Textual Sermons

ENLIGHTENED EYES
Ephesians 1:18-19

Intro.
1. Spiritual perception is crucial to successful Christian living!
  a. For conversion & discipleship - Matt. 13:14-16
  b. Chose right things, avoid sin & be approved - Phil. 1:9-11
  c. Live worthy & please God, being fruitful & strong - Col. 1:9-12
  d. Test ourselves to see if we are acceptable to God - 2 Cor. 13:5
2. Eph. 1:15-19 (v. 18) - That you may know (eidw eido: perceive, discern, discover, and give attention to)

• THE HOPE OF HIS CALLING - Eph. 1:18
  • Saved in hope - Rom. 8:24
  • Laid up for you in heaven - Col. 1:5
    • Heard of it through the gospel - Col. 1:5
    • Hope promotes living by faith & love - Col. 1:4
  • A living hope - 1 Pet. 1:3 (Christ's resurrection - cf. Acts 24:15)
  • Rejoice in our hope, without disappointment (shame) - Rom. 5:1-2, 3-5
    • Drives our faith - Rom. 4:18
    • Anchors our soul - Heb. 6:18-19
  • Eagerly wait for our hope to be obtained - Rom. 8:24-25; Tit. 2:13

• THE RICHES OF THE GLORY OF HIS INHERITANCE IN THE SAINTS - Eph. 1:18
  • His inheritance: In Christ - Eph. 1:11 (His blood - Heb. 9:14-15)
  • In the saints: The sanctified - Col. 1:12; Acts 20:32
    • Not in the world - Eph. 5:5
    • Among the saved - We share heavenly riches together - Acts 26:18
  • Heirs: Privilege of childhood - Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 4:4-7; 3:26-29
  • Its Glory: Heavenly splendor - 1 Pet. 1:3-5:
    • Incorruptible - not liable to corruption or decay, imperishable
    • Undefiled - Unsoiled, free of contaminants, not deformed, debased
    • Does not fade away - Immortal, enduring in its original state
    • Reserved in heaven - Preserved & prepared for the faithful (1:5)

• THE EXCEEDING GREATNESS OF HIS POWER TOWARD US WHO BELIEVE - Eph. 1:19
  • His power which saved us - Col. 2:11-13 (His operative power)
  • His power to complete His purposes & work in us - Phil. 1:6; Eph. 3:20-21
    • By the power which raised & exalted Christ - Eph. 1:20-21
    • By the power of Christ who now reigns - Eph. 1:22-23
    • By the power of faith & truth - Eph. 3:20, 16-17
  • His power to supply our needs - Phil. 4:19
  • His power to keep us safe from - Jno. 10:27-29

Conclusion

• When we understand & perceive our hope, the glory of our inheritance & the power God uses on our behalf, we are equipped through our faith to:
  1. Hear & heed the word of Christ (Matt. 13:14-15)
  2. Make the right moral choices in our lives (Phil. 1:9-10)
  3. Live worthy of Christ & His gospel (Eph. 4:1)
  4. Be fruitful and strong in His service (Col. 1:9-10)
  5. Be vigilant to test ourselves & remain in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5)