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The Right Kind of Sight

 

Scripture: I Samuel 11:1-15; Proverbs 29:18

 

Intro: The characters in this drama fit each one a role that is re-enacted in our lives as Christianson a regular basis.

 

1.  Serpent (nahash) Ammonite (inbred). Incest. (Gen. 3:15; II Cor. 11:3)

2.  Saul (King) = descendant on monthers side of Jabesh. Gileadites. “Dry hill of witness”. 2/3 of Benjamite mothers were Jabesh – Gileadites.

3.  Spirit of God (11:6): Came upon Saul. (Jud. 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 14:19)

a) Bezek: Lightening (11:8) (Lk. 10:18)

          b) Gilgal: Circle (11:14). Renewal. (Ro. 12:1-2)

4.  Struggle that existed (11:1-2). (Jud. 1:5-7)

          a) Requirement: reproach of ultimatum. (11:2). Vision

          b) Response: respite of undecided. (11:3). Verdict

          c) Refusal: repulsion of unwilling.. (11:7) Valiant.

               Right eye was essential to victory.

         

I.        Vision of the Word (Ps. 119:18; Amos 8:11)

A.  The Word is our weapon. (Job 23:12)

1.  Cleanses the heart. (Ps. 119:9, 11)

2.  Changes one’s habits. (Jer. 20:8-9; Ps. 39:3)

3.  Charges one’s hearing. (Ro. 10:17)

B.  The Word is our warranty. (Rev. 12:11)

1.  Pledges all our supplies. (Phil. 4:19)

2.  Pledges all our support. (Deut. 33:27)

3.  Pledges all our success. (Josh. 1:8)

 

          (Samson blinded. Paul: poor sight but great vision)

 

II.      Vision for Worship (Jn. 4:24)

A.  Involves faithfulness in communion. (I Jn. 1:3, 7)

1.  Adoration of person

2.  Appealing in prayer

B.  Involves faithfulness in church. (Heb. 10:25)

1.  Addicted to it. (I Cor. 16:15)

2.  Affection for it. (Eph. 5:25)

     a. He loved it enough to give himself for it.

     b. We need to love it enough to give ourselves to it.

 

Illustration: Once when mules were used in great numbers in coal mines they had to be pastured one day a week (Sunday). If they were not brought up from underground they would eventually lose their eyesight. 

 

III.      Vision for Soul Winning (Ps. 126:5-6)

A.     There is a harvest. (Jn. 4:35)

1.      The need to see self as a reaper. (Mt. 9:37-38)

2.      The prayerful search for others as reapers. (II Tim. 2:1-2)

B.     There are hardships. (I Cor. 16:9)

1.      Do it haphazardly: handicap. (Ps. 142:4)

a. Hindrances

b. Hesitatingly: no hurry

c. Hostile: resent sinner

2.      Do it heartbrokenly: Honoringly. (Ps. 126:5-6)

a. Harmoniously (I Cor. 3:6-8)

b. Habitually. (Eccl. 11:6)