Signs Of Life: Hill Blocks View Series

Sermon

Lanier Christian Church

August 28, 2016

David Simpson

Sermon Series: Signs of Life

Sign: HILL BLOCKS VIEW

2 Corinthians 4:4; Psalm 40:12; 2 KINGS 6:17

I noticed a yield sign this past week and thought of a classic hymn: “Yield Not to Temptation.” So, I decided, for the next three Sundays that I will share with you sermons that have as their topic, signs you may see as you drive down the road. And then, I want you to join me in allowing these signs to serve as reminders of spiritual principles that we need to apply in our lives.

I don’t know about you, but I consider myself to be a pretty observant driver. I notice the signs around me. I know, for instance, that the speed limit on Dawsonville Highway from the Chipotle restaurant to the bridge is 45mph. Ask anyone who thinks it’s 55 or 60 and they probably have met one of Gainesville’s finest! I also pay attention to other signs, like stop, yield, slow…school zone and so forth. So, I was stunned last week to notice a sign that I have missed every day for years. Where is this sign? Across from my driveway! (Ask family what the sign says!)

Within feet of my mailbox is a sign that says: Hill Blocks View. That’s true. As you go up the hill there is a sharp right turn and then past that is a beautiful view of the Lake, especially in the fall/winter. The hill blocks the view of the lake, but it mainly blocks the view of people backing out of their driveways. You can’t see all of the activity at the top of the hill.

Does a hill of circumstances block your view of God? Do you ever face situations where you don’t see God at work – just a big hill in front of you…a big obstacle? Do you have those days when you have prayed, you have been faithful, you have trusted, and still can’t see how God is present in your life? If so, then you are suffering from a “Hill Blocks View” situation. So what is it that hinders us from seeing God at work in our everyday lives? Let’s look at several “hills” that get in the way of any person seeing the blessing of God actively working every day.

First there is the hill of DISBELIEF that blocks many people’s view of God.

I have often wondered why others can’t see God’s blessing, through the joyful times and through the valleys. Perhaps it’s because Satan, called the god of this age by Paul, has blinded many minds, because such people refuse to belief. 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

The evil one never stops, does he? Those of us who have been Christians for many years have seen countless people blinded by the devil’s influence. He has claimed many victims.

Many cannot see the blessing of God because they have allowed themselves to be blinded by the evil one’s influence. The glory of Christ is shining, but they can’t see him, refuse to see him, or chalk it up to luck or coincidence.

C.S. Lewis, famous British author of many books, including “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” which was made into a movie, spent the first part of his life blinded by the god of this age. He could not allow himself to believe in God. But after time spent in observation and study, he came to belief and has influenced countless lives through his books, such as “Mere Christianity.” One of his great quotes is: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen. Not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

The hill of disbelief indeed is like a big hill that blocks someone from seeing the light of God’s blessing.

Satan has blinded many with his evil influence, but once someone has been set free, they see God and his handiwork in everything!

And perhaps that’s what many in our world today desire. They may be very much like Bartimaeus in the Bible. When Jesus confronted blind Bartimaeus he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “….I want to see,” he replied. “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. (Mark 10:52)

When Jesus gives you sight, the hill of disbelief no longer blocks your vision and you can finally see the handiwork of God and then, you can’t help but follow Him!

Then, there is the hill of SIN that blocks our view of God.