Open My Eyes

Scriptures for Today:

Ephesians 1:15-23 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Introduction: What Does It Mean to Have Your Eyes Opened?

When the Bible speaks about having our eyes opened, it is often referring to something beyond physical eyesight. We can look directly at something without understanding what we are seeing. We can read the words of the Bible without recognizing the truth God is showing us. We can also look at our circumstances and see only the trouble surrounding us. Our physical eyes may work perfectly while the eyes of our understanding remain closed.

Psalm 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

The writer of this Psalm was not asking God to heal his physical eyesight. He already possessed the law of God and could read its words, but he understood that he needed God’s help to behold the wondrous things contained within it. There is a difference between seeing words on a page and understanding the truth those words reveal. We do not only need to open our Bibles; we need God to open our understanding so we can see what is in the Bible.

Elisha’s Servant and the Need for Spiritual Sight

Second Kings 6 gives us a powerful example of someone’s eyes being opened. The king of Syria was making war against Israel, but God was revealing his plans to the prophet Elisha. When the king learned that Elisha was warning Israel, he sent horses, chariots, and a great army to surround the city where Elisha was staying. Elisha’s servant woke up early, walked outside, and saw that they were completely surrounded.

2 Kings 6:15-17 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

The servant’s physical eyes were already open. He could see the Syrian army, its horses, and its chariots. Everything he saw was real, but it was not everything that was there. When the LORD opened his eyes, he saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

The Syrian army was still there, and the danger had not immediately disappeared. The difference was that the servant could finally see that the power protecting them was greater than the power threatening them. His fear came from judging the entire situation only by what his physical eyes could see. His problem was not that God had failed to provide protection; he simply could not see the power surrounding them until God opened his eyes.

That brings us directly to Ephesians 1. Paul prayed that “the eyes of your understanding” would be enlightened. He wanted the Ephesians to understand spiritual realities that could not be seen with their physical eyes. He wanted them to understand what God had revealed and accomplished through Jesus Christ.

The Spiritual Blessings of Ephesians 1

Before we begin with verse 15, we need to remember what Paul has already written. In the first fourteen verses of Ephesians 1, he describes the spiritual blessings God has given to those who are in Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

Paul speaks about being chosen in Christ, redemption and the forgiveness of sins, an inheritance, and being sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise after we believe. He first explains what God has done for believers in Christ. Beginning in verse 15, he prays that they will understand the importance of what God has done.

Paul moves from praising God for these spiritual blessings to praying that the believers’ eyes will be opened to understand them. The main question of this passage is: What does God want believers to see and understand?

1. The Prayer for Opened Eyes

Ephesians 1:15-17 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.

Verse 15 begins with the word “Wherefore,” connecting Paul’s prayer with his previous statement. He had just explained that the Ephesians were sealed with the Holy Spirit after they believed. Because he had heard of their faith in Jesus Christ, he knew they had the Holy Spirit. He therefore gave thanks for them, mentioned them in his prayers, and told them specifically what he was praying for.

These people had already trusted Jesus Christ, but they still needed to grow in wisdom and in the knowledge of God. Being saved does not mean that we automatically understand everything about God. Salvation is the starting point of our understanding. The more we learn about Jesus, the more we recognize how much more there is to learn.

Salvation happens the moment we believe, but growing in the knowledge of God should continue for the rest of our lives. There should never come a point when we think we know enough about God. If we believe we have fully comprehended the infinite, almighty Creator, we have not understood who He is. We cannot understand all His ways, but He wants us to continue learning about Him.

Paul was thankful that the Ephesians were saved, possessed the Holy Spirit, demonstrated faith, and loved other believers. He did not, however, want them to stop growing.

The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation

Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.

Paul did not pray for God to give them prosperity, riches, or material wealth. He prayed that God would give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. That is far greater than anything material that can be obtained on earth.

The Ephesians already possessed salvation, the Holy Spirit, and spiritual blessings in Christ, but they needed wisdom to understand the value and importance of what God had given them. That understanding can only come from the Holy Spirit.

The phrase “the spirit of wisdom and revelation” is not referring to private revelations outside God’s Word. People sometimes say, “God told me this,” or, “The Holy Spirit told me to tell you,” as if their private message carries the authority of Scripture.

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

Paul’s emphasis is not upon chasing new, private revelations. He wants believers to understand the truths already revealed through Scripture and the preaching of the apostles. The purpose is that they might grow in the knowledge of God.

Every doctrine in the Bible teaches us something about who God is, what He has done, and how we should respond to Him. The goal is not merely to collect information so we can become puffed up with knowledge. The goal is to know the Lord more clearly and allow that knowledge to affect the way we live.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

God does not want us glorying in our intelligence, strength, or wealth. He wants us to glory in understanding and knowing Him. True spiritual wisdom should not make us proud. The more knowledge we gain about God, the more it should humble us as we recognize how much we need Him.

Paul’s prayer also reminds us not to neglect the spiritual needs of the people we love. Pray that your children will understand the Word of God and know the Lord. Pray that new believers will grow in wisdom and become grounded in the truth. Pray that faithful members of the church will continue growing. Pray that God will help you understand His Word and see Him more clearly.

2. The Truths Believers Need to See

Ephesians 1:18-19 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.

Verse 18 continues the prayer Paul began in verse 17. The “eyes of your understanding” describe the ability to understand spiritual truth. To enlighten something means to give it light so it can be seen clearly. God had already given these believers spiritual blessings in Christ. Paul prayed that they would receive the understanding necessary to recognize the greatness of what they had received.

Imagine walking through a familiar room in complete darkness. You may know where the furniture is supposed to be, but without light you can still stumble over something that was there the entire time. When someone turns on the light, nothing new is added to the room. The furniture was already there; the light simply allows you to see it clearly.

In the same way, Paul was not praying for God to give the Ephesians new spiritual blessings. He was praying for God to enlighten their understanding so they could clearly see the blessings He had already given them in Christ. Scripture reminds us of the good God has done, the protection He has provided, and the blessings He has given. That is why spiritual understanding matters. The more clearly we see God’s goodness, the more grateful we should become and the more faithfully we should want to serve Him.

Paul identifies three specific truths that he wanted the Ephesians—and all believers—to know: the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and the exceeding greatness of His power toward those who believe.

The Hope of His Calling

When we use the word hope, we often describe something uncertain. We hope the weather will be good or that a situation will work out, but we do not know what will happen. Biblical hope is different. It is a confident expectation based upon what God has promised.

God calls people through the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we believe the gospel, we not only receive forgiveness of all our sins; we are also given the hope of eternal life, the promised resurrection of our bodies, and a future with Jesus Christ forever. We cannot yet see the fulfillment of all those promises, but we know they are coming because God cannot lie.

Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.

The more we understand the hope of His calling, the more we should want to share that hope with others.

The Riches of His Inheritance in the Saints

The second thing Paul wanted them to understand was “the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.” Earlier in verse 11, Paul said that believers have obtained an inheritance. In verse 14, he said that the Holy Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance. The presence of the Holy Spirit is the assurance that God will complete what He has promised.

Paul wants believers to understand the riches of the glory of this inheritance. We receive an inheritance from God, but we also belong to God as His purchased possession. We were purchased through the blood of Jesus Christ and claimed as His own. We are precious to God because of our faith in His Son.

Little children are precious because of their simple, unwavering trust. That provides a picture of the kind of trust God wants us to have toward Him. Simple faith pleases God.

The glory does not come from us. The glory is in Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus is a great treasure to God, and there are great riches in the glory of God’s inheritance in the saints.

The Exceeding Greatness of His Power

The third truth Paul wanted them to understand was “the exceeding greatness of his power.” Paul places tremendous emphasis upon this final truth. If believers truly understand it, it changes how they live. A lack of understanding in this area is one reason many Christians continually retreat instead of moving forward.

God has unlimited power, and this power is described as being toward those who believe. We are not its source. The world tells us to focus on human potential, positive thinking, and our own strength. But we do not produce spiritual power through our intelligence or ability. This is God’s power given to believers, and it is exceedingly great.

This does not mean that believers can use God’s power to accomplish anything they desire. It means that nothing can prevent God from accomplishing His purposes and fulfilling His promises toward those who believe. God gives us power to do good and accomplish His will. Once we understand how amazing that is, it changes our perspective. Burdens become lighter when we know we are doing what God wants and have access to His unlimited power through faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul wanted the Ephesians to see beyond what was immediately visible. If we look only at our present circumstances, we will easily become discouraged and fearful. We see our weakness, trials, failures, and the corruption of this world. But when the Holy Spirit opens the eyes of our understanding, we recognize that the exceeding great power of God is toward us.

3. The Power of God Revealed in Jesus Christ

Ephesians 1:20-23 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Verse 20 continues Paul’s description of the exceeding greatness of God’s power. One of the greatest demonstrations of that power is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus was crucified, His blood was shed, His body was placed in a tomb, and His soul was not left in hell. God raised Jesus Christ from the dead, body and soul.

The resurrection demonstrates Christ’s victory over death and His divine power. The same power that raised Christ has made believers alive and works within us.

Jesus Christ Is Seated at God’s Right Hand

Ephesians 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.

God did not merely raise Jesus and return Him to the same earthly life. He exalted Him and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places. This was promised long before the resurrection took place.

Psalm 110:1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Jesus Christ is presently seated at the right hand of the Father. He is not struggling to gain authority.

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Christ has already been exalted above every other power. There is no greater position than being seated at the right hand of the Father.

Jesus Christ Is Far Above Every Power

Ephesians 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.

The Bible does not merely say that Jesus is above every authority. It says He is far above them. If we combined the authority and power of every human ruler, angel, and spirit that has ever existed, Jesus Christ would still be far above them all.

Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

No ruler will ever rise above Jesus Christ, and no future power will ever replace Him. Believers should therefore not live as though the powers of this world possess the final authority. Rulers may oppose God, governments may reject His Word, and spiritual enemies may work against us, but none of them are above Christ. We should never allow fear of a lesser power to make us forget the authority of Jesus Christ.

All Things Are Under the Feet of Christ

Ephesians 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.

Placing something beneath a person’s feet is a picture of complete authority and total victory. We do not presently see every enemy destroyed, but every enemy will eventually be defeated.

1 Corinthians 15:25-26 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

Jesus Christ will reign until every last enemy is destroyed. Sin will not win. Satan will not win. The kingdoms of this world will not win. Death itself will be destroyed in the end. We still see death operating in this world, so the final victory has not yet been completed. Nevertheless, the resurrection of Jesus Christ guarantees that death’s destruction is coming.

Jesus Christ Is the Head of the Church

Ephesians 1:22-23 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

The One who is above every principality and power is also the Head of the church. The head gives direction to the body. If Jesus Christ is the Head, the church must receive its doctrine, direction, purpose, and authority from Him.

The church does not belong to a pastor, a religious movement, a denomination, or a personality. Churches choose the authority of man over Jesus Christ whenever they reject His clear words in favor of human opinion. The church belongs to Jesus, so the church must listen to Jesus. No tradition or movement has the authority to overrule His Word.

Verse 23 calls the church the body of Jesus Christ. A body depends upon its head for life and direction. In the same way, the church cannot accomplish anything of spiritual value apart from Jesus. A church may have a large building, abundant money, impressive programs, and great crowds, but those things mean nothing if Jesus Christ is not directing it as its Head.

Paul calls the church “the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” The emphasis is not upon the greatness of the church apart from Christ. The emphasis is upon the greatness of Christ, who fills His people. Everything the church needs spiritually is found in Him.

Paul prayed that the eyes of the Ephesians’ understanding would be enlightened because he wanted them to see Jesus Christ as He truly is. He is risen, seated at the right hand of God, far above every authority, and Head over the church. When our eyes are fixed only upon the powers and problems surrounding us, we become fearful. When our understanding is enlightened, we see that Jesus Christ is above them all.

Conclusion: Lord, Open My Eyes

Paul had heard about the Ephesians’ faith in the Lord Jesus and their love unto all the saints. He continually thanked God and mentioned them in his prayers. He prayed that God would give them wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him and that the eyes of their understanding would be enlightened.

Paul wanted them to understand the hope of God’s calling, the riches of His inheritance, and the exceeding greatness of His power toward those who believe. He then showed them the greatness of that power by pointing to Jesus Christ. God raised Christ from the dead, seated Him at His own right hand, placed every authority beneath Him, and made Him the Head of the church.

These believers already had salvation, the Holy Spirit, and spiritual blessings in Christ. What they needed was for God to open their understanding so they could recognize the greatness of what they already possessed. They needed to see their hope, understand their inheritance, trust God’s power, and recognize the authority of Jesus Christ. That is what we need as well.

When we begin to understand the greatness of God and the power He has directed toward believers, it changes our perspective. We can have less fear and anxiety and more peace and joy—not because every circumstance immediately changes, but because we recognize who Jesus Christ is.

Our prayer should be: Lord, open my eyes. Open my eyes so that I may know thee more clearly. Open my eyes so that I may live according to the hope thou hast given me. Open my eyes so that I may value the eternal inheritance above the temporary things of this world. Open my eyes so that I may trust thy power instead of living in fear. Open my eyes so that I may see Jesus Christ above all.