THE EYES OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING BEING ENLIGHTENED

                                                    Ephesians 1:15-20 (863)

  Introduction

        A.  The apostle Paul prayed for the Christians in Ephesus to have their eyes of

              understanding enlightened.  V18

              1.  “The eyes of you understanding” refer to spiritual understanding.

              2.  The word “enlighten” means to give the light of knowledge to according to

                    Webster’s New World Dictionary.

        B.  Enlightened eyes would enable these Christians to have a three-fold knowledge.

   I.  The  hope of His calling which is eternal life. (immortality). V18  Explain

        the word “hope.”

       A.  We can know that we have eternal life.  1John 5:10-13 (902)

       B.   This knowledge gives us:  stability (Hebrews 6: 13-19)  illustration; motivation

              (Romans 8:24- p835); endurance (1 Corinthians 15:58- p851)

  II.  The glory/riches/ value God has in His people. Vv 18, 12

       A.  The price paid.  Ephesians 1:7; 5:25-27

       B.  The special care that God has for Hid children.  Ephesians  1:3-6

III.  The greatness of God’s  power.  V19

        A.  The power to bring Jesus from physical death.  Vv 19-20

        B.  The power to bring sinners from spiritual death.  Ephesians 2:1-5; Colossians 2:12-13

        C.  The power to keep us as His own.  1 Peter 1:5 (894)

        D.  The power to resurrect our bodies.  1 Corinthians 15:50-53 (851)

  Conclusion

        A.  We also can have “enlightened eyes” for better understanding by asking God,

              studying God’s word and applying biblical principles.