Spiritual Blindness

Introduction:
    In Matthew 15:14 Jesus Christ calls the Pharisees blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into the pit. We can relate to how terrible it would be to be physically blind – but do we consider how terrible it would be to be blinded spiritually by our attitude and actions? Text today found in Lk. 7:36-50. Let us make sure that we do not fall into the trap of the Pharisees and become blind to things going on in our lives. Spiritual blindness is most tragic, and if left uncorrected will cause our soul to be lost!

I. The Christian can be blinded by his attitude.
    A. V. 39 – observe the attitude of the Pharisee.
        1. Proud of his good works. Works not the problem, but his attitude.
        2. Prideful attitude a sin before God!
    B. What about our attitude? Humble in nature? See 1 Cor. 10:12
        1. Think of how Paul encouraged Philippian brethren – Phil. 2:3-4
        2. Must ask ourselves, "What are we doing for Jesus Christ?"

II. The Christian can be blinded by a lack of appreciation.
    A. V. 40-43 – Jesus teaches an important lesson on appreciation.
        1. Often – those blessed w/plenty do not appreciate Christ’s blessings.
        2. Ex. 14:9-12; 32:1; Num. 20:1-5 – Israel not appreciative!
        3. Compare appreciation of Pharisee to that of woman in text.
    B. Do we appreciate what the Lord has done for us?
        1. Jhn. 3:16; Phil. 2:8; Heb. 5:8-9
        2. Appreciation shown in our actions!
            a. Rom. 12:12; 2 Cor. 8:7
            b. Judged by our actions! Eph. 4:16; Gal. 6:4-5

III. The Christian can be blinded by his actions.
    A. V. 44-48 – Why was Jesus there in the first place?
        1. See v. 30-35.
        2. Actions of Pharisees were often fault-finding and self righteous.
        3. Pharisee felt that by inviting Jesus to eat would satisfy Him.
    B. How can we be blinded spiritually by our actions?
        1. Improper motivation.
        2. Half-hearted service will not cut it!
        3. Mt. 22:36-38; Rom. 12:11; 2 Pet. 1:5-11; Heb. 2:1-3

IV. What was the result of the woman’s actions in the text?
    A. V. 48-50 – the Lord forgave her of her sins!
    B. She went away blessed that day because of her love & belief in Jesus!
    C. Have you demonstrated your love for Christ by submitting to Him in obedience?