Open Your Eyes
Open Your Eyes
Topic: Spiritual Vision and Blindness
Paul speaks about humanity as being spiritually blind and unable to comprehend divine truths.
In 2 Corinthians 4:4, he states: "In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
This blindness is the inability which prevents man from seeing the glory of Christ.
Perception and Insight
The word "eye" is rich in meaning and symbolism throughout the Bible, serving as a powerful metaphor for perception, insight, and spiritual awareness. Also, it’s the ability to see both the physical and the spiritual realms.
Mat 6:22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. So if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.
Mat 6:23 But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. Therefore, if the light within you has turned into darkness, how great is that darkness!"
THE CRUCIAL NEED FOR SPIRITUAL VISION
The Eye of the Heart
This metaphorical use of "eye" speaks to the spiritual vision that allows deeper truths of God’s calling and the hope found in Christ.
In Ephesians 1:18, Paul prays that "the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you."
THE "EYE OF THE HEART" ENCOURAGES SPIRITUAL AWAKENING, AND TO CONNECTS WITH GOD’S PURPOSE FOR OUR LIVES.
Spiritual Importance of the word Eye
This word is used figuratively in the expressions of the following:
“Evil eye” (Mat 20:15),
Is thine we evil because I am good? - The Hebrews used the word evil, when applied to the eye, to denote one envious and malicious, Deu_15:9; Pro_23:6.
The eye is called evil in such cases, because envy and malice show themselves directly in the eye. No passions are so fully expressed by the eye as these.
“Haughty eyes” Pro 6:17
Pro 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Pro 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Pro 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Pro 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Haughty eyes. “A proud look.” Pride is frequently represented in the Bible as an offence to the Holy God.
Haughtiness, conceitedness of ourselves, and contempt of others - a proud look.
Haughtiness is an abomination, because it implies—
1. Self-ignorance.
2. Unkindness.
3. Irreverence.
“Wanton eyes” (Isa 3:16)
Wanton eyes are described as A self-indulgent lewd or lascivious (Lustful) gaze characterized by a lack of restraint and excess.
Flirting with ones eyes
This term particularly refers to alluring or seductive eyes, especially in women, as noted in biblical texts like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Wanton eyes symbolize temptation and the need for moral vigilance, addressing the broader theme of desire and temptation within the faith.
“Eyes full of adultery” (2Pe 2:14)
2Pe 2:14 With eyes full of adultery, they cannot get enough of sin. They seduce unsteady souls and have had their hearts expertly trained in greed.
The phrase is simply a bold method of expressing the sensual passion of the men,—men whose eyes burned with impure fires, whose adulterous lust gleamed in their eyes.
“The lust of the eyes” (1Jn 2:16)
That which is designed merely to gratify the sight. This would include, of course, costly clothes, jewels, gorgeous furniture, splendid palaces, pleasure-grounds, etc.
The desire of seeing unlawful sights for the sake of the sinful pleasure to be derived from the sight.
“Eye-service eyes” (Eph 6:6; Col 3:22).
Eph 6:6 And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.
Eye service refers to performing tasks only when being observed, often to create the appearance of diligence rather than genuine effort. It is commonly associated with a lack of sincerity in work or service
Singleness of heart is to be your best at all times. Looking to be your best.
“Bountiful eye” (Pro 22:9),
The passage before us speaks of bounty in man, and blessedness from God.
The term is used in Scripture in a moral point of view, and describes a moral caring, state of the mind.
“A bountiful eye”—one through which the soul looks in tender compassion—one that “considers the cause of the poor” (Psa_41:1)—one that compares and contrives—one that “affects the heart,” stirs it up to feel, and moves the hand to minister.
It does not shun misery, “passing by” (like the priest and Levite) “on the other side.”
It looks with love and compassion of God, and says, “If God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?”
It looks to the right end, even the glory of God and the good of man; and looks for a right reward—not the
approbation of man, but to please God.
JESUS ALSO TELLS US;
In Matthew 5:29, Jesus says that if your right eye causes you to sin, you should pluck it out and throw it away.
THE PASSAGE IS PART OF THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT AND IS WRITTEN IN EXTREME, EXAGGERATED (HYPERBOLIC) LANGUAGE TO STRESS REMOVING ANYTHING THAT LEADS TO SIN
WE ALL NEED TO HAVE OUR EYES SPIRITUAL CHECKED
Haughty eyes
Do I only see or find only the faults of others?
Evil eyes
“The face is the mirror of the mind, and eyes without speaking confess the secrets of the heart.” – Jerome
Wanton eyes
Is your life full of self-seeking?
Eyes full of adultery
Your eyes burn with impure fires?
The lust of the eyes
Many see only selfishly what only benefits themselves, Jesus see’s the needs hurts and hang-ups of people all around him
Eye-service eyes
Which is more important to you: What God thinks of you or what others think about you.
Hopefully you will have “Bountiful eye”
The passage before us speaks of bounty in man, and blessedness from God.
You have a moral caring state of the mind.
Your soul looks in tender compassion and moves your hand to minister.
You can’t simply pass by because you are thankful because God loves you.
Profound changes that take place when God opens your spiritual eyes.
1. Awareness of God’s Presence
2. Deeper Revelations of God’s Love
3. Clarity of Guidance for your personal Walk with God
4. The ability of having Spiritual Discernment in life issues
5. You’re Love and Compassion increases.
6. A deeper understand on God’s Truth
7. Your are more Sensitive to Spiritual Warfare
8. You have an Increased Desire for Holiness
9. Understand what is hindering you
Open Your Eyes
