31 August 2025

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OverviewWeek 2 of “Sight That Leads to Surrender” (John 9). After the man born blind is healed, he’s hauled before the Pharisees. Grace collides with rigid legalism. Neighbours waffle, leaders divide, parents fear expulsion, and the healed man gives a brave, simple witness: “I was blind, but now I see.”Big IdeaLegalism blinds; relationship with Jesus gives sight. When rules or traditions outrank people, we miss what God is doing. A life truly touched by Jesus speaks with humble courage—even when it costs.PassageJohn 9:13 –34 (supporting: Matt 15:8; 2 Tim 3:5; Ezek 36:26 ; Phil 4:8; Rom 10:9–11).Flow / Movements 1. Sabbath scandal & split (vv.13–16) • “This man is not from God… he works on the Sabbath.” Others: “How could a sinner do this?” - Deep division. Legalism makes us miss mercy. 2. Interrogations & fear (v.17–23) • He says, “He’s a prophet.” Leaders summon parents, who dodge from fear of synagogue expulsion. Religion-as-control breeds fear, not faith. 3. Round two: pressure to recant (v.24–29) • “Give glory to God; we know this Jesus is a sinner.” • The man’s core testimony: “I don’t know… but I know this: I was blind, now I see.” 4. Courage under fire (v.30–34) • He reasons from Scripture/God’s character: opening eyes of one born blind is unprecedented—“If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” • They insult him and throw him out. Costly witness; clear glory to God.Key Truths • Legalism blinds. When preferences, methods, or structures outrank people, we can’t see the work of God (v.16). • Religion without relationship hardens. Checklists without communion produce pride, hypocrisy, and fear (2 Tim 3:5; Ezek 36:26 ). • Testimony born of encounter is powerful. You don’t need all the answers to witness; you need a real encounter and honest words (v.25). • Courage is contagious. Faithfulness in public can stiffen the spines of others.Applications • Audit the soil, not just the rules. Are we making it easier for people to encounter Jesus—or putting obstacles in the way? (Hospitality gatekeeping.) • Prioritize presence over performance. Time with Jesus before work for Jesus. A full heart overflows; an empty heart resents. • Check motives often. When you serve, ask: Am I seeking recognition, ticking a box, or loving God/people? (Col 3:23 ) • Keep testimony simple and true. Practice a 60-second version: Before—Jesus—After. Stay humble; don’t back down. • Stand graciously when it costs. If truth brings pushback, choose courage with gentleness. Let God handle outcomes. • Guard the community from drift. Celebrate people over policies; keep methods as servants, not masters.#hillschurch #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon