MYOPIC CHRISTIANS“For he who lacks these things is blind,
cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” 2 Pet. 1:9
Are you nearsighted—myopic?
• Myopia—a condition in which distant objects appear blurred, while nearby objects are clear. One who is myopic is unable to see distant objects clearly.
• A common occurrence physically, needing corrective lenses
• Not uncommon spiritually• See things close by, but don’t look to
the future good or bad outcome
Some OT Examples of Nearsightedness
• Esau, in selling his birthright. Gen. 25:27ff– Later referred to as profane. Heb. 12:16f– His nearsightedness cost him much…
• Double portion of inheritance. Deut. 21:17
• Blessing given to Jacob. Gen. 27:1-40• Right to be Christ’s ancestor. Gen. 26:4• Mention of his name where Jacob’s is.
Do you think he lived to regret his
nearsightedness?
Some OT Examples of Nearsightedness
• Achan, in his trespass. Josh. 6:17,18; 7:1-26– His nearsightedness cost…
• Israel the battle at Ai. Josh. 7:1-5• Achan his life. V. 25
Do you think he lived to regret his
nearsightedness?
Some OT Examples of Nearsightedness
• Saul, in failing his mission. I Sam. 15:1-28– Cost him…
• The kingdom and Samuel’s good favor. V. 35
• Lord’s spirit departed. I Sam. 16:14
Do you think he lived to regret his
nearsightedness?
Some NT Examples of Nearsightedness
• Ananias & Sapphira in lying. Acts 5:1-10
– Others had given much. Acts 4:34ff– They kept back part for future that
was not to be—because they lied.
Do you think they regretted their
nearsightedness?
Some NT Examples of Nearsightedness
• Simon, in attempt to purchase power of the H.S. Acts 8:14-19
– Had obeyed the gospel. V. 12-14– Had to repent. V. 20-23Do you think he lived
to regret his nearsightedness?
Some NT Examples of Nearsightedness
• Laodiceans, in becoming lukewarm. Rev. 3:14-17
– On verge of being spewed out.Do you think they regretted their
nearsightedness?
Examples of Nearsightedness Today
• Failure to add “graces” 2 Pet. 1:9• Failing to do what will add them…
– Diligence/study. 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:12-14
– Prayer. Col. 4:2; I Thes. 5:17– Assembling. Heb. 10:24-25– Carefulness in giving. 2 Cor. 9:7-8
Do you think thesewill someday regret their
nearsightedness?
Examples of Nearsightedness Today
• One who is unforgiving. Mat. 6:14-15
• Interest centered in worldly things. I John 2:15-17; Mt. 16:26
• A backslider. Heb. 3:12-13; 10:35-39; 2 Pet. 2:20
Do you think thesewill someday regret their
nearsightedness?
Conclusion:
• Myopia needs treatment—corrective lenses
• Spiritual nearsightedness can be corrected• Add the “graces.” 2 Pet. 1:5-7• Remember you were purged from old sins.
I Pet. 1:22-23; 2:2• Not yet a Christian?
How trulyshortsighted to
linger in sin!
Why not cometo Jesus in full surrender andobedience ?