Veils on Our Hearts
1999019
I. Introduction.
A. Ex. 34:29-35
1. This O.T. narrative of Moses putting a veil over his face is used to illustrate the condition of the heart among the Jews in Paul's time. 2 Cor. 3:12-18
2. The veil on Moses' face, which prevented the Israelites from seeing the radiance pass away, illustrates the condition of heart which prevented the Jews from seeing that the law of Moses had passed away.
B. Whatever, therefore, may stand between a person and the knowledge of truth, can be rightly represented as a "veil."
1. Let us observe some present day veils on people's hearts.
II. A Veil of Prejudice.
A. Jesus came into the world so that men might escape spiritual blindness. John 9:39
1. The way of man is not in himself. Jer. 10:23
2. If the blind lead the bind, both will fall into the ditch. Matt. 15:14
B. The Jews described by Paul in 2 Cor. 3 had their minds veiled.
1. Though they read the Scriptures written by Moses, they could not see the truth in them because that had the veiled face of prejudice.
2. Few vices of the mind are more harmful that prejudice.
3. When talking about prejudice here….not talking about solely racial prejudice. Men can “prejudge” other men in a variety of ways – not simply because of the color of their sin.
C. The veil of prejudice must be taken away.
1. Nathaniel said, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" If he had held to this prejudice, he would never had become a disciple and, later, an apostle of Christ.
2. Can be prejudiced against people as to their social status.
3. Refer to Lk. 7.
D. We must guard against prejudice because it will cause the truth to be veiled in our hearts.
II. A veil of human reason. Rom. 1:21; Prov. 26:12
A. The ability to reason is a precious gift from Almighty God. He expects us to use it wisely and properly.
B. Jesus offered proof that He was the Son of God. John 20:30-31
1. We must examine the evidence and make proper judgment.
2. "Faith is the evidence of things not seen." Heb. 11:1
a. Looking at the evidence causes us to believe in things not seen.
3. If we judge that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, we are then obligated to submit to His will. John 13:13-15
C. To use our intelligence to properly understand the mysteries of God is a great blessings. Matt. 13:17
1. As a young child rejoices in learning some new thing, to understand God's plan of the ages is a wonderful thing. Rom. 16:25-27
2. How are you using your talent in this area?
III. A veil of self-indulgence.
A. Unbelief in God results more from moral difficulties than intellectual ones. John 3:19-21
1 People can understand God if they truly so desire. 2 Cor.1:13 2. The satisfying of their own fleshly desires is often the problem.
a. Sin occurs when one's lust has conceived. James 1:13-16
b. Nothing hinders man from his service to God more than his desire to please himself.
c. Self-indulgence keeps many from seeking the truth and serving God.
3. Many are more interested in satisfying their own fleshly appetites than anything else. Phil. 3:19
a. Consider the example of Eli's wicked sons. 1 Sam. 2:12-17
(1) There own selfish desire for the better meat (roasted instead of boiled) caused them to commit this great wickedness.
b. The rich fool was wrapped up in his own self-interest. Luke 12:16-21
(1) It has been often shown how the rich man used the personal pronouns, "I," "my," "mine."
(2) He was interested in taking care of himself, not in serving God.
IV. A veil of bitterness.
A. Bitterness will certainly hinder one from hearing and accepting the truth.
1. Evil people of this world are often filled with bitterness against God's people. Rom. 3:14; Psalm 64:3-4
B. Sometimes in the very intimate relationship of marriage, there is bitterness. Col. 3:19
1. We must be on guard because bitterness can spring up at any time. Heb. 12:15
C. Sometimes there is bitter envying and strife in the hearts of Christians toward other Christians. James 3:14-15
1. Hate or malice toward another is a darkness that can blind our eyes. 1 John 2:11
2. Instead of replacing love with bitterness, let us replace bitterness with love. Eph. 4:31
V. 2 Cor. 3:16-18 – All veils can be removed through Jesus!
A. When we are transformed into the same image of Christ, we are liberated from the veils which cover our hearts.
1. By beholding the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into the same glory. John 1:14
2. The glorious gospel of Christ shines in our hearts. 2 Cor. 4:3-4
3. The new man resembles the One who made him a new man. Col. 3:10
B. Bearing the image of Christ now, assures us of bearing His image later. 1 John 3:2; Phil. 3:20-21
1. The righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Matt. 13:43
2. Rom. 8:29-30 - Thus, Paul views the whole process of redemption from beginning to end.
a. God foreknew His children (foreknew that some would become His), and predestined them to be conformed to the image of His Son (He foreordained how they should be).
b. Those whom He predestined, He also called (called them by means of the gospel), and those whom he called, He also justified (set them free from sin by means of the death of Christ), and those He justified, He also glorified (gave them eternal life).
c. Their present state of glory prepares them for the ultimate glory which is yet to be revealed.
VI. Conclusion.
A. With an unveiled face, by the revelation of Spirit of our God, we can see the image of Christ.
B. As we behold His glorious image, we can be transformed into the same glory.
C. When this life is over, we shall be forever transformed into His glory, for we shall see Him as He is.
D. I N V I T A T I O N
