Topics: spiritual eyes, God's power
I. To the hope of His calling!
* Have your spiritual eyes been opened to see the gospel of Christ?
1. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:3, 4).
2. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling (Ephesians 1:18).
3. For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God (1 Corinthians 1:26?29).
II. To the riches of His inheritance!
* Are your spiritual eyes open to the value God puts on His saints?
- I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know . . . what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18).
- For the Lord will not abandon His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance (Psalm 94:14).
III. To the greatness of His power!
* Are your spiritual eyes open to the surpassing greatness of God's power?
- And what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:19, 20).
- But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves (2 Corinthians 4:7).
- We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me (Colossians 1:28, 29).
Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, June 8th, 2025.
Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions
Are your eyes open?
An important Guideline of Life Groups: Sharing how God opened your eyes to His love for you and your need for Him is a powerful way to grow closer with one another. Take time to communicate each person's personal journey with God in your Life Group.
Getting Started:
- Who are you praying for that "the eyes of their heart may be enlightened" so the blinders of Satan will be removed?
- How have your eyes been opened to His calling you into deeper intimacy with His love and purpose for your life?
Discussing Truths:
- What are some Scripture references that capture the "hope of His calling"�for Christian living?
- What are some specific ways that God has uniquely called you to use your spiritual gifts, talents and experiences for His glory?
- How does it touch your emotions to realize that one aspect of "God's riches of the glory of His inheritance"�is YOU (Ephesians 1:6, 14, 18; Psalm 94:14; Matthew 25:34)? Remember that you are precious to God "you are not an afterthought" you have value, worth and dignity.
- Paul piles up four synonyms in verse 19 to emphasize the fullness of God's amazing power (power, working, strength, might). Why does he tie this power to the resurrection and ascension of Christ (Eph 1:20)?
- If this supernatural power is available to all Christians, why do so many Christians live sluggish and fruitless lives? How is this Spirit-filled power unleashed in your life?
Now What? Application:
- Evaluate how you are investing your God-given time, talents, and treasures into the eternal inheritance that awaits you (Matthew 6:20). Do you need to make some adjustments in your stewardship?
- Pray every day to be filled with the Holy Spirit and allow His power to mightily work through you (Ephesians 5:18; 1 John 5:14, 15; Colossians 1:29; Acts 1:8).
