Enlightened by Eternity

The result of what we pray for the saints (wisdom and revelation) results in us knowing God’s salvation. Knowing God’s salvation changes how we live our lives.

Exposition

Ephesians 1:15–23 ESV

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Author: Paul

Audience: All the saints

Content: v18 - Once we know God, we become enlightened to eternity.

Context: Paul’s prayer for the saints.

Comparison: Eph 1:15 “Because I have heard of your faith...”

Explanation

Verse 17

Paul has not ceased praying for the saints for their wisdom and revelation.

Verse 18

having the eyes of your hearts enlightened

KJV “the eyes of your understanding”

Eye = how we perceive

Heart = how we internalize (understand)

ILLUSTRATION - Learning an instrument: thinking through vs on command

Many of us are saved, but still thinking through the idea of eternity instead of just living in its truth.

Here’s the evidence: Compare verse 15 to verse 18. Why would someone who already has faith need to be further enlightened? Because there is more to see and understand about the God who saved us; better understanding how we are saved helps us understand how He will work in and save others.

that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you

What is the hope? Rescue from our deserved punishment for our sinfulness.

what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints

MSG - (so you can) grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life He has for His followers.

Eternity changes how we live

In our destiny: Heaven vs Hell

In our lifestyle:

Application

Knowing God enlightens us to salvation

Acts 16:30–31 ESV

30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Knowing God enlightens us to obedience

John 14:15 ESV

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

John 14:21 ESV

21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

Knowing God enlightens us to ministry

2 Corinthians 5:20–21 ESV

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.