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.

"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.