Sermon nuggets Weds June 11, 2008
Theme Spiritual Blindness
Verses John 9:18-23 The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man's parents.
19 "Is this your son?" they asked. "Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?"
20 "We know he is our son," the parents answered, "and we know he was born blind.
21 But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself."
22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. That was why his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."
Blinded by Fear
There are many who are blind to spiritual truths because of fear of others. What would others say if they knew you were a Christian? What would others do if you didn't want to go along with the crowd? Are am afraid you would lose popularity, or friendship with some people if you don't act like them or go along with their activities that makes you feel accepted. Young people fight with this temptation often.
Many youth want to fit in with the crowd, but so do adults. People want to dress like others when they go some place so they won't be overdressed, or underdressed. Some of this is cultural style. What is okay to wear at certain events?
But beyond dress many Christians will say, "My faith is something private. I don't talk about it. Why? May I advise you and all young people not to let fear of others blind you spiritually. Don't do what you know is wrong because fear of what others might say. Your life and decisions are far more important than letting someone else run your life. Truth will always win in the end. Have patience.
Here the man's parents were asked to identify their son and give witness that he was indeed blind from birth. With much fear they did so, but they would not commit themselves to Jesus because they did not want to be kicked out of the group. The Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess him to be the Christ, he was to be put of the synagogue.
Often people's relationship to God is dependant on their commitment to other people, not to God. The Apostle Paul said, "I become all things to all people that I might win some." Does that contradict what I said? No. For the cause of Christ Paul will do what it takes so other people will understand the truth of the Gospel. If dressing like a china man means that the china man will be more open to listen to Jesus then missionary Hudson Taylor will dress like a china man. If plowing a field helps to gain friendship with a farmer so that he might open up his life to Christ, then be willing to plow a field. If going to a football game helps some athletes discover Spiritual truth, then one should be willing to do that. What is the bridge to help others open up dialogue on Spiritual things, but ask what are the barriers that encourage your silence?
Notice what happened when Peter began to discriminate against the Gentiles when others of his own race walked in the door. Now we are talking about conviction of principle. We are talking about salvation and the place of the non-Jew in God's eyes. Paul stood and publicly criticized the Apostle Peter's actions because it was wrong, and it was going to affect others.
I read of Harry Ironsides, one of the great preachers of the last century tells a story of one of His mother's lessons to him. Mother told Harry as a youngster to trust in the Lord with all his heart. He said, "Well Momma, I would like to do it, but he boys will laugh at me." His Momma looked at him and said, "Harry remember, they may laugh you into hell, but they can never laugh you out of it." Harry thought about that and followed the Lord ever since.
Perfect love casts out fear, the Bible tells us. Knowing the truth of God gives us courage. Having the Spirit of God helps us stand up against our fears. Notice the lack of fear of the blind man.
Pastor Dale
