How do you define the word “see.” Take a few moments to formulate your answer.
Many
may
define
the
word
“see”
as
looking
through
our
eyes
at
something.
For
example,
right
now
you
are
seeing
these
words
as
you
read.
Our
eyes,
combined
with
our
other
four
senses
(hearing,
touch,
taste
and
smell)
provide
a
means
for
external
physical
“things”
to
enter
into
our
body,
heart,
soul
and spirit—where they are internally processed and influence us in various ways.
However,
the
definition
of
the
word
“see”
greatly
transcends
simply
looking
at
something
with
our
eyes—because
it
is
possible
to
“see”
without
our
eyes—which
is
an
attribute
designed
within
us
by
God. For example, the word “see” may also be defined as a:
•
Perception and understanding of meaning or importance (i.e. I “see” what you mean).
•
Visualization of things that are intangible (no present physical existence), such as:
o
What may occur in the future.
o
What we would like to eat for dinner.
o
Recalling a wonderful or bad past experience.
However,
those
who
ask
Jesus
to
be
their
Savior
and
Lord
are
able
to
visualize
an
entirely
new
dimension
as
their
eyes
are
opened
to
see
the
spiritual
realm.
This
foundational
truth
was
declared
by
Jesus
when
He
sent
Paul,
“To
open
their
eyes,
in
order
to
turn
them
from
darkness
to
light,
and
from
the power of Satan to God.” Acts 26:18
As our born-again eyes are opened we are able to see:
•
Spiritual light and darkness.
•
The miraculous transformation that is occurring within ourselves.
•
Others and the world around us from a different perspective.
This
transformation
from
within—including
the
ability
to
increasingly
see
within
the
spiritual
realm—is
because
those
who
are
born
again
receive
the
Holy
Spirit
promised
by
Jesus.
For
we
are
not
only
forgiven,
God
also
gives
us
the
Holy
Spirit
as
a
personal
helper,
teacher
and
guide—who
dwells
with
us, in us, and opens our spiritual eyes to God’s truths.
“If
you
love
Me,
keep
My
commandments.
And
I
will
pray
the
Father,
and
He
will
give
you
another
Helper,
that
He
may
abide
with
you
forever—the
Spirit
of
truth,
whom
the
world
cannot
receive,
because
it
neither
sees
Him
nor
knows
Him;
but
you
know
Him,
for
He
dwells
with
you
and
will
be
in
you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:15-18
Those who accept Jesus Christ will receive the Holy Spirit who:
•
Causes a behavioral transformation that emanates deep from within our heart.
•
Teaches us God’s word—as we discover His revelatory truths that were previously unseen.
•
Removes
the
“cataracts”
upon
our
“spiritual
eyes"
so
that
we
can
recognize
the
influence
of
the
spiritual world upon ourselves, others, and throughout the world.
“Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 13:11
Seeing
the
spiritual
realm
may
be
compared
to
the
production
of
a
movie.
For
what
we
see
and
experience
has
been
“created”
by
people
who
are
not
visible
in
the
movie—including
writers,
set
creators,
lighting
technicians,
graphic
artists,
costume
designers,
musicians,
and
directors.
Even
the
persona
portrayed
by
each
of
the
actors
are
influenced
by
those
who
are
“behind
the
scenes.”
In
a
similar
manner,
there
is
an
invisible
spiritual
realm
that
actively
attempts
to
influence
us
every
day.
However,
the
spiritual
realm
that
is
“behind
the
scenes”
is
segmented
into
two
opposing
forces:
one
obeys
God,
the
other
obeys
Satan;
one
seeks
to
open
our
eyes,
the
other
seeks
to
keep
them
closed;
one
seeks
to
free
us
from
sin,
the
other
seeks
to
strengthen
bondage
to
sin;
one
seeks
our
eternity
in
Heaven, the other seeks our eternity in Hell.
Scriptural Evidence of God’s “Behind the Scenes” Spiritual Influence:
•
“But
God
has
revealed
them
to
us
through
His
Spirit.
For
the
Spirit
searches
all
things,
yes,
the
deep
things
of
God.
For
what
man
knows
the
things
of
a
man
except
the
spirit
of
the
man
which
is
in
him?
Even
so
no
one
knows
the
things
of
God
except
the
Spirit
of
God.
Now
we
have
received,
not
the
spirit
of
the
world,
but
the
Spirit
who
is
from
God,
that
we
might
know
the
things
that
have
been freely given to us by God.”
1 Corinthians 2:10-12
•
“Or
do
you
not
know
that
your
body
is
the
temple
of
the
Holy
Spirit
who
is
in
you,
whom
you
have
from God, and you are not your own?”
1 Corinthians 6:19
•
“Are
they
not
all
ministering
spirits
sent
forth
to
minister
for
those
who
will
inherit
salvation?”
Hebrews 1:14
•
“And
we
know
that
all
things
work
together
for
good
to
those
who
love
God,
to
those
who
are
the
called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28
•
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
John 10:27
•
“Blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear.”
Matthew 13:16
Scriptural Evidence of Satan’s “Behind the Scenes” Spiritual Influence:
•
“For
we
do
not
wrestle
against
flesh
and
blood,
but
against
principalities,
against
powers,
against
the
rulers
of
the
darkness
of
this
age,
against
spiritual
hosts
of
wickedness
in
the
heavenly
places.”
Ephesians 6:12
•
“But
the
natural
man
does
not
receive
the
things
of
the
Spirit
of
God,
for
they
are
foolishness
to
him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
1 Corinthians 2:14
•
“Beloved,
do
not
believe
every
spirit,
but
test
the
spirits,
whether
they
are
of
God;
because
many
false prophets have gone out into the world.”
1 John 4:1
•
“You
once
walked
according
to
the
course
of
this
world,
according
to
the
prince
of
the
power
of
the
air,
the
spirit
who
now
works
in
the
sons
of
disobedience,
among
whom
also
we
all
once
conducted
ourselves
in
the
lusts
of
our
flesh,
fulfilling
the
desires
of
the
flesh
and
of
the
mind,
and
were
by
nature children of wrath, just as the others.”
Ephesians 2:2-3
•
“We
know
that
we
are
of
God,
and
the
whole
world
lies
under
the
sway
of
the
wicked
one.”
1
John
5:19
•
“That
they
may
come
to
their
senses
and
escape
the
snare
of
the
devil,
having
been
taken
captive
by him to do his will.”
2 Timothy 2:26
•
“But
even
if
our
gospel
is
veiled,
it
is
veiled
to
those
who
are
perishing,
whose
minds
the
god
of
this
age
has
blinded,
who
do
not
believe,
lest
the
light
of
the
gospel
of
the
glory
of
Christ,
who
is
the
image of God, should shine on them.”
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
We Are All Spiritually Blind From Birth
Jesus
of
Nazareth
is
a
movie
that
wonderfully
depicts
the
life,
ministry,
crucifixion,
and
resurrection
of
Jesus
Christ.
Click
on
the
picture
to
view
a
9-minute
segment
that
depicts
John
chapter
9
—when
Jesus
restored
the
sight
to
a
man
who
was
blind
from
birth—which
is analogous to our inability to see spiritually from birth, and why we must be born again.
Jesus
was
confronted
by
the
Pharisees
after
He
miraculously
restored
sight
to
a
man
who
was
blind
from
birth.
The
Pharisees
were
unable
to
see
the
truth
that
was
before
them
because
they
had
been
blind
since
birth,
and
because
their
sins
had
reinforced
their
inability
to
see.
They
rejected
the
healing
by
Jesus;
they
declared
it
was
not
from
God
because
the
blind
man
was
healed
on
the
Sabbath;
they
then
declared
Jesus
was
a
sinner
for
what
He
had
done.
Then
Jesus
declared,
“For
judgment
I
have
come
into
this
world,
that
those
who
do
not
see
may
see,
and
that
those
who
see
may
be
made
blind.”
John 9:39
We
are
all
like
the
man
who
was
blind
at
birth.
But
what’s
more,
we
were
also
like
the
Pharisees,
“
Whose
minds
the
god
of
this
age
has
blinded.”
2
Corinthians
4:4
For
it
requires
the
direct
intervention
of
the
Holy
Spirit
to
transform
our
blindness
into
sight—so
that
we
can
see
the
spiritual
realities
that
exist within us and around us.
As
we
grow
and
mature
in
Christ;
as
we
fervently
pray
for
spiritual
insight
and
wisdom;
as
we
diligently
read
the
Bible
;
as
we
obey
the
Holy
Spirit
;
and
as
we
seek
fellowship
with
believers
—our
spiritual
eyes will increasingly open so that we are able to:
•
Recognize the influence and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
•
Discern:
o
Between our own thoughts and His direction.
o
Those things within our heart and soul that:
▪
Obstructs God from working through us.
▪
Glorifies God.
•
See the:
o
Activity, influence and consequences of Satan and his minions.
o
Global events that are facilitating the fulfillment of end times prophecy.
Pray for Spiritual Insight and Wisdom
•
“That
the
God
of
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ,
the
Father
of
glory,
may
give
to
you
the
spirit
of
wisdom
and
revelation
in
the
knowledge
of
Him,
the
eyes
of
your
understanding
being
enlightened.”
Ephesians
1:17-18
•
“Call
to
me,
and
I
will
answer
you;
I
will
tell
you
wonderful
and
marvelous
things
that
you
know
nothing about.”
Jeremiah 33:3
•
“In
all
your
prayers
ask
God
for
what
you
need,
always
asking
him
with
a
thankful
heart.”
Philippians 4:6
•
“Seeing
then
that
we
have
a
great
High
Priest
who
has
passed
through
the
heavens,
Jesus
the
Son
of
God,
let
us
hold
fast
our
confession.
For
we
do
not
have
a
High
Priest
who
cannot
sympathize
with
our
weaknesses,
but
was
in
all
points
tempted
as
we
are,
yet
without
sin.
Let
us
therefore
come
boldly
to
the
throne
of
grace,
that
we
may
obtain
mercy
and
find
grace
to
help
in
time
of
need.”
Hebrews 4:14-16
Read and Internalize the Bible
•
“All
Scripture
is
given
by
inspiration
of
God,
and
is
profitable
for
doctrine,
for
reproof,
for
correction,
for
instruction
in
righteousness,
that
the
man
of
God
may
be
complete,
thoroughly
equipped
for
every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16
•
“For
the
word
of
God
is
living
and
powerful,
and
sharper
than
any
two-edged
sword,
piercing
even
to
the
division
of
soul
and
spirit,
and
of
joints
and
marrow,
and
is
a
discerner
of
the
thoughts
and
intents of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
Obey the Holy Spirit
•
“I
will
put
My
Spirit
within
you
and
cause
you
to
walk
in
My
statutes,
and
you
will
keep
My
judgments and do them.”
Ezekiel 36:27
•
“And
we
are
His
witnesses
to
these
things,
and
so
also
is
the
Holy
Spirit
whom
God
has
given
to
those who obey Him.”
Acts 5:32
•
“And
do
not
grieve
the
Holy
Spirit
of
God,
by
whom
you
were
sealed
for
the
day
of
redemption.”
Ephesians 4:30
•
“Whoever
is
faithful
in
small
matters
will
be
faithful
in
large
ones;
whoever
is
dishonest
in
small
matters will be dishonest in large ones.”
Luke 16:10
(Good News Translation)
Fellowship with Believers
•
“For
where
two
or
three
are
gathered
together
in
My
name,
I
am
there
in
the
midst
of
them.”
Matthew 18:20
•
“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
Proverbs 27:17
Visual Discomfort
As
your
eyes
are
spiritually
opened…be
prepared
to
see
things
that
are
unpleasant
and
difficult
to
look
at.
In truth…it can be disheartening to spiritually see the various consequences of sin and darkness.
•
Spiritual death and misery of someone who succumbs to Satan’s lies.
•
Caustic words that spews forth from hardened hearts.
•
Blind, obstinate, misdirected, and ineffective attempts to fill their empty souls.
•
Incomprehensible behavior that results in division, destruction and death.
However,
this
is
when
our
God
given
attributes
of
empathy,
compassion
and
the
ability
to
forgive—combined
with
our
memories
that
we
were
once
spiritually
dying
in
the
same
darkness—that
motivates us to share God’s love and the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the lost.
Note:
If
you
experience
any
form
of
condemnation,
criticism,
or
self-righteousness…your
heart
is
not
in
the
right
place.
Remember
the
response
of
Jesus—as
He
was
dying
on
the
cross
He
asked
the
Father to,
“Forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
Luke 23:34
In truth…it can also be scary to spiritually see the global events that are leading to the last days.
•
The world is being increasingly manipulated by the god of this earth.
•
Global economic foundations are failing due to unsustainable debt.
•
Political infrastructures are in turmoil.
•
The
degree
of
division
and
strife
between
nations
is
rising—thereby
increasing
the
probability
of
an
unprecedented global war.
•
Those
who
are
responsible
for
the
increased
global
instability
are
being
manipulated
by
demonic
entities—because
every
war,
every
battle,
every
skirmish,
every
murder,
every
argument,
and
every
sin…began as a deceitful lie…from the father of lies (
John 8:44
).
However, as we witness these events it will strengthen our resolve and will magnify our faith in God.
For additional information read “21 Signs of the Last Days” on UniqueBibleStudies.com.
Spiritual Sensitivity
Spiritual
sensitivity
is
an
aspect
of
the
opening
our
spiritual
eyes
that
is
difficult
to
describe—but
many
can
relate
to
it.
In
addition,
I
am
not
able
to
identify
scripture
that
directly
speaks
to
this
aspect
of
our
spiritual
growth.
Therefore,
the
following
content
is
based
upon
my
personal
experiences—and
other
Christians who have had similar experiences.
Spiritual
sensitivity
is
when
we
become
more
sensitive
to
(and
aware
of)
the
presence
of
spiritual
entities. This is when we can “feel” the presence of the Holy Spirit and/or the presence of evil.
My
best
attempt
to
describe
the
experience
of
being
in
the
presence
of
the
Holy
Spirit
is
a
feeling
of
being
enveloped
in
love,
forgiveness,
acceptance,
and
a
warm
illuminative
light.
This
is
when
tears
of
joy
will
often
emanate
from
the
depths
of
my
heart
and
soul
as
I
recognize
how
unworthy
I
am
to
receive
God’s
grace,
mercy
and
love.
We
may
may
encounter
these
experiences
while
in
church,
in
a
bible study group, and during personal prayer and worship.
Whereas,
when
in
the
presence
of
evil,
I
have
felt
hatred,
condemnation,
repulsive
anger,
and
an
oppressive
darkness.
We
may
encounter
these
experiences
when
we
are
in
an
area
where
sin
abounds, or when we are with someone who is demonically controlled.
Our
enhanced
spiritual
sensitivity
is
due
to
our
“internal”
workings
by
the
Holy
Spirit—which
provides
us
with two benefits:
1
.
We are able to experience blessings that are a “taste” of what it will be like on the “other side.”
2
.
Warns us of potential danger, and to put on the full armor of God (
Ephesians 6:10-18
).
“You
are
of
God,
little
children,
and
have
overcome
them,
because
He
who
is
in
you
is
greater
than
he
who is in the world. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” 1 John 4:4, 6
In
summary,
it
is
important
for
every
Christian
to
be
aware
of
the
need
to
open
our
spiritual
eyes.
For
as we are able to see “behind the scenes,” it will:
•
Enable us to discern between the enlightenment of God’s truths and the darkness of Satan’s lies.
•
Strengthen our hope, belief, faith, and trust in our Savior and Lord.
I
pray
that,
“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.”
Ephesians 1:18
All for His Glory
Harold D. Thomas
Thought Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
topic,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader,
or
church
pastor.
The
questions
should
be
answered
or
discussed
after
reading
“Open
Your
Spiritual
Eyes.”
In
addition,
the
questions
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
personal
opinions
and/or
discovering
how
the
lesson
content
relates
to
our
personal
lives.
As
such,
no
answers are provided.
Questions
•
Identify at least 3 reasons why it is important for Christians to open their spiritual eyes.
•
The lesson compared the spiritual realm to the production of a movie. From a spiritual perspective:
o
How would you define the messaging that is depicted in the majority of movies today?
o
Does this messaging reveal “behind the scenes” efforts to reinforce sin and darkness?
o
Can
you
identify
messaging
content
in
other
communication
mediums
that
reinforce
sin
and
darkness?
•
The lesson states that we are all spiritually blind from birth. Do you agree or disagree?
•
The lesson lists 4 things we can do to facilitate the opening of our spiritual eyes.
o
Which do you think is most important?
o
Which one should you increase in your daily walk with Jesus?
•
The
lesson
listed
examples
of
visual
discomfort
that
may
be
experienced
as
our
spiritual
eyes
are
opened.
o
Have you experienced any of these examples?
o
If yes, how did you respond?
•
Why
is
it
important
to
consider
the
attitude
of
our
heart
when
we
encounter
someone
who
is
bound
by sin?
o
Which attitudes of our heart reflects Jesus in this situation?
o
Which attitudes of our heart are potentially harmful in this situation?
•
Is
there
a
correlation
between
spiritual
insight
and
Godly
wisdom?
If
yes,
can
you
identify
examples?
•
Did you learn anything new from this lesson?
You may do
wnload a PDF version of the questions by clicking this button.
The words of Jesus Christ are in
red text.
The words of Jesus
are in red text.
How
do
you
define
the
word
“see.”
Take
a
few
moments
to formulate your answer.
Many
may
define
the
word
“see”
as
looking
through
our
eyes
at
something.
For
example,
right
now
you
are
seeing
these
words
as
you
read.
Our
eyes,
combined
with
our
other
four
senses
(hearing,
touch,
taste
and
smell)
provide
a
means
for
external
physical
“things”
to
enter
into
our
body,
heart,
soul
and
spirit—where
they
are
internally processed and influence us in various ways.
However,
the
definition
of
the
word
“see”
greatly
transcends
simply
looking
at
something
with
our
eyes—because
it
is
possible
to
“see”
without
our
eyes—which
is
an
attribute
designed
within
us
by
God.
For example, the word “see” may also be defined as a:
•
Perception
and
understanding
of
meaning
or
importance (i.e. I “see” what you mean).
•
Visualization
of
things
that
are
intangible
(no
present
physical existence), such as:
o
What may occur in the future.
o
What we would like to eat for dinner.
o
Recalling a wonderful or bad past experience.
However,
those
who
ask
Jesus
to
be
their
Savior
and
Lord
are
able
to
visualize
an
entirely
new
dimension
as
their
eyes
are
opened
to
see
the
spiritual
realm.
This
foundational
truth
was
declared
by
Jesus
when
He
sent
Paul,
“To
open
their
eyes,
in
order
to
turn
them
from
darkness
to
light,
and
from
the
power
of
Satan
to
God.”
Acts 26:18
As our born-again eyes are opened we are able to see:
•
Spiritual light and darkness.
•
The
miraculous
transformation
that
is
occurring
within
ourselves.
•
Others
and
the
world
around
us
from
a
different
perspective.
This
transformation
from
within—including
the
ability
to
increasingly
see
within
the
spiritual
realm—is
because
those
who
are
born
again
receive
the
Holy
Spirit
promised
by
Jesus.
For
we
are
not
only
forgiven,
God
also
gives
us
the
Holy
Spirit
as
a
personal
helper,
teacher
and
guide—who
dwells
with
us,
in
us,
and
opens
our
spiritual eyes to God’s truths.
“If
you
love
Me,
keep
My
commandments.
And
I
will
pray
the
Father,
and
He
will
give
you
another
Helper,
that
He
may
abide
with
you
forever—the
Spirit
of
truth,
whom
the
world
cannot
receive,
because
it
neither
sees
Him
nor
knows
Him;
but
you
know
Him,
for
He
dwells
with
you
and
will
be
in
you.
I
will
not
leave
you
orphans;
I
will
come to you.” John 14:15-18
Those
who
accept
Jesus
Christ
will
receive
the
Holy
Spirit who:
•
Causes
a
behavioral
transformation
that
emanates
deep from within our heart.
•
Teaches
us
God’s
word—as
we
discover
His
revelatory truths that were previously unseen.
•
Removes
the
“cataracts”
upon
our
“spiritual
eyes"
so
that
we
can
recognize
the
influence
of
the
spiritual
world
upon
ourselves,
others,
and
throughout
the
world.
“Because
it
has
been
given
to
you
to
know
the
mysteries
of the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 13:11
Seeing
the
spiritual
realm
may
be
compared
to
the
production
of
a
movie.
For
what
we
see
and
experience
has
been
“created”
by
people
who
are
not
visible
in
the
movie—including
writers,
set
creators,
lighting
technicians,
graphic
artists,
costume
designers,
musicians,
and
directors.
Even
the
persona
portrayed
by
each
of
the
actors
are
influenced
by
those
who
are
“behind
the
scenes.”
In
a
similar
manner,
there
is
an
invisible
spiritual
realm
that
actively
attempts
to
influence
us
every
day.
However,
the
spiritual
realm
that
is
“behind
the
scenes”
is
segmented
into
two
opposing
forces:
one
obeys
God,
the
other
obeys
Satan;
one
seeks
to
open
our
eyes,
the
other
seeks
to
keep
them
closed;
one
seeks
to
free
us
from
sin,
the
other
seeks
to
strengthen
bondage
to
sin;
one
seeks
our
eternity
in
Heaven,
the
other seeks our eternity in Hell.
Scriptural
Evidence
of
God’s
“Behind
the
Scenes”
Spiritual Influence:
•
“But
God
has
revealed
them
to
us
through
His
Spirit.
For
the
Spirit
searches
all
things,
yes,
the
deep
things
of
God.
For
what
man
knows
the
things
of
a
man
except
the
spirit
of
the
man
which
is
in
him?
Even
so
no
one
knows
the
things
of
God
except
the
Spirit
of
God.
Now
we
have
received,
not
the
spirit
of
the
world,
but
the
Spirit
who
is
from
God,
that
we
might
know
the
things
that
have
been
freely
given
to
us
by
God.”
1 Corinthians 2:10-12
•
“Or
do
you
not
know
that
your
body
is
the
temple
of
the
Holy
Spirit
who
is
in
you,
whom
you
have
from
God, and you are not your own?”
1 Corinthians 6:19
•
“Are
they
not
all
ministering
spirits
sent
forth
to
minister
for
those
who
will
inherit
salvation?”
Hebrews 1:14
•
“And
we
know
that
all
things
work
together
for
good
to
those
who
love
God,
to
those
who
are
the
called
according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28
•
“My
sheep
hear
My
voice,
and
I
know
them,
and
they
follow Me.”
John 10:27
•
“Blessed
are
your
eyes
for
they
see,
and
your
ears
for
they hear.”
Matthew 13:16
Scriptural
Evidence
of
Satan’s
“Behind
the
Scenes”
Spiritual Influence:
•
“For
we
do
not
wrestle
against
flesh
and
blood,
but
against
principalities,
against
powers,
against
the
rulers
of
the
darkness
of
this
age,
against
spiritual
hosts
of
wickedness
in
the
heavenly
places.”
Ephesians 6:12
•
“But
the
natural
man
does
not
receive
the
things
of
the
Spirit
of
God,
for
they
are
foolishness
to
him;
nor
can
he
know
them,
because
they
are
spiritually
discerned.”
1 Corinthians 2:14
•
“Beloved,
do
not
believe
every
spirit,
but
test
the
spirits,
whether
they
are
of
God;
because
many
false
prophets have gone out into the world.”
1 John 4:1
•
“You
once
walked
according
to
the
course
of
this
world,
according
to
the
prince
of
the
power
of
the
air,
the
spirit
who
now
works
in
the
sons
of
disobedience,
among
whom
also
we
all
once
conducted
ourselves
in
the
lusts
of
our
flesh,
fulfilling
the
desires
of
the
flesh
and
of
the
mind,
and
were
by
nature
children
of
wrath,
just as the others.”
Ephesians 2:2-3
•
“We
know
that
we
are
of
God,
and
the
whole
world
lies under the sway of the wicked one.”
1 John 5:19
•
“That
they
may
come
to
their
senses
and
escape
the
snare
of
the
devil,
having
been
taken
captive
by
him
to do his will.”
2 Timothy 2:26
•
“But
even
if
our
gospel
is
veiled,
it
is
veiled
to
those
who
are
perishing,
whose
minds
the
god
of
this
age
has
blinded,
who
do
not
believe,
lest
the
light
of
the
gospel
of
the
glory
of
Christ,
who
is
the
image
of
God,
should shine on them.”
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
We Are All Spiritually Blind From Birth
Jesus
of
Nazareth
is
a
movie
that
wonderfully
depicts
the
life,
ministry,
crucifixion,
and
resurrection
of
Jesus
Christ.
Click
on
the
picture
to
view
a
9-minute
segment
that
depicts
John
chapter
9
—when
Jesus
restored
the
sight
to
a
man
who
was
blind
from
birth—which
is
analogous
to
our
inability
to
see
spiritually
from
birth,
and
why we must be born again.
Jesus
was
confronted
by
the
Pharisees
after
He
miraculously
restored
sight
to
a
man
who
was
blind
from
birth.
The
Pharisees
were
unable
to
see
the
truth
that
was
before
them
because
they
had
been
blind
since
birth,
and
because
their
sins
had
reinforced
their
inability
to
see.
They
rejected
the
healing
by
Jesus;
they
declared
it
was
not
from
God
because
the
blind
man
was
healed
on
the
Sabbath;
they
then
declared
Jesus
was
a
sinner
for
what
He
had
done.
Then
Jesus
declared,
“For
judgment
I
have
come
into
this
world,
that
those
who
do
not
see
may
see,
and
that
those
who
see
may
be
made
blind.” John 9:39
We
are
all
like
the
man
who
was
blind
at
birth.
But
what’s
more,
we
were
also
like
the
Pharisees,
“
Whose
minds
the
god
of
this
age
has
blinded.”
2
Corinthians
4:4
For
it
requires
the
direct
intervention
of
the
Holy
Spirit
to
transform
our
blindness
into
sight—so
that
we
can
see
the spiritual realities that exist within us and around us.
As
we
grow
and
mature
in
Christ;
as
we
fervently
pray
for
spiritual
insight
and
wisdom;
as
we
diligently
read
the
Bible
;
as
we
obey
the
Holy
Spirit
;
and
as
we
seek
fellowship
with
believers
—our
spiritual
eyes
will
increasingly open so that we are able to:
•
Recognize
the
influence
and
guidance
of
the
Holy
Spirit.
•
Discern:
o
Between our own thoughts and His direction.
o
Those things within our heart and soul that:
▪
Obstructs God from working through us.
▪
Glorifies God.
•
See the:
o
Activity,
influence
and
consequences
of
Satan
and
his minions.
o
Global
events
that
are
facilitating
the
fulfillment
of
end times prophecy.
Pray for Spiritual Insight and Wisdom
•
“That
the
God
of
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ,
the
Father
of
glory,
may
give
to
you
the
spirit
of
wisdom
and
revelation
in
the
knowledge
of
Him,
the
eyes
of
your
understanding being enlightened.”
Ephesians 1:17-18
•
“Call
to
me,
and
I
will
answer
you;
I
will
tell
you
wonderful
and
marvelous
things
that
you
know
nothing
about.”
Jeremiah 33:3
•
“In
all
your
prayers
ask
God
for
what
you
need,
always
asking him with a thankful heart.”
Philippians 4:6
•
“Seeing
then
that
we
have
a
great
High
Priest
who
has
passed
through
the
heavens,
Jesus
the
Son
of
God,
let
us
hold
fast
our
confession.
For
we
do
not
have
a
High
Priest
who
cannot
sympathize
with
our
weaknesses,
but
was
in
all
points
tempted
as
we
are,
yet
without
sin.
Let
us
therefore
come
boldly
to
the
throne
of
grace,
that
we
may
obtain
mercy
and
find
grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:14-16
Read and Internalize the Bible
•
“All
Scripture
is
given
by
inspiration
of
God,
and
is
profitable
for
doctrine,
for
reproof,
for
correction,
for
instruction
in
righteousness,
that
the
man
of
God
may
be
complete,
thoroughly
equipped
for
every
good
work.”
2 Timothy 3:16
•
“For
the
word
of
God
is
living
and
powerful,
and
sharper
than
any
two-edged
sword,
piercing
even
to
the
division
of
soul
and
spirit,
and
of
joints
and
marrow,
and
is
a
discerner
of
the
thoughts
and
intents
of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
Obey the Holy Spirit
•
“I
will
put
My
Spirit
within
you
and
cause
you
to
walk
in
My
statutes,
and
you
will
keep
My
judgments
and
do
them.”
Ezekiel 36:27
•
“And
we
are
His
witnesses
to
these
things,
and
so
also
is
the
Holy
Spirit
whom
God
has
given
to
those
who obey Him.”
Acts 5:32
•
“And
do
not
grieve
the
Holy
Spirit
of
God,
by
whom
you
were
sealed
for
the
day
of
redemption.”
Ephesians 4:30
•
“Whoever
is
faithful
in
small
matters
will
be
faithful
in
large
ones;
whoever
is
dishonest
in
small
matters
will
be
dishonest
in
large
ones.”
Luke
16:10
(Good
News
Translation)
Fellowship with Believers
•
“For
where
two
or
three
are
gathered
together
in
My
name,
I
am
there
in
the
midst
of
them.”
Matthew
18:20
•
“As
iron
sharpens
iron,
so
a
man
sharpens
the
countenance of his friend.”
Proverbs 27:17
Visual Discomfort
As
your
eyes
are
spiritually
opened…be
prepared
to
see
things that are unpleasant and difficult to look at.
In
truth…it
can
be
disheartening
to
spiritually
see
the
various consequences of sin and darkness.
•
Spiritual
death
and
misery
of
someone
who
succumbs
to Satan’s lies.
•
Caustic words that spews forth from hardened hearts.
•
Blind,
obstinate,
misdirected,
and
ineffective
attempts
to fill their empty souls.
•
Incomprehensible
behavior
that
results
in
division,
destruction and death.
However,
this
is
when
our
God
given
attributes
of
empathy,
compassion
and
the
ability
to
forgive—combined
with
our
memories
that
we
were
once
spiritually
dying
in
the
same
darkness—that
motivates
us
to
share
God’s
love
and
the
Gospel
of
Jesus Christ with the lost.
Note:
If
you
experience
any
form
of
condemnation,
criticism,
or
self-righteousness…your
heart
is
not
in
the
right
place.
Remember
the
response
of
Jesus—as
He
was
dying
on
the
cross
He
asked
the
Father
to,
“Forgive
them, for they do not know what they do.”
Luke 23:34
In
truth…it
can
also
be
scary
to
spiritually
see
the
global
events that are leading to the last days.
•
The
world
is
being
increasingly
manipulated
by
the
god of this earth.
•
Global
economic
foundations
are
failing
due
to
unsustainable debt.
•
Political infrastructures are in turmoil.
•
The
degree
of
division
and
strife
between
nations
is
rising—thereby
increasing
the
probability
of
an
unprecedented global war.
•
Those
who
are
responsible
for
the
increased
global
instability
are
being
manipulated
by
demonic
entities—because
every
war,
every
battle,
every
skirmish,
every
murder,
every
argument,
and
every
sin…began
as
a
deceitful
lie…from
the
father
of
lies
(
John 8:44
).
However,
as
we
witness
these
events
it
will
strengthen
our resolve and will magnify our faith in God.
For
additional
information
read
“21
Signs
of
the
Last
Days” on UniqueBibleStudies.com.
Spiritual Sensitivity
Spiritual
sensitivity
is
an
aspect
of
the
opening
our
spiritual
eyes
that
is
difficult
to
describe—but
many
can
relate
to
it.
In
addition,
I
am
not
able
to
identify
scripture
that
directly
speaks
to
this
aspect
of
our
spiritual
growth.
Therefore,
the
following
content
is
based
upon
my
personal
experiences—and
other
Christians
who
have
had similar experiences.
Spiritual
sensitivity
is
when
we
become
more
sensitive
to
(and
aware
of)
the
presence
of
spiritual
entities.
This
is
when
we
can
“feel”
the
presence
of
the
Holy
Spirit
and/or
the presence of evil.
My
best
attempt
to
describe
the
experience
of
being
in
the
presence
of
the
Holy
Spirit
is
a
feeling
of
being
enveloped
in
love,
forgiveness,
acceptance,
and
a
warm
illuminative
light.
This
is
when
tears
of
joy
will
often
emanate
from
the
depths
of
my
heart
and
soul
as
I
recognize
how
unworthy
I
am
to
receive
God’s
grace,
mercy
and
love.
We
may
may
encounter
these
experiences
while
in
church,
in
a
bible
study
group,
and
during personal prayer and worship.
Whereas,
when
in
the
presence
of
evil,
I
have
felt
hatred,
condemnation,
repulsive
anger,
and
an
oppressive
darkness.
We
may
encounter
these
experiences
when
we
are
in
an
area
where
sin
abounds,
or
when
we
are
with someone who is demonically controlled.
Our
enhanced
spiritual
sensitivity
is
due
to
our
“internal”
workings
by
the
Holy
Spirit—which
provides
us
with
two
benefits:
1
.
We
are
able
to
experience
blessings
that
are
a
“taste” of what it will be like on the “other side.”
2
.
Warns
us
of
potential
danger,
and
to
put
on
the
full
armor of God (
Ephesians 6:10-18
).
“You
are
of
God,
little
children,
and
have
overcome
them,
because
He
who
is
in
you
is
greater
than
he
who
is
in
the
world.
By
this
we
know
the
spirit
of
truth
and
the
spirit
of
error.” 1 John 4:4, 6
In
summary,
it
is
important
for
every
Christian
to
be
aware
of
the
need
to
open
our
spiritual
eyes.
For
as
we
are
able to see “behind the scenes,” it will:
•
Enable
us
to
discern
between
the
enlightenment
of
God’s truths and the darkness of Satan’s lies.
•
Strengthen
our
hope,
belief,
faith,
and
trust
in
our
Savior and Lord.
I
pray
that,
“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.”
Ephesians 1:18
All for His Glory,
Harold D. Thomas
Thought Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
topic,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader,
or
church
pastor.
The
questions
should
be
answered
or
discussed
after
reading
“Open
Your
Spiritual
Eyes.”
In
addition,
the
questions
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
personal
opinions
and/or
discovering
how
the
lesson
content
relates
to
our
personal
lives.
As
such, no answers are provided.
Questions
•
Identify
at
least
3
reasons
why
it
is
important
for
Christians to open their spiritual eyes.
•
The
lesson
compared
the
spiritual
realm
to
the
production of a movie. From a spiritual perspective:
o
How
would
you
define
the
messaging
that
is
depicted in the majority of movies today?
o
Does
this
messaging
reveal
“behind
the
scenes”
efforts to reinforce sin and darkness?
o
Can
you
identify
messaging
content
in
other
communication
mediums
that
reinforce
sin
and
darkness?
•
The
lesson
states
that
we
are
all
spiritually
blind
from
birth. Do you agree or disagree?
•
The
lesson
lists
4
things
we
can
do
to
facilitate
the
opening of our spiritual eyes.
o
Which do you think is most important?
o
Which
one
should
you
increase
in
your
daily
walk
with Jesus?
•
The
lesson
listed
examples
of
visual
discomfort
that
may be experienced as our spiritual eyes are opened.
o
Have you experienced any of these examples?
o
If yes, how did you respond?
•
Why
is
it
important
to
consider
the
attitude
of
our
heart
when we encounter someone who is bound by sin?
o
Which
attitudes
of
our
heart
reflects
Jesus
in
this
situation?
o
Which
attitudes
of
our
heart
are
potentially
harmful
in this situation?
•
Is
there
a
correlation
between
spiritual
insight
and
Godly wisdom? If yes, can you identify examples?
•
Did you learn anything new from this lesson?
You
may
download
a
P
DF
version
of
the
questions
by
clicking on this button.
