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Enlightened Eyes. Ephesians 1:15-23. Enlightened Eyes. ( 1:18 ) Paul prays that the saints & faithful in Christ Jesus ( 1:1 ) might have their eyes enlightened. Jesus found people who had “closed their eyes”. ( Matthew 13:14-16 )
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Enlightened Eyes Ephesians 1:15-23
Enlightened Eyes • (1:18) Paul prays that the saints & faithful in Christ Jesus (1:1) might have their eyes enlightened. • Jesus found people who had “closed their eyes”. (Matthew 13:14-16) • Paul was told by Jesus to open the people’s eyes. (Acts 26:15-18)
Enlightened Eyes • Paul continues that the eyes of their understanding may be opened to three things. • (18) Knowledge of the Hope of God’s Calling. • (18) Knowledge of the Riches of the Glory of His Inheritance. • (19) Knowledge of the Greatness of God’s Power.
Enlightened Eyes • Hope of God’s Calling
Hope of God’s Calling • God calls us according to the good pleasure of His will. • Ephesians 1:3-7 – “adoption as sons of Jesus Christ to Himself” • We are called by the Gospel • II Thessalonians 2:13-14 – “called you by our gospel”
Hope of God’s Calling • Paul urged them to walk worthy of the calling. • Ephesians 4:1-3 – “walk worthy of the calling” • Ephesians 5:8-11 – “Walk as children of light”
Hope of God’s Calling • We have hope from God’s calling. • Ephesians 4:4 – “called in one hope of your calling” • Hope of Salvation • Ephesians 1:7 – “we have redemption through His blood” • I Thessalonians 5:8-9 – “the hope of salvation” • Hope of Eternal Life • Titus 1:2 – “in hope of eternal life”
Hope of God’s Calling • We have a Hope that: • Is Good (II Thessalonians 2:16) • Gives Comfort (II Thessalonians 2:17; I Thessalonians 4:17-18) • Is Blessed (Titus 2:13); Living (I Peter 1:3); Glorious (Colossians 1:27) • Sure, Steadfast, Anchor of the Soul (Hebrews 6:19)
Enlightened Eyes • Hope of God’s Calling • Riches of the Glory of God’s Inheritance
Riches of God’s Inheritance • God view His people as a treasure & shares His riches with them. • I Peter 2:9 – “His own special people” • Exodus 19:5-6 – “you shall be a special treasure to Me” • Ephesians 2:4-7 – “God, who is rich in mercy” • Think of price God paid for His people. • Ephesians 1:7 – “through His blood”
Riches of God’s Inheritance • Now as sons we can be apart in God’s Inheritance. • Galatians 4:4-7 – “if a son, then an heir of God” • The death of a saint is precious in God’s sight. • Psalms 116:15 – “Precious in the sight of the Lord” • This inheritance has been purposed by God. • Ephesians 1:11-14 – “according to the purpose”
Enlightened Eyes • Hope of God’s Calling • Riches of the Glory of God’s Inheritance • Greatness of God’s Power
Greatness of God’s Power • The working of His power is seen in Christ. • Ephesians 1:19-21 – “raised Him from the dead” • This power is seen in what God has done to those dead in trespasses. • Ephesians 2:1-5 – “you He made alive” • God has given us strength thru His power. • Ephesians 6:10-13 – “be strong in the Lord”
Greatness of God’s Power • Let us not forget this power. • Exodus 20:18-20 – “that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin” • Ecclesiastes 12:13 “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all”
Enlightened Eyes • May our eyes be enlightened this morning and understand these three things. • The hope of God’s calling • The riches of the glory of God’s inheritance • The greatness of God’s Power
Enlightened Eyes • We have been called to receive the great riches of God and God has given us the Power • Romans 1:16 – “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation”
G0d’s Plan of Salvation • Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:22) • Believe in Jesus (Acts 2:40-41) • Repent of Sins (Acts 2:37-38) • Confess Faith in Christ (Acts 8:37) • Be Baptized in Water (Acts 2:38-41) • Remain Faithful (Acts 2:42) • If err, repent and pray to God (Acts 8:22)