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)

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.

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”

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”

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”

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)

Hope of God’s Calling

Riches of the Glory 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”

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”

Hope of God’s Calling

Riches of the Glory of God’s

Inheritance

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”

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”

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

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”

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)