Why Some "Christians" Are Blind To What's Happening | The Todd Coconato Show

Why Some "Christians" Are Blind To What's Happening | The Todd Coconato Show 

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Spiritual Blindness and the Role of the Holy Spirit

Let's explore a profound truth found in God's Word: the reality of spiritual blindness and the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. Many wonder why some people cannot see what seems so obvious to those who are filled with God's Spirit. Let's delve into Scripture to understand why this is so, drawing wisdom from the New King James Version of the Bible.

1. 1 Corinthians 2:14

"But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

Commentary: This verse clearly states that the natural man, one without the Holy Spirit, cannot understand the things of God. Spiritual truths are discerned spiritually, and without the Holy Spirit, they appear as foolishness. The Holy Spirit is essential for comprehending the deeper realities of God's kingdom.

2. John 14:17

"The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you."

Commentary: Jesus explains that the world cannot receive the Spirit of truth because it does not see or know Him. This highlights the separation between those filled with the Spirit and those who are not. The Spirit dwells within believers, enabling them to see and understand what others cannot.

3. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

"But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them."

Commentary: Paul reveals that the gospel is veiled to those who are perishing because their minds have been blinded by the god of this age, Satan. This spiritual blindness prevents them from seeing the light of the gospel. It underscores the need for the Holy Spirit to break through this darkness.

4. Ephesians 4:18

"Having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart."

Commentary: This verse describes the condition of those without the Holy Spirit: their understanding is darkened, and they are alienated from the life of God. This blindness of heart is a result of ignorance, which can only be overcome by the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.

5. John 3:19-20

"And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed."

Commentary: People often reject the light because they love darkness. This rejection is rooted in a desire to avoid exposure of their deeds. Without the Holy Spirit, there is no inclination to come into the light, as the Spirit convicts and draws us toward truth and repentance.

6. 1 John 2:11

"But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."

Commentary: Hatred and sin cause spiritual blindness, leading people to walk in darkness. This verse illustrates how living apart from God's love results in blindness. The Holy Spirit, who fosters love, is essential for clear spiritual vision.

7. Romans 8:7

"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be."

Commentary: The carnal mind is hostile to God and cannot submit to His law. This enmity creates a barrier to understanding spiritual truths. Only the Holy Spirit can transform the carnal mind, making it receptive to God's will.

8. Matthew 13:13

"Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand."

Commentary: Jesus used parables to illustrate spiritual truths. He acknowledges that many hear but do not understand because their hearts are not open. The Holy Spirit opens our hearts and minds to grasp the meanings behind Jesus' teachings.

9. Acts 26:18

"To open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me."

Commentary: Jesus commissioned Paul to open the eyes of the spiritually blind, turning them from darkness to light. This mission underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who brings enlightenment and deliverance from the power of Satan.

10. 1 Corinthians 1:18

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

Commentary: The message of the cross appears as foolishness to those who are spiritually blind. To those with the Holy Spirit, it is the power of God. This contrast emphasizes the pivotal role of the Spirit in making the gospel understandable and powerful.