Clear Vision and Active Faith

In this Sunday's exhortation, Mark focussed on Peter’s words in 2 Peter chapter 1, using physical eyesight as a way of explaining spiritual vision. Drawing on his experience of an eye examination, he explained how spiritual blindness could develop slowly, clouding our ability to see clearly what God asked of us.

Mark explained that Peter described those who lacked spiritual growth as being both blind and short-sighted, having forgotten the great gift they had received through God’s promises. While salvation had been given as a gift, he emphasised that it called for an active response. Faith was never meant to be passive. He reminded us that the qualities listed in 2 Peter 1:5–7 were to be lived out, not merely understood. Faith, perseverance, self-control, brotherly kindness and love were presented as essential to a living faith, echoing James’ teaching that faith without works was dead.

Mark then reflected on John chapter 13, recalling the events in the upper room. He showed how the disciples understood the principle of service but failed to act, and how Jesus’ washing of their feet became a lasting lesson in humble, practical love. Mark explained that Peter later echoed this lesson when he urged believers to do these things, not just know them.

As the exhortation concluded, Mark exhorted us to see the memorials as a call to active love and service. He reminded us that by living out these principles, believers showed that they truly belonged to Christ.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”John 13:35