Abide - Part 9: New Eyes, New Heart

At the fall of mankind, our eyes were opened to our nakedness and inadequacies apart from God, but they were also shut to fully behold his incredible glory and goodness. However, like the blind man in John 9, Jesus wants to open our eyes and heal the blindness of our hearts through salvation and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Hosea 6:6 tells us that the Lord desires mercy and not sacrifice, devotion to God rather than burnt offerings. Key verses: Matthew 5:8, Duet. 29:2-4 and 30:6-10, Luke 18:35-42, John 9:1-34 and 14:23-25 1. In Deuteronomy 29:2-4 and 30:6-10, the Lord tells the Israelites that they have seen the wonders and signs, but they do not understand. What is the new covenant that He makes with the people? As Christ followers, how is our covenant with the Lord similar to this one, and how is it different? 2. What are similarities of the stories in Luke 18:35-42 and John 9:1-34? What are some differences? 3. Hosea 6 tells us that the Lord desires mercy and love not judgement and harshness; how have you seen this demonstrated in your life? Why do you think the children of Israel had such a hard time accepting this? 4. How are the Jews like the blind man in Luke? How are the Gentiles like the one in John? 5. If we are indeed fully covered and forgive, why is it important to follow God’s commands? 6. “An idol is anything we dub more important than Him” what are somethings in your life that have become idols that you may not have even realized? What changes can you make to remove them from their position of importance?