Blind Faith
hearing and believing even when we can not see

  “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me. He has put His hand on Me to preach the Good News to poor people. He has sent Me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent Me to tell those who are being held that they can go free. He has sent Me to make the blind to see and to free those who are held because of trouble.”  Luke 4:18 (NLV)

Read:  Luke 18:35-43
            * Mark identifies this man as Bartimaeus   Mk. 10:46-52

I.   v35-37  Blindness-  a change of focus
            *  blindness as a stigma:
            1)  Physical    John 9:2  ...who sinned...
            2)  Spiritual    II Corinthians 4:4  ...the god of this world...

II.  v38  Belief- a change of direction
            1)  Jesus of Nazareth-  location identity
            2)  Jesus Son of David-  spiritual lineage identity
                        Luke 4:18   a) restorer of sight  b) grantor of mercy
            c) teacher of compassion    d) savior of our soul
                        Psalms 46:1-3  God is our refuge and strength

III.  v39-41  Boldness- a change of purpose
* beware of people or/ circumstances hindering your spiritual hunger
  “...for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”  Paul   I Cor. 16:9  (ESV)

        1) James 1:6,7  ask in faith      2) Hebrews 4:16   come boldly
* boldness: a) triumphs our embarrassment  (see Luke 19:3-6)
            b) is persistent 19:4       c) is courageous 19:6
* are you afraid today, God wont deliver on your faith?

IV.  v42,43  Blessing- a change of scope
1)  Jesus rewards faith !  2)  Jesus loves to answer prayer Ps 67:1-7
3)  Bartimaeus no longer felt sorry for himself
  “It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.”  II Cor. 4:6 (Msg)

  Hebrews 11:6  rewards those who seek Him
            II Corinthians 5:7  we walk by faith, not by sight