In “Consider Him,” Don Fortner explores the theological doctrine of Christocentrism, emphasizing the importance of focusing on Christ, especially during trials and hardships. Fortner argues that believers should consistently redirect their thoughts and hearts to Jesus, drawing strength and comfort from the consideration of His sufferings compared to their own. Key Scripture references include Hebrews 12:3-4, which encourages believers not to grow weary in their struggles, and various passages that highlight the significance of suffering in the Christian life, such as John 15:20 and Romans 8:18. The doctrinal implication is profound: by continually considering Christ, Christians can derive strength from His example and maintain perseverance, thereby enhancing their faith and resilience amidst life’s tribulations.
Key Quotes
“As we consider him we should constantly bear in mind the infinite contrast between his sufferings and ours.”
“If we would but consider Christ that would in great measure keep us from being wearied and fainting.”
“Consider your Savior...seeking grace from God to know him and knowing him to be conformed to him in all things.”
“Count the cost considering Christ and like our Master...we will not faint.”
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. - Hebrews 12:3-4“Consider Him”
“For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” Hebrews 12:3-4
In all things, in all circumstances, it is both our wisdom and strength, and our consolation and inspiration to look away from ourselves and our circumstances to Christ, to “consider him.” Ever consider him as he is set forth in Holy Scripture (John 5:39). Open the Book of God and behold him of whom the Book speaks. Consider your Savior, child of God, in humble prayer and meditation, seeking grace from God to know him and, knowing him, to be conformed to him in all things (Phil. 3:8-10).
In Trial
But these two verses specifically call upon us to focus our hearts and minds upon our Savior when we are enduring trials and hardships. Clearly, it is the intention of God the Holy Spirit that, as we consider him, we should constantly bear in mind the infinite contrast between his sufferings and ours. As long as we are in this world, we must suffer (John 15:20; Heb. 5:8). We must through much tribulation enter the Kingdom of God (1 Pet. 4:13). But our sufferings fade into insignificance when we consider him. Do they not?
Consider Christ, always consider Christ. Before you make any decision, before you do anything, before you go anywhere, consider Christ. Throughout your race, thoughtfully consider him. Ever bear in mind who he is. – Your God, your Savior, your merciful and faithful High Priest. Ever remember what he has done for you. Constantly calculate the debt you owe to him. Seek his will. Weigh everything, make every decision considering what is best for his glory, the interests of his kingdom, the service of the gospel, and the welfare of his people.
Lest
“Consider him…lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” If we would but consider Christ that would, in great measure, keep us from being wearied and fainting. In the world we have tribulation, but faint not, Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). Consider him in faith. Trust him. Believe his Word. Rest upon his promises. That will help to keep you from weariness in your race, in your warfare, and in your trials (Rom. 8:18; 1 Cor. 4:16-18).
If we faint not, Christ must be the singular Object of our faith, the Food of our souls, the Strength of our hearts, and the pattern of our lives (Phil. 2:5-16; 2 Pet. 2:21-24).
Contrast
Now, look at verse 4 and you will see that it is the contrast between our Lord’s suffering and ours, indeed, what it is the Holy Spirit intends for us to bear in mind. ― “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”
Our trials, temptations, and troubles, our conflicts with sin, our opposition from those who despise the grace of God, and the many trials of life have really cost us very little. We have not yet resisted to the shedding of our blood. Our Redeemer did! Let us ever calculate and count the cost of following Christ (Luke 14:28). And, counting the cost, as we “consider him,” we will run with patience the race that is set before us. And soon we will win the prize (Gal. 6:9; Rom. 8:18). We are in a state of warfare with the world, the flesh, and the devil (Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7:14-23). Count the cost, considering Christ, and like our Master and his faithful servants of days gone by we will not faint (Acts 20:24; 21:13). If we cannot stand now what will we do in the swelling of Jordan? (Jer. 12:5).
“Awake our souls, away our fears,
Let every trembling thought be gone;
Awake and run the heavenly race,
And put a cheerful courage on.
True ‘tis a strait and thorny road,
And mortal spirits tire and faint;
But they forget the Mighty God,
Who is the Strength of every saint.
Swift as an eagle cuts the air,
We’ll mount aloft to Thine abode;
On wings of love our souls shall fly,
Then we shall be at home with God!”
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