Enlightened Eyes Ephesians 1 15 23 Enlightened Eyes

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”

G 0 d’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)