myopic christians “for he who lacks these things is blind, cannot see afar off, and has forgotten...
DESCRIPTION
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 outcomeTRANSCRIPT
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 ?