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 See1. 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)

• 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)

• 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 TakeawayThe 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