Our text tells us that God has created all things and that He has been the One who has known us and called us, even though we did not know Him (I John 4:19). There are no other gods. There is no other help in this world. There is no hope and there is no reason to live without God (Acts 17:24-28; Romans 11:33-36). So, it is important where we look (to whom will we turn?), as we search for direction, purpose and power in life. God gives us points upon which we must focus. So, it is important to look at those things so that we can walk a straight path in life (Psalm 1:1-3; Proverbs 4:18-27; Titus 2:11-14).
Look to God for deliverance. - Isaiah 45:22
Deliverance / salvation is only from the Lord.
See Jonah 2:9; Hosea 13:9; John 3:14-17 (cp. Numbers 21:4-9); John 5:17-24; 6:28-29;
John 8:30-36; 14:1-6; Acts 17:16-31; Romans 5:1-11; Galatians 1:3-4; I Peter chapter 1;
I John 4:9-19,
Look to Christ for strength and guidance. - Hebrews 12:2
Without Christ we are as sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34; Isaiah 53:1-6). See John 8:12; 10:1-10, 27-30; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21; 2:5-11; 3:10; 4:13; Colossians 2:6-10; Hebrews 12:1-3; I Peter 2:18-25.
Look to yourselves. - II John 8
Evaluate your attitudes, character and behavior.
See Psalm 119:57-64; 139:23-24; I Corinthians 11:23-32; II Corinthians 13:5;
I Timothy 4:12-16; James chapters 3-4.
Look on the things of others. - Philippians 2:4
Beyond self, seek the welfare of others around you.
See Psalm 142:4 (cp. Luke 19:10; Matthew 4:19); John 13:34-35; 21:15-17;
Romans 14:1-19; 15:1-7; I Corinthians 10:23-24; 12:12-27; Galatians 5:13-26;
Philippians 2:1-16; Jude 17-25. I John 3:14-18. |
