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Visionary View: Are You Spiritually Blind? Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 18, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: The concept of a "visionary view" through the lens of spiritual sight. Have you ever wondered if you are spiritually blind?
"Visionary View: Are You Spiritually Blind?"
Introduction:
Today we embark on a journey to explore the concept of a "visionary view" through the lens of spiritual sight. Have you ever wondered if you are spiritually blind? Let's delve into this topic using verses from the New Living Translation Bible.
Point 1: Recognizing Spiritual Blindness
Our first point revolves around recognizing the signs of spiritual blindness. In the Gospel of John 9:39-41, Jesus declares:
"Then Jesus told him, 'I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.' Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, 'Are you saying we’re blind?' 'If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,' Jesus replied. 'But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.'"
Here, Jesus confronts the Pharisees' spiritual blindness. They believed they had all the answers, but their hearts were closed to His teachings. How often do we, like the Pharisees, think we have it all figured out spiritually?
Illustration: Think of a maze. When we believe we know the way, we may stumble through blind alleys, unwilling to admit we're lost. But to find the true path, we must acknowledge our blindness and seek guidance.
Point 2: Removing the Blinders
Moving on to our second point, we learn how to remove the blinders that obscure our spiritual vision. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, Paul writes:
"Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God."
Satan seeks to blind us to the truth, but we can remove these blinders through faith in Christ.
Illustration: Consider a dusty window. Over time, it becomes soiled, hindering our view of the outside world. By cleaning the window, we let in the light. Similarly, faith in Christ cleanses our spiritual vision, allowing us to see God's truth.
Point 3: Embracing the Light of Christ
Our final point centres on embracing the light of Christ, which dispels spiritual blindness. In John 8:12, Jesus proclaims:
"I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."
Jesus is the antidote to our spiritual blindness. By following Him, we gain a visionary view, walking in the light of His truth.
Illustration: Think of a lantern in the darkness. It not only illuminates our path but also reveals the beauty hidden in the night. Jesus is that lantern, guiding us and revealing the richness of a life lived in Him.
Closing:
In conclusion, I encourage each of you to examine your spiritual sight. Are you spiritually blind, thinking you see when you don't? Or have you removed the blinders through faith in Christ and embraced His light?
As we leave today, remember that this is not just a sermon but a call to action. Apply these truths to your life. Seek God's guidance daily, removing any blinders that hinder your spiritual vision. Embrace the light of Christ, and let it transform you from spiritually blind to spiritually sighted.
May God bless you on your journey towards a visionary view illuminated by His love and truth. Amen.