EPHESIANS – WEEK 2
Pastor: Leanne Benton
Series: Ephesians
Sermon Summary: “Open Eyes” (Ephesians 1:15–23)
Main Message
Paul’s prayer is that believers would move beyond knowledge and experience spiritual revelation—having the“eyes of their hearts enlightened” to truly know God.(Ephesians 1:17–18)
Transformation comes not from information alone, but from a heart awakened to God.
Key Truth
- Many people have access to abundant biblical teaching, yet remain spiritually empty because information does not equal transformation.
- Paul prays for awakened hearts, not just informed minds(Ephesians 1:18).
3 Things Paul Prays We Would See
1. See Hope Clearly
- “...that you may know the hope to which he has called you...”(Ephesians 1:18)
- Biblical hope = confident trust in God, not circumstances.
- God is always at work, even when we cannot see it.
Supporting scriptures:
- “Open my eyes that I may see…”(Psalm 119:18)
- “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace…”(Romans 15:13)
- God’s work is ongoing despite circumstances(Matthew 5:45)
2. See Power Differently
- “...his incomparably great power for us who believe…”(Ephesians 1:19)
- This is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead(Ephesians 1:20)
- Power comes through dependence on Christ, not self-effort.
Supporting scriptures:
- “Apart from me you can do nothing.”(John 15:5)
- “The Spirit… who raised Jesus… is living in you.”(Romans 8:11)
- “My power is made perfect in weakness.”(2 Corinthians 12:9)
3. See Jesus Accurately
- Jesus is supreme over all authority and power(Ephesians 1:20–23)
- He must be at the center of life above everything else.
Supporting insight:
- When other things take His place, life becomes disordered.
Warning from Scripture
- The Ephesian church later lost their first love(Revelation 2:2–5)
- They had correct beliefs and actions but drifted in their relationship with Jesus.
Final Takeaway
The central prayer of the sermon:
“God, open the eyes of our hearts.”(Ephesians 1:18)
Believers are called to:
- Move from information → revelation
- Live in hope, power, and clarity
- Keep Jesus at the center
- Continually return to first love
