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