Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 47

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints."

Text: Ephesians 1:18

THE EYES OF UNDERSTANDING

We are introduced to a “new” dimension of thought in the phrase “eyes of your understanding”. (In the Greek text, the phrase is literally “the eyes of your heart”.) What did Paul have in mind here? He seems to suggest that there are at least two dimensions to ponder over.

1. Contents

a) The contents would be what Paul had presented as the revelation of God (Ephesians 1:3-14)
b) More specifically these contents focus on:-
i) The will of God
ii) The salvation plan of God

2. Dimensions of Comprehension

a) The thoughts of Paul were pitched at the intellect.
b) The intellect must be combined with appreciation from “the eyes of the heart”.

THE PRAYER FOR ENLIGHTENMENT

How do we understand this phrase, “being enlightened”? Let us consider the following process.

1. Light must be brought in

The word translated “enlightened” is an interesting word. The idea of “light” must be noted. Where once there was darkness, light has now come in. This is the special work of the Spirit of God. He brings light to the believer so that in this new spiritual light, he can see things far better.

2. Focus on the results of having received light

Paul’s focus in this prayer is on the result of having being enlightened. (This is the significance of the use of the Greek perfect tense. There is notice of how the past affects the present. The prayer is made to God for enlightenment from the Spirit of God. That prayer is answered and there is now enlightenment.)

ILLUSTRATIVE PRAYERS OF THE PSALMISTS

The psalmist David showed understanding of the need for enlightenment. The following texts demonstrate this understanding.

“Consider and hear me, O LORD my God;
Enlighten my eyes…”
PSALM 13:3

“For You will light my lamp;
The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.”
PSALM 18:28

How we need to offer the famous prayer found in the following text.

“Open my eyes, that I may see
Wondrous things from Your law.”
PSALM 119:18