BLR Conf 2019 - Youth Session 1 - Keep Your Eyes Fixed & Your Heart Hidden - Santosh Poonen
23rd Nov 2019 - Bangalore Conference 2019. 3pm to 4:30pm IST. Youth Session. For more sermons please visit https://www.cfcindia.com/
Summary
The speaker encourages young people not to view their single years as a waiting period for life to begin, but rather as a vital time for sowing seeds for God's purpose. He emphasizes that God does not need to change one's circumstances to fulfill His purpose; rather, He can change the individual. Drawing from the analogy of farming, he urges the audience to remain faithful in doing good, knowing that the harvest will come in due time.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Worship and introductionThe session begins with a song of praise focused on the cross and concludes with an introduction to the theme of seeing Jesus.
God has a purpose for you right nowThe speaker asserts that God does not need to change your circumstances to fulfill His purpose; He only needs to change you.
Two things to sow: fixed eyes and a pure heartDrawing from Proverbs, the speaker instructs young people to keep their gaze fixed straight ahead and to watch over their hearts with all diligence.
Joseph's faithfulness amidst betrayalDespite being treated cruelly by his brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph maintained a focus on God rather than his difficult circumstances.
A new definition of faithFaith is defined as the refusal to look at one's earthly circumstances and instead keeping one's eyes fixed vertically on God.
The dual result of fixing your eyes on GodWhen we fix our eyes on God, we gain both the faith that He is watching over us and the fear of the Lord that keeps us from sin.
Keep your eyes fixed on your eternal homeUsing Joseph as an example, the speaker explains that while life has many ups and downs, believers must remain focused on their eternal home rather than earthly circumstances.
Watch over your heartDrawing from Proverbs 4:23, the speaker urges believers to guard their hearts and emotions as something precious and secret, protecting them from being corrupted by worldly influences.Proverbs 4:23
The beauty of a hidden and pure heartThe speaker concludes by teaching that God is not interested in outward appearance or circumstances, but seeks to dwell in hearts that are beautified through a gentle, quiet, and pure spirit.
Desiring the hidden person of the heartThe speaker expresses a longing for God to find a heart that is prepared and ready for Him to dwell in, focusing on the secret, inner person rather than outward appearance.
Mary's submission as a bond slaveLooking at Luke chapter 1, the speaker describes Mary's response to the angel as one of total surrender, accepting the role of a bond slave who is willing to let God use her life however He chooses.Luke 1:35
Resisting the lust to be quoted or recognizedThe speaker warns against the human desire to be famous or quoted, pointing to Mary's example of shying away from credit and keeping her heart hidden from the pursuit of reputation.
Avoid the pursuit of prominenceThe speaker warns against seeking fame or importance within the church, using Mary as an example of someone who quietly treasured Jesus in her heart without seeking a platform.
The two keys to spiritual stabilityTo find strength in God, one must fix their eyes directly on Him and keep their heart hidden from the world's pursuit of recognition.
The transformative power of Jesus' bloodReflecting on 1 Timothy 1:15, the speaker concludes by singing about how Jesus' blood can cleanse even the vilest sinner, leading into a prayer for God to help believers remember their salvation.1 Timothy 1:15
