The thrust of Paul’s ministry was the opening of man’s spiritual eyes to see what God had done in Christ for man’s total salvation. After his undeniable encounter he was commissioned by the Lord Jesus to go open the eyes of the Jews and the Gentiles.
Acts 26:17-18
17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
18 To open their eyes…, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Open Their Eyes
Spiritual blindness is the greatest barrier to enjoying what God has provided for you in Christ. Saul’s transformation was rooted in what he saw. His spiritual eyes were opened and he saw what would turn his life around.
Acts 26:18
To open their eyes…, and to turn them from darkness to light, andfrom the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
This would become Paul’s major prayer for all the churches he pioneered. The truth is whatever binds us is indicative of a degree of blindness in that particular area. Hear Paul praying in Ephesians 1:18: “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.” See what will be ignited in us when this prayer is answered in our own lives. It is impossible to walk in the fullness of your inheritance in Christ when you are spiritually blind.
Turn Them from Darkness to Light
Acts 26:18
To open their eyes…, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Whenever your eyes open is a turning point. Once man’s eyes open they will turn from darkness to light. Darkness is ignorance and light is revealed knowledge.
Rule and Subdue the Earth!
Please stay tuned for the concluding part of this message next week.