Fixing Eyes on Jesus: Brother Ian’s Testimony of Endurance Through the Holy Spirit

Introduction

Hebrews 12:3 encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, who endured hostility from sinners, so they may not grow weary or lose heart. This verse serves as a foundation for reflecting on the life of Brother Ian, whose example mirrors Christ’s endurance and dependence on the Holy Spirit. The message draws parallels between Jesus’ life, the apostle Paul’s example, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in shaping Brother Ian’s life and challenging believers to emulate his faith.

Fixing Eyes on Jesus

Hebrews 12:3 calls believers to consider Jesus, who endured hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart. Jesus’ life exemplifies endurance through weakness. God sent Jesus as a vulnerable baby into an evil world, raised in a poor home under tough circumstances, to grow as an example for humanity. Rather than coming as a grown man solely to die on the cross, Jesus lived a full life, demonstrating resilience and obedience. This challenges believers to emulate His endurance in their own lives.

The Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit works in the hearts of believers, transforming weak sinners into vessels for God’s glory. All people are born as sinners, but those who allow God to work in their lives experience transformation. The Holy Spirit gripped certain individuals, like Brother Ian, enabling them to lay down their lives for Christ. The same Spirit that worked in Jesus and Brother Ian can work in every believer’s life, producing a life of faith and endurance.

Personal Reflection: Learning from Brother Ian’s Example

I believe it is a privilege to have closely observed Brother Ian, a godly man who lived under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Living with and being subject to Brother Ian allowed me to witness a life dependent on the Spirit, marked by endurance and love for Christ. This example reinforces the call to fix my eyes on Jesus, as the Holy Spirit produces similar fruit in my life when I surrender to Him. I thank God for the opportunity to see Brother Ian live so closely, be under him, and be subject to him, as it was a wonderful blessing to observe his godly life.

The Love of Christ as a Driving Force

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 states, “For the love of Christ controls and compels us, because we have concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that all those who live no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and was raised.” The love of Christ constrains and pushes believers to live sacrificially, as seen in Paul’s life, where he considered everything loss to gain Christ. This love, poured into hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5), emitted from Brother Ian’s life, transforming his actions and priorities. Brother Ian was controlled by the love of Christ, making himself available for others and going out of his way to serve, driven by this compelling force.

Life Example: Radiance in Suffering

I recall the last meeting with Brother Ian, where, despite personal challenges, he stood with elders and sang “It Is Well with My Soul.” His face radiated joy, reflecting a life gripped by Jesus, unshaken by circumstances. This moment exemplified the endurance encouraged in Hebrews 12:3.

Brother Ian’s Testimony of Humility and Submission

A life surrendered to the Holy Spirit, like Brother Ian’s, is marked by humility, submission to authority, and selflessness. Brother Ian became a testimony, not through personal strength, but through dependence on God. The Holy Spirit bore witness to his life under subjection, as flesh naturally resists authority. Brother Ian was a man under submission, crucified to self, with no trace of self-centeredness. He was dependent on the Holy Spirit and others, always checking with others, saying, “Shall we do this? Shall we not do this? How do we do this?” He had respect for authority, making him a testimony that challenges believers to crucify self and live for Christ.

Life Example: Seeking Others’ Convenience

I remember advising Brother Ian to prioritize his convenience when meeting others, such as asking people to come closer to his location in Bandra. Yet, he consistently traveled long distances, from Bandra to the CFC office in Dadar, to meet people at their convenience. He adjusted his schedule to accommodate others, reflecting Philippians 2:7, where Jesus “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant.” Despite my suggestions, Brother Ian continued to prioritize others’ comfort, showing a selfless attitude.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Witnessing

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to share the gospel, not only through words but through their lives. In the New Testament, God uses people, not angels, to communicate the gospel, as seen in Peter’s encounter with Cornelius. Brother Ian’s life exemplified this principle, becoming a testimony for believers to follow and showing Christ through actions and words.

Life Example: Speaking Truth in Love

I recall seeking Brother Ian’s help in a personal matter. He spent over two hours with me, praying and addressing an issue in my attitude. Quoting James 1:21, he urged me to rid myself of “all that remains of wickedness,” explaining that even subtle flaws, like a lingering smell attracting flies, could disturb my spirit. Though I initially struggled to understand, saying, “Brother, I’m not able to really understand what you are trying to say. I feel I’m okay in that matter,” Brother Ian patiently explained, “You may not able to see, but ask the Lord to help you to see… If the fly comes and sits on it, it shows that there is still smell there.” His discernment led me to seek God, who revealed the issue clearly after one or two days.

Emulating Christ’s Attitude

Philippians 2:5-7 calls believers to have the same attitude as Christ, who humbled Himself and considered others more important than Himself. This mindset, free from selfishness or conceit, prioritizes others’ interests. Brother Ian’s life, gripped by Jesus, naturally pointed others to Him. In conversations, elders’ meetings, and messages, he consistently pointed to Christ, saying, “Have this attitude in yourself which was also in Christ Jesus.” He lived by this verse, encouraging believers to be gripped by Jesus.

Life Example: Encouraging Others

I often felt uplifted after conversations with Brother Ian, as he made others feel important. When I thanked him for his example, saying, “Brother, thank you very much for all your example and life and sacrifice,” he responded with even greater appreciation, thanking me more. His letters and messages, always personal and heartfelt, used the best words to encourage others. Even his emails and WhatsApp messages were long and personal, as he avoided automated or impersonal communication, reflecting Christ’s love.

Dependence on the Holy Spirit

A life filled with the Holy Spirit, like Brother Ian’s, remains fresh and radiant, even in trials. Proverbs 11:25 states, “If you water others, you’ll be watered.” By pouring himself out for others, Brother Ian was continually refreshed by God. His dependence on the Holy Spirit was evident in his love for the song “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” which he often sang in meetings at Dadar Square, using the Golden Bells hymnal, song number 188. This showed his desire to be filled with God’s life and love, honoring the Holy Spirit’s place in his life.

Life Example: Joyful Interactions

I cannot recall a single conversation with Brother Ian without laughter or a shared joke. Even in his final days, despite physical pain, he burst out laughing at a comment about his t-shirt, displaying a beaming smile and radiant joy. This freshness stemmed from his connection to the Holy Spirit. I told another brother, “Brother, if you get some people who have problems to get counsel from Brother Ian, I think he will quickly recover,” as Brother Ian loved to help others, keeping him vibrant.

An Unshakable Life

Hebrews 12:3 reminds believers that an unshakable life, rooted in Christ, endures all circumstances. The Holy Spirit’s work in Brother Ian’s life produced an unshakable testimony, inspiring hope that God can do the same in others. Despite his circumstances, Brother Ian remained unshaken, as the scripture says, “All that are not shaken will remain unshakable.” His life offers hope that believers can have an unshakable life by fixing their eyes on Jesus.

The Holy Spirit as Guide and Glorifier

John 16:7-14 emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s role as the Helper who guides believers into truth and glorifies Jesus. Jesus’ departure allowed the Spirit to come, empowering believers to witness effectively. Brother Ian’s life reflected this truth, as the Holy Spirit filled his heart, enabling him to show Jesus to others. He often referenced 2 Corinthians 3:16, “But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit,” and the song “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” with its verse, “Fill me with life anew, that I may love the way you love, and do what you would do,” pointing others to the Spirit’s work.

Life Example: Pointing to the Spirit

I believe the Holy Spirit filled Brother Ian’s heart, as Jesus promised in John 16:7. His constant return to “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” and references to 2 Corinthians 3:16 showed his reliance on the Spirit to reveal Christ. He encouraged others to seek the Spirit for understanding, saying, “You may not understand everything. You go ask the Lord to fill you with the Holy Spirit. He will show,” trusting God to guide them.

Conclusion: A Challenge to Be Filled

Brother Ian’s life serves as an encouragement and challenge to be filled with the Holy Spirit. By fixing their eyes on Jesus and surrendering to the Spirit’s work, believers can become witnesses who show Christ to others. The Holy Spirit, who transformed Brother Ian’s life, offers the same power to all who seek Him, enabling them to live unshakable, radiant lives for God’s glory. I pray that all believers will be filled with the Holy Spirit as Brother Ian was, to show Jesus to those around them.

Bible References

Hebrews 12:3 – “Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.”
Encourages believers to focus on Jesus’ endurance to find strength in trials.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 – “For the love of Christ controls and compels us, because we have concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that all those who live no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and was raised.”
Highlights the motivating power of Christ’s love, urging believers to live for Him.
Romans 5:5 – “The love of God is shed abroad in our heart through the Holy Spirit.”
Describes the Holy Spirit’s role in filling believers with God’s love.
Philippians 2:5-7 – “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who… emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant.”
Calls believers to adopt Christ’s humble, selfless mindset.
Proverbs 11:25 – “If you water others, you’ll be watered.”
Promises that those who bless others will be refreshed by God.
James 1:21 – “Ridding yourself of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness.”
Urges believers to cleanse their hearts of subtle sins.
John 16:7, 12-14 – “It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you… When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.”
Emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s role as Helper, guiding believers and glorifying Jesus.
2 Corinthians 3:16 – “But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit.”
Affirms the Spirit’s work in revealing Christ to believers.