Ii Kings 6:17
The sermon emphasizes the existence of the spirit world and the importance of having our eyes opened to see the spiritual realm, where we can have complete victory over the foes of darkness through Jesus Christ.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of spiritual awareness through the story of Elisha and his servant, who initially sees only the physical threat of the Syrian army. Elisha prays for his servant's eyes to be opened, revealing the greater spiritual reality of God's angelic protection surrounding them. The sermon highlights the existence of the spirit world, the ongoing spiritual warfare, and the need for believers to shift their perspective from the physical to the spiritual. By recognizing that those who are with us are greater than those against us, we can find hope and victory in Christ. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to seek a deeper understanding of their spiritual surroundings and the power of God.
Text
"EYES TO SEE"
Intro: Elisha reveals the plans of Ben-Hadad. He orders him captured.
Surrounds Dothan with troops Elisha's servant cries out in
despair. Elisha prays that his eyes may be opened.
I. THE BIBLE DECLARES THE EXISTENCE OF THE SPIRIT WORLD.
A. Great men of God were spiritually aware.
1. Abraham (entertained the angels).
2. Moses (burning bush..
3. Joshua (captain of Lord's host).
4. Ezekiel (spiritual visions).
5. Daniel (visited by angels).
6. Peter (angel led him out of prison).
7. Paul (angel stood by him in storm..
B. Spirit forces of good and evil.
1. God created many ranks of spirit beings to serve Him,
called angels.
2. One of the top ranked angels rebelled against Him.
a. The scripture indicates that 1/3 joined in.
3. They now war against God's faithful angels and His saints.
a. Angel told Daniel of conflict and capture
until release by Michael.
b. "We wrestle not against flesh and blood."
C. We are involved in spiritual warfare.
1. They can cause physical maladies.
a. Paul speaks of his stake in the flesh.
b. Jesus spoke of woman bound by Satan for
eighteen years.
D. Jesus in His death and resurrection triumphed over all the
foes of darkness.
1. They are still fighting against us.
2. In Him we can have complete victory.
II. ELISHA'S SERVANT CRIED IN DESPAIR, "ALAS."
A. He saw the Syrian army had surrounded the city, the
situation looked hopeless.
1. Elisha said don't be afraid we have them outnumbered.
2. Then He asked God to open the servants eyes.
a. He then saw the chariots of fire ringing the mountain.
B. How differently things look when your eyes are opened.
1. Looking at the physical, we are surrounded, we
haven't got a chance.
2. Looking at the spiritual, they are surrounded, they
haven't got a chance.
C. Our problem is looking only at the physical.
1. We see the hopelessness of our situations.
2. We cannot see anyway out.
3. We cry out in despair.
D. Our solution a new perspective.
1. That our eyes may be opened.
a. They that are with us are more than be with them.
b. "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the
world."
E. Looking at world scene today.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The Bible Declares the Existence of the Spirit World - Great Men of God Were Spiritually Aware - Spirit Forces of Good and Evil - We Are Involved in Spiritual Warfare - Jesus Triumphed Over Darkness
- II points: - Elisha's Servant Cried in Despair - How Differently Things Look When Your Eyes Are Opened - Our Problem Is Looking Only at the Physical - Our Solution Is a New Perspective
Key Quotes
“They that are with us are more than be with them.” — Chuck Smith
“Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” — Chuck Smith
“We wrestle not against flesh and blood.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must look beyond the physical realm and see the spiritual reality, where God's power and protection surround us.
- We can have complete victory over the foes of darkness through faith in Jesus Christ.
- We must pray for our eyes to be opened to see the spiritual realm and its significance in our lives.