Out of Focus: Nearsighted Christianity

Introduction:

Vision is important in our spiritual life. This principle is seen throughout the New Testament. Jesus said the Pharisees of His day were spiritually blind because they closed their hearts to the truth. Peter taught that the Christian who fails to grow is spiritually blind…or shortsighted (2 Peter 1:5-11). To be most effective spiritually, we need to develop the ability to see ahead. Forethought, planning, goals, and looking ahead should all become characteristics of our lives. We must develop kind of faith to follow through. We can step out in faith. Why? 2 Cor. 4:17-5:7 - It’s God’s mission.

I. Nearsightedness can lead one into sin.

A. Joshua 7:22-26 – Achan.

1. looked only at present

2. Israel brought to ruin for this deed: 7:1, 3-4

3. 7:25-26 – Achan was stoned…w/all his family.

B. Acts 5 - Ananias/Sapphira.

1. they lied – misrepresented their final gain.

2. 5:5; 10 – they died before the Lord.

a) they did not take eternity into consideration.

C. How conscious are we concerning our eternal destiny?

1. Lk. 12:19 - rich man

2. Lk. 15:11-32 – prodigal son.

D. The Christian must develop vision to see past the present & look to the future!

1. We must learn to say NO!

2. Mt. 16:26; Rom. 8:18

II. Nearsightedness will cause us to lose our focus on spiritual growth.

A. God wants you to grow.

B. Christian grows through self examination & putting off old man of sin.

1. Eph. 4:22 – lay aside old self.

2. Eph. 4:24 – put on new self – renewed in spirit of mind.

3. 2 Peter 1:5-11 – Peter lays out our priorities.

a) We must work with all diligence!

b) 1:9 – lack of spiritual growth leads to spiritual blindness

III. Nearsightedness can destroy potential leaders in the church.

A. The time is NOW to get started in preparing yourself.

B. Heb. 6:1- move on to maturity!

IV. Nearsightedness can limit a congregation’s growth & progress.

A. Congregations must have a vision. They need to know where they are going.

1. w/o vision – congregations find themselves going nowhere fast.

c) We need a sense of direction. Where are we headed?

d) Prov 29:18

2. Setting direction falls the elders.

Conclusion:

A. How’s your spiritual vision?

1. Are you limited by a “sight only” approach or are you moving in faith?

B. Make a commitment to God today!



Out of Focus: Nearsighted Christianity Introduction: Vision is important in our spiritual life. This principle is seen throughout the New Testament. Jesus said the Pharisees of His day were spiritually blind because they closed their hearts to the truth. Peter taught that the Christian who fails to grow is spiritually blind…or shortsighted (2 Peter 1:5-11). To be most effective spiritually, we need to develop the ability to see ahead. Forethought, planning, goals, and looking ahead should all become characteristics of our lives. We must develop kind of faith to follow through. We can step out in faith. Why? 2 Cor. 4:17-5:7 - It’s God’s mission. I. Nearsightedness can lead one into sin. A. Joshua 7:22-26 – Achan. 1. looked only at present 2. Israel brought to ruin for this deed: 7:1, 3-4 3. 7:25-26 – Achan was stoned…w/all his family. B. Acts 5 - Ananias/Sapphira. 1. they lied – misrepresented their final gain. 2. 5:5; 10 – they died before the Lord. a) they did not take eternity into consideration. C. How conscious are we concerning our eternal destiny? 1. Lk. 12:19 - rich man 2. Lk. 15:11-32 – prodigal son. D. The Christian must develop vision to see past the present & look to the future! 1. We must learn to say NO! 2. Mt. 16:26; Rom. 8:18 II. Nearsightedness will cause us to lose our focus on spiritual growth. A. God wants you to grow. B. Christian grows through self examination & putting off old man of sin. 1. Eph. 4:22 – lay aside old self. 2. Eph. 4:24 – put on new self – renewed in spirit of mind. 3. 2 Peter 1:5-11 – Peter lays out our priorities. a) We must work with all diligence! b) 1:9 – lack of spiritual growth leads to spiritual blindness III. Nearsightedness can destroy potential leaders in the church. A. The time is NOW to get started in preparing yourself. B. Heb. 6:1- move on to maturity! IV. Nearsightedness can limit a congregation’s growth & progress. A. Congregations must have a vision. They need to know where they are going. 1. w/o vision – congregations find themselves going nowhere fast. c) We need a sense of direction. Where are we headed? d) Prov 29:18 2. Setting direction falls the elders. Conclusion: A. How’s your spiritual vision? 1. Are you limited by a “sight only” approach or are you moving in faith? B. Make a commitment to God today!