Scripture/Text: 1 John 3:1-3; Guest preacher, Pastor Nate Praytor from Gospel Grace Church delves into the concept of the "beatific vision" based on 1 John 3:1-3, emphasizing the transformative nature of beholding Christ's beauty and becoming like Him. Drawing parallels to the Beatitudes, Praytor defines the beatific vision as humanity's ultimate blessedness realized through seeing and participating in God's glory revealed in Jesus Christ's return. He underscores the profound love of God, which not only grants believers the title of "Children of God" but also imbues them with His divine life. Highlighting the promise of believers becoming like Christ, Praytor urges the congregation to fix their hope on Christ's glory, leading to an ongoing process of purification. Overall, the sermon encourages prioritizing seeking Christ and fixing one's gaze upon Him, praying for God's grace to enable believers to do so.

Sermon Outline:
1. Beholding the Father's Love: Point one emphasizes God's unique love, urging believers to fix their gaze on eternal beauty, verse 1.

2. Becoming Like Christ: Point two discusses believers' transformation into Christ's likeness, verse 2.

3. Hope and Purification: The sermon concludes with a focus on hope leading to active purification as believers prioritize seeking Christ, verse 3.


Disscusion Questions:
1. How does gazing upon the beauty of Christ impact our walks as Christians?

2. How does blessedness come from gazing upon the glory of Jesus Christ?

3. How does gazing at Christ's glory help us to become more like God?

4. How does Matthew 5:1-10 help us further understand how to gaze at Christ?

5. How does seeing the love the father has for his children change us and our vision of God?

6. How does 1 John 3:9 give us evidence that we are children of God?

7. How do our desires help point us to Christ?

8. How does Phil 3:20-21 help us further understand how we are sanctified in Christ?

9. What keeps us from pausing and gazing at the beauty of Christ?

10. How have you seen gazing at God's love change your heart and soul?