Pharisees Are Spiritually Blind
Following a spiritually blind leader can lead to spiritual darkness and condemnation, but seeking out a leader with spiritual vision can lead to spiritual growth and maturity.
Zac Poonen emphasizes the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees, who, despite their extensive biblical knowledge, lack true revelation of spiritual truths. He warns that following such blind leaders can lead both them and their followers into spiritual peril. Poonen stresses the importance of choosing leaders who possess spiritual vision and genuine love for God's people, as true leaders can clearly present Jesus and guide others towards Him. The sermon serves as a reminder to seek out and emulate those who reflect Christ's love and clarity in their teachings.
Text
Jesus said, "They are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit" (Matthew 15:14).
Pharisees are great scholars of the Bible. But they are spiritually blind and so they don't have any revelation on spiritual realities. And when these blind leaders lead other blind people, Jesus said "they will fall into the pit (of hell) themselves and those who follow them will also fall into the same pit" (15:14).
Never follow a blind man, Make sure your leader/elder is a man of spiritual vision, who loves God's people. Lack of love is what causes spiritual blindness and it leads to preachers preaching in a way that condemns people. A man who loves Jesus sees the Lord so clearly that he can lift Jesus up in His sermon and show Him to you. It is such a leader that you should follow and whom you should long to be like.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Problem of Spiritual Blindness
- A. Pharisees are spiritually blind despite being great scholars of the Bible
- B. Spiritual blindness leads to a lack of revelation on spiritual realities
- II. The Consequences of Following Blind Leaders
- A. Blind leaders lead other blind people into spiritual darkness
- B. Both the leader and the followers will fall into the pit of hell
- III. The Importance of Spiritual Vision in Leaders
- A. A leader must have spiritual vision to guide others
- B. Spiritual vision is rooted in a love for God's people
Key Quotes
“Never follow a blind man, Make sure your leader/elder is a man of spiritual vision, who loves God's people.” — Zac Poonen
“A man who loves Jesus sees the Lord so clearly that he can lift Jesus up in His sermon and show Him to you.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- We should seek out leaders who love God's people and have spiritual vision to guide us.
- A leader's love for God's people is essential for spiritual growth and maturity.
- Following a spiritually blind leader can lead to spiritual darkness and condemnation.