing at the glory of Jesus. "Beholding the glory of the Lord, we are being transformed into his image." We become like what we treasure enough to spend time focusing on. Some say, "Seeing is believing.”

Sermon Questions

1. How do you fix your eyes on Jesus? What does it mean to you to gaze upon Jesus?
2. John had gazed at Jesus long enough to become like him in this way: obedient fellowship was more important than the comforts of life. Is that true in your own life? Why or why not?
3. Christ is standing among the churches. He is not merely over the churches. He is not distant from the churches. He is in the middle of them. What does it mean for Jesus to be in the middle of the GracePlace Church?
4. Jesus stands among the lamp-stands—he stands here by us today—as one with authority and everlasting dominion and one with final, decisive forgiveness for our sins. What does Jesus’ sacrifice for your sins mean to you?
5. As you gaze upon Jesus at the beginning of 2024, remember he is not tired or careworn or burned out or fatigued. Instead, his eyes are aflame with the flashing fire of inexhaustible energy and hope. How does that statement give you confidence?