Spiritual vision

Biblical Concept: Spiritual Vision

Outline

1) Spiritual vision and eternal perspective
2) Spiritual vision and a critical, objective, self-perspective.
3) Spiritual vision and temporal life.
4) Spiritual vision and end times.
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1) Spiritual vision and eternal perspective

Matthew 6:4, 6, 18; Your Father Who sees in secret will repay you.

Conclusions: 1) God the Father secretly knows our spiritual
activities and will reward us eternally. 2) The Christian life is filled with
spiritual activities that only God can see, and that only He can
appropriately spiritually reward.

2 Corinthians 4:18; We look not at things which are seen, but unseen, seen = temporal, unseen = eternal.

Conclusions: 1) Note the context of verses 16-17. The sufferings
of the Christian Life are balanced by the knowledge that these sufferings
result in greater eternal reward. 2) Unseen eternal things are infinitely
more important than this temporal life. 3) The things of the “inner man”
(16b) have eternal ramifications (18b). 4) Living life with an eternal
spiritual vision gives us confidence (note 16a). 5) Living life with an
eternal spiritual vision = reward (17b & 18b).

Hebrews 11:1; Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Conclusions: 1) Christians believe in a God invisible to them.
Christians believe in promises related to an eternal future also invisible to
them. 2) The Christian’s faith, however, through the indwelling Holy
Spirit’s encouragement (see Romans 8:14-16), is confidence building.
The Christian knows God exists, the Christian knows there is a heavenly
reward for them. Compare 1 John 5:19a, “We know we are right.” (My
verse title.)

Hebrews 11:26-27, Moses’ spiritual vision.

Conclusion: One of the reasons Moses was chosen of God to lead
Israel and speak with God, person to person, was his spiritual vision.

Ephesians 1:18; I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.

Conclusions: 1) In verses 15-18, Paul prays for the Ephesians’
spiritual enlightenment. 2) In verse 17b, spiritual “wisdom” and
“knowledge” lead up to spiritual enlightenment (18a). 3) In 18b-19a,
the Ephesians needed to gain enlightenment regarding God’s hope,
calling, riches, glory, inheritance and power for Christians. 4) Spiritual
vision provides confidence in the Christian’s life (1:15-18).

Romans 1:20, Spiritual vision and God consciousness.

Conclusions: 1) All members of the human race have the spiritual
vision to “see” that God exists. 2) All humans have the potential for
eternal spiritual perspective.

2) Spiritual vision and a critical, objective, self-perspective.

Matthew 7:3-5; Look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but not notice the log in own, first take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Conclusion: Spiritual vision takes a critical personal objectivity.

Mark 8:18; Having eyes, do you not see? Note the hardened heart in 17b.
Acts 28:26-27; Israel’s lack of spiritual vision. Compare “hear” in verse 27 with “listen” in verse 28b.
1 Corinthians 10:12, seeing (take heed) and humility.
2 Corinthians 10:7, You are looking at things as they are outwardly.

Conclusions: 1) In 2 Corinthians chapter 10, Paul is yet
attempting to improve the Corinthians’ spiritual vision related to spiritual
leaders. Compare 1 Corinthians 3:4. 2) The Corinthians were
evaluating spiritual leaders “outwardly.” See 2 Corinthians 10:10-12.
3) In 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, Paul makes one of the great descriptions of
living with spiritual vision--living oriented to and fighting in the Angelic
conflict. The Corinthians were looking at things “outwardly” (2
Corinthians 10:7). They were evaluating spiritual leaders outwardly (2
Corinthians 10:10b, 12b), instead of with the spirit vision of: “How well
does this spiritual leader prepare me to fight in the Angelic Conflict?”

Revelation 3:18; eyesalve to anoint your eyes , that you may see.

Conclusion: The Laodicean Church needed to improve their
spiritual vision. They were failing the prosperity test (verse 17).

2 Peter 1:9, For he who lacks these qualities (vv. 5-7) is blind or short sighted.

Conclusion: Diligence, faith, excellence, knowledge, self-control,
perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love (vv.5-7) build
spiritual vision.

Luke 11:34-35; The lamp of your body is your eye; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Then watch out that the light in you may not be darkness.
2 Peter 2:14; Having eyes full of adultery and that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children.

Conclusion: False teachers have earthly visions which block eternal
spiritual vision.

1 John 2:11; hates his brother. . .in darkness. . .darkness has blinded his eyes.
Galatians 6:1; Each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted.
1 John 2:16, Lust of the eyes. . .from the world.
2 John 8, Watching self and eternal reward.

Conclusion: Keep part of your spiritual vision focused on yourself for maximum eternal reward.

3) Spiritual vision and temporal life.

Hebrews 12:2a; Fixing our eyes on Jesus.

Conclusion: As we live our earthly lives (12:1), the manner in
which we will run with spiritual endurance (12:1b) is by fixing our eyes
on Jesus (12:2a).

1 Corinthians 8:9, seeing (take heed) and liberty. Also Galatians 5:13-15.
Ephesians 5:15, seeing (“be”) and careful Christian walking.
Philippians 3:2, Seeing (“be ware”) and religion. Also Colossians 2:8.
Colossians 4:17; Seeing (“take heed”), ministry and fulfillment.
Hebrews 3:12, Seeing (“take care”) and CWL unbelief.
Hebrews 12:15; See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God.
Hebrews 12:25; See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking.
1 Peter 1:8; Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.
2 Corinthians 5:7; For we walk by faith, not by sight.
John 4:35; Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.

Conclusion: Evangelism takes spiritual vision.

Colossians 1:16, Invisible creation. Compare 1 Peter 5:8.
James 1:25; But one who looks intently at the perfect law. . .blessed in what he does.
1 John 3:22; Ask, receive, keep commandments, do the things that are pleasing in His sight.
Philippians 2:4; Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

4) Spiritual vision and end times.

Mark 13:5; (Of the Day of the Lord) see to it that no one misleads you. Note also Mark 13:23, 33. Compare Hebrews 10:25.
Titus 2:13; Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Also 2 Peter 3:12-14.

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