Perspective (Matt. 15:15-20; Col. 2:8)

Wayne Galloway
11/15/12 - N/A

Series: Additional Studies

Introduction:

1.  “Perspective.”  It might be defined as the way you look at things. 2.  It comes from the Latin “perspicere” meaning, “to see through.”  It is used in architecture to speak of the view one has of an object.  Objects appear smaller as their distance from the observer increases.  When we look at an object we see it based upon our location.  These are matters of perspective.  Another person at a different place has a different perspective. 3.  Ex.  We appreciate the beauty of the autumn leaves when we view them from the perspective of the mountain overlook. 4.  The term is also used to describe a mental view.  An example of such a use is seen in the following statement.   “Parenting takes on a different perspective when you have children of your own.” 5.  It is this second use that is our consideration in this lesson.  Our mental perspective is so very important to our understanding.  It shapes the way we view ourselves and our world.  The Bible is designed to help us see things from God’s perspective and to do so is quite enlightening because it allows us to let go of the time and space limitations that characterize man. 6.  What I would like to do is to get you thinking about the perspective that you have and the effect that it has on you.  Of course we could talk indefinitely about the different perspectives we have about thousands of different things. 7.  I want to look at some examples of perspective from the Scriptures and challenge you to adopt a perspective that is consistent with that which characterizes the Lord and is genuinely helpful to you and others.

Discussion:

I.  Our perspective is shaped at least partially by the way we see ourselves.

A.  The parable of the prodigal son reminds us of this (Lk. 15:11ff).

1.  The younger son’s perspective changed when he found himself in poverty.  Verse 17 captures the change when it says, “He came to his senses.”

2.  The older son’s perspective is revealed in his unwillingness to come into the house (v. 28).

3.  The father’s perspective is evident in his compassion, and in his celebration (vs. 20-24).

4.  This parable is designed to address the issue of the perspective of the Pharisees and scribes (15:2).

a.  Their perspective is similar to the older sons.

b.  Notice that they are grumblers.  Grumblers seem to always have a negative perspective.

c.  It affects them and their relationships with others.  We will talk more about that later.

5.   How the scribes and Pharisees saw themselves was critical.

a.  They saw themselves as serving the Lord when others did not.

b.  No party had ever been given to them and thus they were jealous of the party given sinners.

c.  They did not recognize that all that belonged to the father was theirs.

B.  The story of Naaman the leper reflects on how Naaman’s perspective of himself affected him (2 Kings 5:1ff).

1.  Note the description of his accomplishments (1).

2.  Note the letter to the king of Israel and the gifts that he took with him (5).

3.  Note Elisha sent a messenger to him (10).

4.  Naaman was furious (11).

5.  His servants changed his perspective (13-14).

II.  Our perspective determines the approach that we take to the law.

A.  Some perceive the law of God as some unnecessary restriction, a sort of test given by God to see if we will obey or not.  People with this perspective are hesitant to obey, usually unwilling, looking to perform minimally to get a passing grade, and may be found looking for “loopholes” by which they can escape from the laws restrictions.  The scribes and Pharisees evidence this approach.

1.  Matt. 5-6-7 evidences such.

2.  Matt. 23 refers to their hypocrisy.

B.   Some perceive the law of God as highly desirable (Psa. 19:7-11; 119:97-112).

1.  For these the law of God is pleasant.

2.  They search it out recognizing it as blessing them with information helpful to their life.

3.  No minimal service here.  No looking for “loopholes.”  They will milk the word of the Lord for all they can get out of it.

III.  Our perspective defines our understanding of punishment and reward.

A.  Some view punishment as though God were a harsh perhaps selfish parent bringing condemnation on a child for the benefit of the parent.

1.  Punishment is then defined as unfair.

2.  Punishment is perceived as abusive.

B.  On the other hand if punishment is perceived as for the benefit of the well-being of the child often coming as a natural result of misguided actions it is accepted as a demonstration of love (Heb. 12:7-13).  Appreciation for the discipline results rather than hatred for the parent.

IV.  Our perspective affects our relationships with others.

A.  The  Pharisee of Luke 18:9ff viewed others with contempt and thus condemned the tax collector.

B.  David condemned the man who had stolen has neighbor’s lamb and killed it for his guests, but had not previously had this perspective in regard to his adultery with Bathsheba.

Conclusion:

1.  The Bible is about adopting the perspective of God, rather than some other. 2.  Eve adopted Satan’s perspective rather than God’s and so sinned. 3.  False teaching involves adopting a false perspective and causes us to draw conclusions that are unhealthy. 4.  Do you see your neighbor as an enemy when he is a friend? 5.  Do you see your neighbor as a friend when he is your enemy? 6.  Do you see others as having malicious motives when they do not? 7.  What’s your perspective on the law of God, about God, about others?