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)