Sermon Central
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I Once Was Blind Series
Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jul 25, 2016 (message contributor)
Summary: Jesus has come to judge and offer healing (forgiveness) to all who will accept it. But, do we assess ourselves by our own self-righteousness that we consider ourselves above needing what Jesus offers? A blind man didn't, and now, he can see!
I Once was Blind
Introduction
Large section of scripture to tackle today
- Read John 9:1-41 / Pray
∆ Point 1 – The Purpose of the Miracle
V2 – Critical understanding of the OT; illness = sin; Exodus 34:7
Children were punished because of sin in the family
Pivotal question: whose fault is this sin?
V3 – He is blind so God can be revealed
God is able to work in all things
Focus NOT on the creature … but on the Creator; with God all things …
V6-7 – Focus not on the clay either
It’s not about the method; the IMP aspect is obedience to Christ
Jesus told the man to go and wash, and he obeyed
V8-12 – We see the neighbors’ reaction to this as well
They know the man, but suddenly don’t remember what he looks like?
He says, I AM THE MAN! V11: Jesus said do it, so I did!
Purpose = What can God do?
∆ Point 2 – Confusing the Pharisees
V13-18 – Whole inquiry: Who did this?
When told, their disbelief is beyond comprehension
1) Only sinners work on the Sabbath!
2) How can a sinner heal?
V17 – Who did this? The man said, He is a prophet
Re: In v12 he said, “I don’t know”
So, they turn to his parents for clarity …
V18 – Is this your son who can see?
V20 – We know this is our son, and he was born blind
But now … watch them toss their son under the bus
IMP: There is a real fear of being excommunicated from the church
Our son is of age, he can speak for himself, so ask him what happened
Re: “We aren’t getting any more involved than this …”
V24 - Pharisees questioning of the son: Give glory to God! Josh 7:19
Speak the truth because you know that God is watching
V25 – CRITICAL: I once was blind, but now I see
APP: Such a simple testimony for a life totally changed by Christ
V30-34 – The man’s faith grows:
Tell us who did this … I already did! “Get out, sinner!”
Re: this man was always blind, but he was physically blind (he knew it)
The Pharisees are spiritually blind … they refuse to admit their issues
∆ Point 3 – Strengthening Faith
V35-37 – Jesus asks him does he believe
V38 – his natural response when he discovers is to worship (must be ours also)
His path has been: Blindness to sight, fate to faith, darkness to light
V39 – Why has Jesus come into the world?
1) Those who recognize their blindness can be healed
2) Those who deny it will never see
V40 – Are we blind too?
V41 – Jesus’s response: If you’d admit that you are blind, you could be forgiven and would be healed; but because you stand on your own self-righteousness your guilt remains!
∆ Big Idea
Man’s testimony in v25
Do we assess ourselves by our own righteousness? (v41) / Pray
