"Do You See What I SEE?" by Gale Nelson
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Tags: #Perspective #Understanding #SpiritualSight #Vision #Focus

Perspective: No two people will always see things the same way. However, as Christians, our perspective is different from the world.

KEY LESSON POINTS:

1.) Spiritual Sight... Ephesians 1:18

* "eyes of your understanding being enlightened" speaks to spiritual understanding-- God gave us a sound mind. He gave us the ability to make decisions and be enlightened.

* "hope of his calling" goes back to God's will for man's eternal salvation; how we are called (Acts 22:16)

* "riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" in connection to Romans 8:16-18 lets us know that the HEIRS are saints, the SAINTS are brethren, the BRETHREN are Christians, the family is the church. There is only one church. You can't have the inheritance eternally unless you're part of the body, the church of Christ.

2.) Vision and Focus
Vision is a vivid mental image; the formation of a mental image of something that is not present to the senses. Whereas focus is the concentration of attention or energy on something; maximum clarity.

* The Need for Vision... Proverbs 29:18
When we can't see beyond the current situation or problem, then we are not exercising our faith in God. We need spiritual vision for our life.

3.) Applying Nehemiah 6
If we are not focus or do not have clear vision, people will use you or seek to take advantage. Nehemiah knew what his enemies were up to (v. 2), so he sent messengers down while he continued his great work (v. 3), but the messengers persisted after him, yet Nehemiah's answer remained the same (v. 4).

* Recognize the Devil's Devices... 1 Peter 5:8

a) Doubt: I am not sure.
b) Disbelief: I DO NOT Believe.
c) Distraction: I will be "right" back.
d) Drift: Once you're distracted, you're more prone to drift.
e) Die: Eternal destruction (see Romans 8:1)

* Distraction #1: Opportunities (Nehemiah 6:1-2)
They thought to do him mischief, but Nehemiah told them he was doing a great work.

Lesson: Do not allow something package as a "good" opportunity to pull you away from God, or distract you. Distinguish the good from the "main focus" in our lives.

* Distraction #2: Criticism (Nehemiah 6:5-7)
Criticism can come in the form of false accusations, or impure motives (Neh. 2:19).

* Distraction #3: Fear (Nehemiah 6:10)
After failing five times through opportunities and criticism, they tried to scare Nehemiah into hooking up with them. Jesus warns him about fear in Matthew 10:28

Practical examples:
a) "Safe" sex...outside of marriage (physical safety, not spiritual)
b) Insurance protection
c) Bearing arms for protection

4) Focus: Are we Diligent? Hebrews 11:6
An intentional seeking; you exert energy. (see 2 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 12:15; 1 Peter 1:10)


CALL TO ACTION:
* Stop focusing on what you naturally see, increase your Spiritual Sight
* God's Plan of Salvation... https://miamigardenscoc.net/salvation.php

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RECOMMENDED LINKS
* A Family Reunion: https://youtu.be/bzy_-l9-AGU
* The Anchor of Our Soul: https://youtu.be/J9phVanFsXo
* Fear Less or Fearless: https://youtu.be/NkBME1BtNw0
* Website: https://www.miamigardenscoc.net