Ephesians-Study-Guide.pdf

STUDY GUIDE

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EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 1

INTRODUCTION

The book of Ephesians is six chapters long, containing 155 verses of rich and

wonderful text that speak to the mind, heart, and soul. The book of Ephesians

has played a crucial role in the Church throughout the ages in terms of the

theology it teaches and the practice it informs. Famous pastor and theologian

John Calvin stated that it was his favorite part of the Bible. Poet Samuel

Taylor Coleridge described it as “the divinest composition of man.” Many New

Testament scholars say it is the pinnacle of Paul’s work. For the next 13 weeks,

we invite you to join with us in exploring the richness of the book of Ephesians.

Of all the letters within the New Testament, Ephesians is one that could

have most likely been written to the modern church. When Paul wrote, he

was typically writing in response to a particular situation. Yet in the book of

Ephesians, we see something dierent. Paul writes this letter to churches in

Asia Minor with no specific occasion or problem in mind. Paul simply writes

this letter to bring about encouragement in the Gospel, while oering practical

insight on how to live in light of the Gospel.

Author/date/background

The very first verse of Ephesians states that Paul is the author of this book.

While there is some debate out there regarding whether Paul really wrote this

letter or not, we must take the author at his word here at the beginning and see

that it is Paul who penned this letter speaking truth (4:15, 25). Paul mentions

How to Use This Guide

This guide has been specifically prepared with you in mind. It will help life

groups grow deeper together in relationship with God and one another. Each

week there are conversations starters to help get things rolling, followed

by questions for discussion based on the text. Each week wraps up with

personal applications and things to pray for to help you grow spiritually.

We realize you may not be able to get to every question. Pick the ones that

would best work for your group. Obviously, you are more than welcome

to pull in other resources, or highlights from the sermons each week. Our

hope is that by participating in this study, you will have a firmer grasp on the

Scriptures and a stronger connection with Christ.

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 2

INTRODUCTION

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 2

his chains and imprisonment three times in this book (3:1; 4:1; 6:20). Therefore,

many scholars believe the date of this book to be 62 A.D. when Paul was in

Rome (Acts 28). During this same period, Paul also wrote Colossians, Philemon,

and Philippians. These four epistles are now commonly referred to as the

“prison epistles.”

While the letter is called “Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians”, it is best understood

that the letter was not solely intended for the church in Ephesus. It was written

more like a general letter that would have been circulated throughout Asia

Minor (modern-day Turkey) that existed around Ephesus. This is because the

words “in Ephesus” are absent from some of the earliest and best manuscripts.

This makes sense since there is no personal greeting anywhere within the

letter –which is dierent from Paul’s other letters. The letter has most likely

become associated with Ephesus

due to it being the largest and most

influential church in the region at

the time of its writing.

Ephesus was an important city in

Asia Minor. Paul would have been

familiar with the area due to two,

nearly three, years he spent there

during his third missionary journey

(see Acts 18:23-21:17). Ephesus

was the third-largest city in the

Roman empire with a population

estimated around 250,000. It

was a harbor city and the largest

commerce center on the west. Prior

to Christianity reaching the city, it was well-known for pagan worship. It was

deeply entrenched in the worship of Artemis (Diana according to the Romans).

The temple itself was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient

world. People worshiped this false god, seeing it as a goddess of fertility, magic,

and astrology. Its commerce was deeply tied and connected to idol worship,

and as Christianity’s influence spread, it quickly upset the cities culture and

economy and caused riots (Acts 19). We find out elsewhere (in 1 Timothy 1:4,

7) as Timothy pastors the church, it faces false teachers who were interested in

endless myths but not necessarily sound biblical teaching.

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 3

PURPOSE OF EPHESIANS

As mentioned previously, within the context of the letter, there is no

specific issue that Paul is writing to address. Some consider this letter

more as a theological tract providing insight on what the core essentials

of the Christian faith are. Ultimately, it is best for us to see this letter as

providing an understanding of the new creation we have become in Christ

and the new community the Gospel creates for us to live and operate in.

The letter of Ephesians teaches us that when we embrace the love that

Christ has for us, we will embrace the way of life that Christ loves.

major themes

Reconciliation

Peppered throughout this book is the notion that God’s Gospel of grace is one

that continually brings together two parties. In fact, Paul states in Ephesians

1:9-10 that the Gospel was to bring about unity with all things. This is seen in

two ways:

1. God with Us. The letter focuses on the historical work of Jesus. Jesus’ work

on the cross brought about cosmic reconciliation between God and us. The

Father has sent the Son to redeem us, and the Spirit is at work preserving us

until the final day (Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:1-13).

2. You and I. The cross reconciles all people (regardless of race, ethnicity, and

any other dividing lines) into one body—the Church. Paul helps to explain our

unity in Christ, the love we share in Christ, and what we have in Christ through

our baptism and life in the Spirit. While we may have taken dierent paths to

come to Christ, we are one new humanity through Him (Ephesians 1:23; 2:10-22;

4:1-6).

Mystery

Six times throughout the letter, the Apostle Paul writes concerning the

“mystery”. When Paul uses this word, he is not simply referring to something

known but diicult to understand. Rather, he is referring to something that is

completely unknowable unless God reveals it. It is a special divine act in which

knowledge is expressed that is beyond our human reach.

INTRODUCTION

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 4

INTRODUCTION

In Christ

Ephesians mentions union with Christ and being “in Christ” more than any

other letter—about 36 times. This phrase occurs approximately 164 times in

Paul’s 13 letters. The term “in Christ” gets to the heart of Christianity. To be “in

Christ” is to be personally and vitally united to Christ. Christians are people who

are in Christ. You are united in His death and His resurrection.

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 5

INTRODUCTION

supplemental resources

Book / Alive in Him: How Being Embraced by the Love of Christ Changes

Everything by Gloria Furman

Study Book / Reading Ephesians with John Stott, by John Stott with Andrew T. Le

Peau

Right Now Media / The Book of Ephesians by J.D. Greear

Right Now Media / Ephesians—What Is God’s Plan? By Phil Vischer

Video / Overview: Ephesians by The Bible Project

Courses / 3 free courses from The Gospel Coalition

Outline of EPHESIANS

Ephesians can be broken down into two main sections. In Chapters 1-3, the

Apostle Paul lays out the indicative truth of the Gospel. In Chapters 4-6, Paul

gives instructions on how we might live in light of the Gospel.

I. Greeting & Introduction (1:1-2)

II. Theological Foundation—An Explanation of the Gospel (1:3-3:21)

a. Spiritual Blessings (1:3-14)

b. Thanksgiving and Prayer for Insight (1:15-23)

c. Overview of the New Life in Christ (2:1-10)

d. Reconciliation in Christ (2:11-22)

e. Mystery of God’s Purposes (3:1-13)

f. Prayer to be Rooted in God’s Love and Doxology (3:14-21)

III. Practical Outworking of the Gospel (4:1-6:20)

a. Exercising Gis as a Unified Body (4:1-16)

b. Children of the Light: Walking in the Newness of Life (4:17-24)

c. Walking in Love (4:25-5:20)

d. Practical Instructions: Social Maturity (5:21-6:9)

e. Fighting the Spiritual Battle; Stand Strong (6:10-20)

IV. Concluding Remarks (6:21-24)

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 6

INTRODUCTION

fAmily

disCipLeship

Included with each week is content specifically

prepared for families. It will help parents build

family discipleship time into their family’s life.

Learning about family discipleship time and

keeping it a regular part of your rhythm can be

challenging, so one way to begin is with inten-

tional family Bible time.

Each week you’ll find family discussion questions, followed by “wow” words

and big ideas, and a “going deeper” section for older kids, or inquiring minds.

You do not have to discuss every question. Just like with the rest of the study

guide, pick the questions that best work for you and your family. Our hope is

that by participating in this study, a vibrant family discipleship can take root

and grow into your rhythm of family life.

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 7

Introduction

As a writer, some of the hardest words to cra are

the ones that start or end a piece of composition.

Yet as readers, if we’re truly honest, oen we skip

the greetings and salutations because we believe

they are there simply for perfunctory reasons.

When we do that, we can miss really important

things. The same can be said when we approach

the Epistles (letters) in the New Testament. If we

truly believe that all Scripture is breathed out by

God and is profitable to us (2 Timothy 3:16-17),

then even these seemingly “insignificant remarks”

can make a transformational impact on our view

of the rest of the letter, God, and ourselves. In

these two short and simple verses, much can be learned about Paul’s view of his

fellow believers and what he wishes for them.

Conversation Starter

Q. When you receive a letter (or email), is it your habit to skip to the body of the

content, passing over the greeting and skipping the closing? Why or why not?

Read & Discuss

READ EPHESIANS 1:1-2

Q. Out the gate, we are told that the Apostle Paul is the one writing this letter.

What do you know about the Apostle Paul? Hint: See him share his testimony in

Acts 26:4-23.

Follow Up: How has Paul interacted and engaged with the city of Ephesus

before? Hint: See Acts 18:23-21:17 for highlights of Paul’s missionary journey:

preaching the Gospel, performing miracles, and changing the cultural dynamic of

the city.

Q. Why does it matter that Paul is an apostle and has the authority to write this

letter?

grace & peace

EPHESIANS 1:1-2

Ephesians 1:1-2

1

Paul, an apostle of

Christ Jesus by the

will of God, To the saints

who are in Ephesus,

and are faithful in Christ

Jesus:

2

Grace to you

and peace from God

our Father and the Lord

Jesus Christ.

WEEK

1

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 8

personal application / reflection

Two things that will be teased out throughout our study in the book of

Ephesians is our status and connection with God and the community He

is building—the Church. How would you describe the status of your walk

with Jesus today? Your engagement with the local Church? What is going

well? Where is there room for growth? Begin to pray for your love for Christ

and the Church to be increased during our study of Ephesians.

grace & peace

EPHESIANS 1:1-2

Follow Up: How did Paul become an apostle? Hint: By the will of God. Does this

impact the way you will read and listen to the rest of what Paul has to say in this

letter?

Q. Paul addresses the readers of this letter as saints. What image comes to your

mind when you think of saints?

Follow Up: The word “saint” is oen referred to someone who is devoted to

God; sacred/holy. Is this the way you view and see yourself? Is this how you see

others you’re in relationship with at Summit View?

Q. Paul goes on to describe the readers as “faithful in Christ Jesus”. When he

says “faithful”, he isn’t necessarily speaking to an issue of trustworthiness, but

rather the fact that they are believers in the person and work of Jesus. Many of

the struggles we face are due to an identity crisis—we forget we are “saints”,

“believers”, and “in Christ”. Why is it important for us to remember this as a key

part of our identity?

Q. Aer greeting the believers, Paul gives two blessings. What are they?

Q. Paul’s initial message to them is one of grace and peace. Grace indicates

God’s free, saving initiative and peace points to the initiative He has taken to

reconcile sinners to Himself and to each other in their new community. Are

these two things you wish for others to experience? Have you experienced them

for yourself?

Follow Up: From where do these two blessings flow?

WEEK

1

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 9

Family Discussion

Q. Paul, or the Apostle Paul,

is the one writing this letter.

What do you know about the

Apostle Paul? (Paul shares his

testimony: Acts 26:4-23. Paul’s

time previously in Ephesus: Acts

18:23-21:17. Paul’s story: Acts

7:58-28:31.)

Q. What is an apostle? How does it dier from a disciple?

Wow Words/Big Ideas

Grace: Undeserved favor given to people by God. It’s not getting

what you deserve; instead, it’s getting what you don’t deserve.

Because of God’s grace, sinners can be rescued due to Jesus’

death on the cross and His rising from the dead (Ephesians 1:7).

You must know the grace of God before the peace of God.

Peace: We are reconciled (or made right) with God because Jesus

paid the price for our sins through His death on the cross. We are

no longer separated from God (Romans 5:1).

Going Deeper

Ephesians is a book about God’s love—God’s love for all people.

Jesus died on the cross for all people. No longer is there a

separation between God and people or between people; more

specifically, Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1-11).

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disCipLeship

Verses to Remember

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is

not your own doing; it is the gi of God, not a result of works,

so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

grace & peace

EPHESIANS 1:1-2

WEEK

1

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 10

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

grace & peace

EPHESIANS 1:1-2

WEEK

1

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 11

Introduction

At first glance of Ephesians 1:3-14, we

see the Apostle Paul searching for words

to describe the delight he has in what

God has done for believers through

Christ. One commentator even describes

Paul’s tone, words, and demeanor here

as “controlled ecstasy”. In fact, verses

3-14 are one single glorious run-on

sentence (sorry to our English teachers

out there!) Paul encourages the reader

to bless God because He has blessed us

with a multitude of blessings. This week

we will start to look at what has Paul so

hyped up.

MAIN IDEA

God’s eternal plan, in Christ Jesus is our

blessing, for the praise of His glorious

name.

Conversation Starter

Q. Giving thanks is not just for Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for?

Read & Discuss

READ EPHESIANS 1:3-6

Ephesians begins with a Jewish-style poem praising God for His eternal plan

of redemption through Jesus Christ. This book is a summary of the Gospel and

how we are to use the Gospel to shape every aspect of our lives.

Verses 3-6 are blessings, or praises, to God. Praise prepare our hearts to respond

rightly to what God has done. Paul normally uses this space as a time to give

thanks for the recipients of the letter; instead, he lists out what God has done for

the believer. Read verses 3-6. What is Paul specifically giving thanks to God for?

Q. How has God blessed us?

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: ADOPTED

EPHESIANS 1:3-6

WEEK

2

Ephesians 1:3-6

Praise for Spiritual Blessings in

Christ

3

Blessed be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has

blessed us in Christ with every

spiritual blessing in the heavenly

places,

4

even as he chose us in

him before the foundation of the

world, that we should be holy and

blameless before him. In love

5

he predestined us for adoption

to himself as sons through Jesus

Christ, according to the purpose of

his will,

6

to the praise of his glorious

grace, with which he has blessed us

in the Beloved.

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 12

Q. What are the blessings?

Q. When did God give these blessings?

Q. Why did He give them?

Q. What happens in your heart when you focus on praising God for what He has

done and take time to celebrate it?

READ EPHESIANS 1:4

God’s redemptive plan has always existed. This means that from eternity past,

God has been directing His purposes and nothing can get in the way. Stop and

think for a few minutes about the creation story, keeping in mind that God knew

everything that would take place. And He knew that in Jesus He would save

every believer from sin and death.

Q. How does this change your view of God?

Q. What does it mean to be chosen in Christ?

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: ADOPTED

EPHESIANS 1:3-6

Between the birth and the return of Jesus, the age to come overlaps

with the present age. To be blessed in Christ is to enjoy a foretaste of

future blessings — intimacy with God, true life, and even, at times,

many physical benefits. We should expect the Father to bless us, for

we are His children, though He may give us blessings that we do not

expect or request. But as in all things, He knows best what to give us.

- The Abundance of

Blessing in Christ

from Ligonier Ministries

WEEK

2

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 13

Q. How does this aect your understanding of your role in your salvation?

The second half of verse 4 says “that we should be holy and blameless before

him.” Humanity was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-28); sin has

distorted our reflection of that image (Romans 1:18, 21-22); in Christ we are

made righteous (Romans 5:18-19); and we should reflect God’s image more and

more as we walk with Christ (Romans 12:2).

Q. Do you ever consider what image you are reflecting? Who, or what do others

see when they look at your life?

Q. Growing in holiness is not optional; the good news of the Gospel sets us free

from the chains of sin. What chains to you need to step out of?

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: ADOPTED

EPHESIANS 1:3-6

WEEK

2

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 14

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: ADOPTED

EPHESIANS 1:3-6

WEEK

2

personal

application /

reflection

God’s plan all along has

been salvation for His

praise and glory. We see it

threaded throughout the

Old Testament. His plan

should induce praise in our

thoughts, words, and deeds.

Look up the following

passages and marvel

together at His glorious

grace that he has blessed us

with in the Beloved.

Genesis 3:14-15

Genesis 12:1-3

Deuteronomy 7:6-8

2 Samuel 7:8-16

Ezekiel 34:11-16

READ EPHESIANS 1:5

Predestined in Greek means “marked out

beforehand”. It emphasizes God’s eternal plan;

He didn’t make things up as they unfolded. His

plan all along was to adopt us through Christ.

As adopted children, we are reminded that it

was God, in His grace, who chose us. It wasn’t

our own doing.

Q. Why do you think it matters that we

understand this?

We were born into brokenness with no hope

of saving ourselves, much like a person in

ancient times had no hope of improving their

economic station unless they were adopted

into a new family (there was no such thing

as the American Dream). Once adopted, they

were a legitimate member of the family with

full rights and privileges (family, station,

inheritance, etc.). This is true for us as

believers in Christ! Without our adoption into

His family, we have no hope. Now, we not only

have access to God, but are also given the

rights and privileges as children of God.

Q. How does looking at your salvation through the lens of adoption change your

understanding of it?

Q. There’s a misguided, popular saying, “God helps those who help themselves”.

Considering this passage, why is this saying untrue and unhelpful? Why do you

think it became popular?

READ EPHESIANS 1:5-6 (WITH EMPHASIS ON VERSE 6)

Q. Why did God save us? Hint: It isn’t about us.

Follow Up: How are we to respond?

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 15

Family Discussion

Q. We hear people say, “I deserve

_____.” What is a situation

where you felt you deserved

something? What was it and

why?

Wow Words/Big Ideas

Predestined: Marked out beforehand; chosen by God. Specifically

refers to the sinners whom God rescued.

Adoption: The action or fact of legally being responsible for and

raising another person’s child as one’s own.

• Imagine a King noticing an orphan living on the street. The

orphan did not deserve anything, yet the King could bring him

to the palace as a servant (where he would have food, shelter,

and clothing). Or even more surprising, the King could adopt

the orphan. That child is now a prince or princess along with

the King’s other children. He or she is entitled to the same

position, privileges, and inheritance as the other children.

• When we believe that Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and

we trust that He alone can save us—we become that child

adopted by a Heavenly King. We have a position, privileges,

and an inheritance.

• We are co-heirs with Jesus!

fAmily

disCipLeship

Verses to Remember

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is

not your own doing; it is the gi of God, not a result of works,

so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: ADOPTED

EPHESIANS 1:3-6

WEEK

2

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 16

Adam and Eve, the first humans, chose to disobey God. Their sin

brought sadness, pain, and death into the world. However, God

had a plan all along. This was decided long before we existed

(before Creation!) God sent His Son for everyone.

Going Deeper

Ephesians is a book about God’s love for you. Look at John 3:16

and add your name in the blanks:

For God so loved the world (yes, He

loves _________________________)

that He gave His only Son, that (if

__________________________ ) believes

in Him, (__________________________)

should not perish but have eternal life.

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: ADOPTED

EPHESIANS 1:3-6

WEEK

2

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 17

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: ADOPTED

EPHESIANS 1:3-6

WEEK

2

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 18

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: ADOPTED

EPHESIANS 1:3-6

WEEK

2

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 19

Introduction

This week, we continue examining Paul’s run-on sentence that started back in

verse 3. As we do so, it is important to remind ourselves about how we approach

the Scriptures. Regardless of one’s background, whenever we approach the

Scripture to read them, we must understand we bring a set of preconceived

notions and expectations. Unfortunately, we typically approach the Scriptures

in a very “me-centric” way. Yet, the intention of the Scriptures is not to be

all about us. We are not the main characters that God focuses on. We are not

the main character in this story—God is. When we read the Bible, we find that

through the work of God, we receive benefits through His grace and love toward

us. In this section of Scripture, Paul is focusing on what has been given to us

through the work of Christ.

MAIN IDEA

The spiritual blessings we receive is secured through Christ and assured by the

Spirit.

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: REDEMPTION & INHERITANCE

EPHESIANS 1:7-14

WEEK

3

Ephesians 1:7-14

7

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our

trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

8

which he lavished

upon us, in all wisdom and insight

9

making known to us the mystery of

his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ

10

as a plan

for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and

things on earth.

11

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined

according to the purpose of him who works all things according to

the counsel of his will,

12

so that we who were the first to hope in Christ

might be to the praise of his glory.

13

In him you also, when you heard

the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him,

were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

14

who is the guarantee of

our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his

glory.

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 20

Conversation Starter

Q. This week and last have been working under the title of “Spiritual Blessings.”

What are some blessings in your life?

Read & Discuss

READ EPHESIANS 1:7-14

Q. According to verse 7, what do we receive from God by the work of Christ?

Hint: Redemption, forgiveness of sins.

Follow Up: In your own words, what is redemption?

Follow Up: Paul uses everyone’s favorite “F” word here—forgiveness. Paul tells

us that God has lavished His grace upon us with forgiveness. That means God’s

forgiveness is complete, not begrudging, and abundantly given. How does this

make you feel regarding guilt of past (or present) sins in your life?

Q. Paul connects our ability to receive redemption and the forgiveness of sins

through the shedding of Jesus’ blood. Why is the sacrifice of Jesus’ blood so

significant?

Follow Up: Compare this verse with the following verses: Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter

1:18-19; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:15; Mark 10:45. How do these fill in the picture

of Christ’s payment for our sins?

Q. Paul indicates here that among the blessings that we have received by grace

is “redemption” and “forgiveness of our trespasses”. What do these verses say

that we contribute to the act of our salvation?

Follow Up: How do you feel, knowing that God chose to love you even before

you did anything?

Q. What spiritual blessings are needed in your home, in your neighborhood, in

your city, and beyond? What eects of the fall do you see or experience in your

midst that need to be “united in him” (verse 10)?

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: REDEMPTION & INHERITANCE

EPHESIANS 1:7-14

WEEK

3

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 21

Follow Up: How can you, with your family, friends, and/or life group, participate

in Christ’s unifying, reconciling work?

Q. The section of verses 11-14 starts and ends with a reference to an inheritance

What do we know about it?

Follow Up: Who is guaranteeing our inheritance?

Follow Up: Why is the fact that the Holy Spirit is guaranteeing our inheritance so

significant to contrast a works-based faith?

Follow Up: How does this impact your day-to-day decisions?

personal application / reflection

In this section, “to the praise of his glorious

grace/glory” is mentioned three times

(verses 6,12,14). Take some time to take

inventory of your life to find areas in which

you can praise God for His glorious grace

in your life. If you are indeed in Christ, the

truths we studied this week are reason

enough. But if we look pause and look hard

enough, we will be able to find many more

reasons to praise God.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow

Praise Him, all creatures here below

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost

- Words written by Thomas Ken in 1674,

sung since then by Christians praising and

thanking God for His work.

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: REDEMPTION & INHERITANCE

EPHESIANS 1:7-14

WEEK

3

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 22

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: REDEMPTION & INHERITANCE

EPHESIANS 1:7-14

WEEK

3

Family Discussion

Q. The main character in a book

is the main person in the story

or the person of which the story

is about. Who are some of your

favorite main characters? Who is

the main character in the Bible?

Wow Words/Big Ideas

Review grace from Week 1.

“In Christ” – is a position, like “in the middle” or “in the

playroom.” It tells us that we are part of God’s story. The Bible is

not about us; we are not the main character.

God rescues sinners (you and me) not because we are good,

but because He is good. We do not deserve anything apart from

death. Our rescue is not of our own doing, not even a little bit.

Redemption – the act of “buying out.” Specifically used regarding

the purchase of a person’s freedom.

• Imagine you are a slave or a captive that is being held

hostage. You can either: free yourself/escape, have someone

rescue you, or have someone pay a ransom for you.

• We are dead in sin—we can do nothing to free ourselves or

escape (because we’re “dead,” remember?) But Jesus rescued

us and paid a ransom for us by dying on the cross. The price

paid was very costly—it was Jesus’ life. His own blood was

shed for us. Though Jesus had no sin, He died for our sins.

Seals from the ancient world were commonly used to show

ownership over a person’s possessions. We are marked by God’s

seal but not in a physical way. God has given us the gi of the Holy

Spirit to show that we belong to Him and as a “down payment” of

our inheritance.

fAmily

disCipLeship

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 23

Verses to Remember

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is

not your own doing; it is the gi of God, not a result of works,

so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

going deeper

Ephesians is a book about God’s love. Because of God’s love for

us, we can be redeemed. The benefits of redemption include

eternal life (

Revelation 5:9-10), forgiveness of sins (Ephesians

1:7

), righteousness (Romans 5:17), adoption into God’s family

(

Galatians 4:5), deliverance from sin’s hold (Titus 2:14; 1 Peter

1:14-18

), peace with God (Colossians 1:18-20), and the Holy Spirit

coming to live in our hearts (

1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: REDEMPTION & INHERITANCE

EPHESIANS 1:7-14

WEEK

3

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 24

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: REDEMPTION & INHERITANCE

EPHESIANS 1:7-14

WEEK

3

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 25

Introduction

To pray over each other as

brothers and sisters in Christ

is an amazing gi given to

us by God. Paul uses this

section of his letter to the

church in Ephesus to pray and

give thanks for their faith in

Christ and their love for all

the saints. As Paul prays for

them, he is simultaneously

reminding them not to forget

truths about who God is and

what the Lord Jesus has done.

This is not just an earthly

reality but a cosmic-level

paradigm shi. Paul’s focus

is being genuinely grateful for the faith that his brothers and sisters have in

Jesus. This gratefulness is also a showing of Paul’s gratitude of the Gospel. The

example we must follow is to pray for each other that we would receive a spirit

of wisdom and a revelation in the knowledge of God (Ephesians 1:17).

MAIN IDEA

Pray for one another to live fully under the Lordship of Jesus.

Conversation Starter

Q. Paul tells the Ephesians that he remembers them in his prayers. Who is that

you remember and pray for regularly?

Read & Discuss

READ EPHESIANS 1:15-23

Q. In your own words, summarize what Paul is praying for the Ephesians to

experience.

Follow Up: Do you regularly pray for similar things? Why or why not?

SPIRIT OF WISDOM & REVELATION

EPHESIANS 1:15-23

WEEK

4

“A chief object

of all prayer

is to bring

us to God.”

—P. T. Forsyth,

The Soul of Prayer

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 26

Ephesians 1:15-23

Thanksgiving and Prayer

15

For this reason, because I have

heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus

and your love toward all the saints,

16

I do not cease to give thanks

for you, remembering you in my

prayers,

17

that the God of our Lord

Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,

may give you the Spirit of wisdom

and of revelation in the knowledge

of him,

18

having the eyes of your

hearts enlightened, that you may

know what is the hope to which

he has called you, what are the

riches of his glorious inheritance

in the saints,

19

and what is the

immeasurable greatness of his

power toward us who believe,

according to the working of his

great might

20

that he worked in

Christ when he raised him from the

dead and seated him at his right

hand in the heavenly places,

21

far

above all rule and authority and

power and dominion, and above

every name that is named, not only

in this age but also in the one to

come.

22

And he put all things under

his feet and gave him as head over

all things to the church,

23

which is

his body, the fullness of him who

fills all in all.

Follow Up: One of the main

dierences may be the person for

which we are praying. How oen do

you pray for other people compared

to simply for yourself and immediate

family?

Follow Up: How might we improve in

this?

Q. Paul is praying that the Ephesians

may increase in their intimacy with

and knowledge of Christ. How is your

relationship with Jesus? Do you know

Him better than you did a year ago?

Follow Up: Paul asks God to reveal

more of himself in wisdom—to give

knowledge that will change believers

through the power of the Gospel.

What does Paul mean when he uses

the figure of speech “eyes of the heart

to be enlightened”?

Follow Up: Paul speaks the idea of

hope. How would you define biblical

hope? Hint: Biblical hope – an earnest

anticipation based on, and as a result

of, faith; the confident expectation of

good to come based in the integrity of

God, that He will fulfill every promise

He has given.

Follow Up: What is the hope in which

God has called us to?

SPIRIT OF WISDOM & REVELATION

EPHESIANS 1:15-23

WEEK

4

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 27

SPIRIT OF WISDOM & REVELATION

EPHESIANS 1:15-23

WEEK

4

Follow Up: How confident are you

today in this? Doubtful? Confident?

Somewhere in-between?

Q. Look at the words “power” and

“might” in verse 19. Think of the

most awesome display of power you

have ever seen (tornado/earthquake/

machinery/athletic feat?). What is

Paul saying that is even mightier and

more powerful than that? (Hint: The

Resurrection.)

Follow Up: Is that how you think of the

resurrection—the most powerful and

mighty act of all time?

Q. What does this passage say about

the exaltation of Jesus? What is it

exactly?

Follow Up: How might living with this awareness aect our lives?

Q. How is Paul’s view of the church dierent from the view taken by most

Christians today?

Follow Up: What would happen if we took a high view of the church?

personal application / reflection

Carefully re-read and pray this prayer alongside the Apostle Paul. In this

prayer, we find God’s power. It is at work in us and through us. Do not

simply pray this for yourself, your spouse, kids, etc. Pray this for your life

group and for our church. Consider taking time this week to memorize

this prayer to be one you pray for the remainder of our time in our study of

Ephesians.

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 28

SPIRIT OF WISDOM & REVELATION

EPHESIANS 1:15-23

WEEK

4

Family Discussion

Q. Why do we pray?

Q. Discuss a few of the dierent

types of prayers: supplication

(requesting), confession,

thanksgiving, worship, and

intercession (praying for others).

Wow Words/Big Ideas

Review adopted and the idea of inheritance from Week 2.

Hope: Because of our belief and trust in God, we can eagerly

expect good to come based on the sureness that God will fulfill

every promise He has given.

In addition to giving thanks, we should pray to know God better,

understand/appreciate our inheritance from God, and recognize

the enormous power of God that is at work in our lives.

God is the most powerful! He defeated death. Jesus died for our

sins, but He didn’t stay dead. Because of God’s power, Jesus rose

from the dead without it. The sin stayed dead, but Jesus did not.

Jesus was then elevated to God’s right hand, which is not a place.

It’s a way of describing a position of power and favor. (Exodus

15:6 and Psalm 80:17). Jesus has ruling authority over everything,

including the church.

Going Deeper

Ephesians is a book about God’s love—God’s love for all people.

Jesus died on the cross for all people. No longer is there a

separation between God and people or between people; more

specifically, Jews and Gentiles (

Ephesians 3:1-11).

fAmily

disCipLeship

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 29

SPIRIT OF WISDOM & REVELATION

EPHESIANS 1:15-23

WEEK

4

Verses to Remember

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is

not your own doing; it is the gi of God, not a result of works,

so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 30

SPIRIT OF WISDOM & REVELATION

EPHESIANS 1:15-23

WEEK

4

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 31

BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

EPHESIANS 2:1-10

WEEK

5

Introduction

Let’s face it. One of the main reasons we don’t immerse ourselves in the

Scriptures is oen because we don’t necessarily like the picture that it paints of

us sometimes. Sure, the Bible can be hard to understand at points, but that’s

not typically what keeps us from coming back. It’s when its message is crystal

clear about us. This is one of those weeks that starts with a brutally honest

depiction of man, yet ends with a beautiful promise. All this hinges on two great

words: But God.

MAIN IDEA

God helps the hopeless.

Conversation Starter

Q. Can you think of a time when you hoped for something to happen, only to be

disappointed? What happened? How did you cope with it?

Read & Discuss

READ EPHESIANS 2:1-3

Q. Paul paints a very bleak, hopeless picture.

Don’t rush ahead to verse 4, but allow the

tension of the problem to build. Pay attention

to the words dead, trespasses, sin, walked,

following, disobedience, and wrath. What

other words or phrases stand out that

describe our situation? In these verses we are

clued into the very real spiritual battle waged

against us.

Q. What is the problem being addressed in

verses 1-3?

Q. What is sin? (Check out the Bible Project

video on the words sin, transgression, and

iniquity) Why does understanding sin matter?

“God has surely promised

His grace to the humbled:

that is, to those who mourn

over and despair of them-

selves. But a man cannot

be thoroughly humbled

till he realizes that his

salvation is utterly beyond

his own powers, counsels,

eorts, will and works, and

depends absolutely on

the will, counsel, pleasure

and work of Another—God

alone.”

—Martin Luther,

The Bondage of the Will

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 32

BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

EPHESIANS 2:1-10

WEEK

5

Ephesians 2:1-10

By Grace Through Faith

2

And you were dead in the

trespasses and sins

2

in which

you once walked, following the

course of this world, following the

prince of the power of the air, the

spirit that is now at work in the sons

of disobedience—

3

among whom

we all once lived in the passions of

our flesh, carrying out the desires of

the body and the mind, and were by

nature children of wrath, like the rest

of mankind.

4

But God, being rich in mercy,

because of the great love with which

he loved us,

5

even when we were

dead in our trespasses, made us

alive together with Christ—by grace

you have been saved—

6

and raised

us up with him and seated us with

him in the heavenly places in Christ

Jesus,

7

so that in the coming ages

he might show the immeasurable

riches of his grace in kindness

toward us in Christ Jesus.

8

For by

grace you have been saved through

faith. And this is not your own doing;

it is the gi of God,

9

not a result of

works, so that no one may boast.

10

For we are his workmanship, created

in Christ Jesus for good works, which

God prepared beforehand, that we

should walk in them.

Q. What hope do dead things have

for coming back to life? What do they

need for that to happen?

Q. “By nature” means we were born

into sin. We are fallen by nature,

not born good and then learn to

sin (Psalm 51:5). How does this

impact the way you view yourself?

Why does it matter? Hint: If we are

born good, we become a victim

of our circumstances and are not

responsible for the wrong we do.

READ EPHESIANS 2:4-9

“But God”—there is good news!

Just when we thought there was no

hope! In Christ, we are given new life

spiritually in this age (regeneration)

and we look forward to new physical

bodies when Christ returns (future

resurrection). God’s grace saves us

and gives us hope beyond the here

and now.

Q. Why did God act?

Q. What does this reveal about

God? Look at verse 7. How should

we respond to God showing us the

“immeasurable riches of his grace in

kindness” we witness in Christ?

Q. Why is a correct understanding of

grace and faith as gis from God so

foundational to the Christian faith?

Does this truth comfort or challenge

you? Why?

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 33

BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

EPHESIANS 2:1-10

WEEK

5

READ EPHESIANS 2:10

We are God’s workmanship; He

created us for a purpose, to do

something God has always had

in mind. Think for a moment how

silly it would be if something you

created turned to you and asked,

“Why did you make me like this?”

(Romans 9:21, Isaiah 45:9-10), and

o it went to do what it wanted,

rather than what it was designed

for. When we do not live according

to God’s purpose, this silly example

is exactly what we are doing.

Q. Do you struggle to accept that

you are God’s workmanship,

created to do what He purposes?

How does free will fit into this

idea?

Q. What are the good works God

has prepared for us to do? How do

you know? Remember, it isn’t our

works that save us, but that we are

compelled by the grace of God to

respond to it (James 2:14-26).

personal application / reflection

As you pray, take time to marvel at God’s plan, His sovereignty, His

mercy, that He saved us from death, making us alive with Christ, and the

immeasurable riches of His grace He has shown us in kindness through

Jesus Christ. Rejoice that it is not our doing, but God has done it, in His

perfect power and might. How will you take this knowledge with you this

week, and who do you need to share it with?

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 34

BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

EPHESIANS 2:1-10

WEEK

5

Family Discussion

Brainstorm and make a list

of two words (or two-word

phrases) that when said, could

change things. For example, if

I’m having a bad day, these two

words “Some flowers?” or “Go

out?” changes my perspective

on my day. Or, when considering on attending an event, “Free

admission” would change things and sway me in favor of going.

Wow Words/Big Ideas

Review grace from Week 1, adoption and the idea of inheritance

from Week 2, and redemption from Week 3.

Every one of us (yes, you, and me too) are rotten sinners.

• Sin has separated us from God and because of that, we are

spiritually dead.

• God sent His Son to die for our sins when He could just leave

us in our sins, destined to spend all of forever separated from

Him. And then, two words that change everything—“but

God.” But God sent His Son, Jesus. Even though we were

sinners, Jesus (who had no sin) died for us.

We cannot do anything to earn favor with God. Our rescue from

sin is based on

Jesus’ work, not ours.

• While we cannot do any good work to earn our rescue from

sin, aer we are part of God’s family, we do works out of a

heart of gratitude for all that Jesus has done for us.

How do we get rescued? How do we get to be part of God’s family?

It’s so simple—we just believe that Jesus is who He said He is, and

trust that He can save us.

fAmily

disCipLeship

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 35

BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

EPHESIANS 2:1-10

WEEK

5

Verses to Remember

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is

not your own doing; it is the gi of God, not a result of works,

so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Going Deeper

Ephesians is a book about God’s love demonstrated through the

Gospel.

The word gospel simply means good news.

There are three important parts:

1. Jesus died for our sins.

2. He was buried.

3. He rose from the dead on the third day.

This is important because this allows us to come close to God, if

we believe (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 36

BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

EPHESIANS 2:1-10

WEEK

5

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 37

JOINED TOGETHER

EPHESIANS 2:11-22

WEEK

6

Introduction

Can two at opposition really become one? Judging by the world around us,

this is still a problem today. People oen do not trust or choose to fear those

who don’t look, act, or think like them. The previous section of Scripture dealt

with how we can move from spiritually dead to spiritually alive and reconciled

back to God through the grace of God. Paul continues his thought to instruct his

audience that we have been reconciled to others as well through the blood of

Christ; even though his audience includes those who have been hostile towards

one another since Genesis 15.

MAIN IDEA

It is through Christ’s blood that we can be spiritually united to form one family.

Ephesians 2:11-22

One In Christ

11

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the

uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by

hands—

12

remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated

from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise,

having no hope and without God in the world.

13

But now in Christ Jesus you who

once were far o have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14

For he himself

is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the

dividing wall of hostility

15

by abolishing the law of commandments expressed

in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two,

so making peace,

16

and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the

cross, thereby killing the hostility.

17

And he came and preached peace to you who

were far o and peace to those who were near.

18

For through him we both have

access in one Spirit to the Father.

19

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,

but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

20

built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being

the cornerstone,

21

in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows

into a holy temple in the Lord.

22

In him you also are being built together into a

dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 38

JOINED TOGETHER

EPHESIANS 2:11-22

WEEK

6

Conversation Starter

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve? What if someone with that pet peeve became

a huge part of your life? How would you get past your dierences?

Read & Discuss

READ EPHESIANS 2:11-12

Q. Why do you think Paul points out to his audience that they are “Gentiles in

the flesh”? What implications does this have for us today?

Q. Paul uses circumcision to draw up imagery that would take his audience

back to Genesis 17. What are the three adjectives of the “uncircumcised” found

in verse 12?

Follow Up: Compare and contrast this list with the one in Ephesians 2:1-4.

“The key thought of Ephesians

is the gathering together of all

things in Jesus Christ. Christ is

the center in whom all things

unite, and the bond who unites

all things. In nature as it is

without Christ there is nothing

but disunity and disharmony…

The world, as we see it without

Christ, is a divided, disunited,

fragmented world...this dis-

unity can only become a unity,

and this disharmony can only

become a harmony, when all

things and all men and all

powers in heaven and earth are

united in Christ.”

—William Barclay

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 39

JOINED TOGETHER

EPHESIANS 2:11-22

WEEK

6

Q. In our cultural landscape, which of

these descriptors is the hardest for an

unbeliever to understand? Which is the

hardest to communicate?

READ EPHESIANS 2:4 AND 2:13

Q. In Scripture, the word “but” is oen

followed with a message of hope. In

verses 4 and 13, what is the reality of

someone who has put their faith in

Jesus?

READ EPHESIANS 2:14-17

Q. How does Jesus’ flesh break down

the “dividing wall of hostility”? Hint:

Look at Matthew 27:51.

Q. Are “Peace” and “One” connected?

How should this reflect in the way

that Christ-followers engage with one

another? How can you seek aer peace

with someone who doesn’t think or act

like you?

READ EPHESIANS 2:18-22

Q. In verse 18, who is the “him” and

what did He give? How does this verse

instruct our understanding of the Holy

Spirit’s role? What is our contribution to

the truth found here?

Q. In this section, Paul is speaking

directly to the Gentile converts,

ensuring them of their adoption into

the family of God. What is Paul pushing

against in the declaration that he

makes in verses 19-20?

Peace

World peace is something joked

about in pageant competitions

and sought aer by world

leaders. Anyone raising little

kids knows that peace is hard

to experience within the home.

How will we ever experience

peace this side of heaven?

A 21st Century reading of

Ephesians 2:11-22 might paint

Paul as naïve to think that peace

within the body of Christ is

attainable. However, Scripture

speaks of peace as a virtue

attainable through Jesus Christ.

Consider how these passages

should instruct the way that you

experience and extend peace:

Proverbs 14:30; John 14:27;

Galatians 5:22; Philippians 4:7;

Colossians 1:20.

Now may the Lord of peace

himself give you peace at all

times and in every way. The

Lord be with all of you.

2 Thessalonians 3:16

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 40

JOINED TOGETHER

EPHESIANS 2:11-22

WEEK

6

Q. Verses 21 and 22 talk about a structure that is being built. Who is at work

constructing? What key word describes the construction of this structure?

Q. As the structure is being craed “together”, what should it begin to look like?

Follow up: How can your words and actions begin to reflect this collective

dwelling place that the Holy Spirit is building?

personal application / reflection

Paul directs his audience to recognize that the community of God is

available through Jesus’ death on the cross. As disciples of Jesus, we

are being built into a community and joined together through the Holy

Spirit. When the community of God focuses on the one thing that unites

us, the things that divide ought to become less significant. No physical

appearance, attribute, skill, no like-minded thinking, or socio-economic

status will ever completely bring unity. Peace and unity can only be found

in the Holy Spirit oered through the blood of Jesus.

• Where have you been looking for unity in God’s family?

• In what ways are your words and actions contributing towards the

peace that can be found in God’s family?

• In what way are your words and actions detracting from the peace that

can be found in God’s family?

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 41

JOINED TOGETHER

EPHESIANS 2:11-22

WEEK

6

Family Discussion

Discuss the huge divide

between Jews and Gentiles in

ancient times. Jewish people

were prideful of their faith

and traditions, thinking these

elevated them above everyone

else. Gentiles were prideful for

trusting in their achievements, power, or position.

Wow Words/Big Ideas

Review grace and peace from Week 1.

God has always called His people to remember their past to help

them appreciate even more all that He has done for them and the

greatness of His grace, mercy, and love.

But now: Another two words that change everything:

No longer are sacrifices or other rituals necessary to be forgiven

or to be close to God. Jesus brought an end to this by His death

on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice. Anyone has access to God

no matter their race, social status, denomination, or any other

earthly division.

• We have peace: 1) with God and 2) with each other.

• Not only do believers have access to God and the wall of

hostility between groups has been torn down, believers are

called together to one body—the Church.

The Church

• Fellow citizens of a Kingdom—not an individual matter, but a

community experience; joining with other believers.

• Members of a family—a household is a deeper level of

belonging; strong and supportive relationships.

• A temple—God’s presence in believers.

fAmily

disCipLeship

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 42

JOINED TOGETHER

EPHESIANS 2:11-22

WEEK

6

Verses to Remember

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is

not your own doing; it is the gi of God, not a result of works,

so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Going Deeper

Ephesians is a book about God’s love—God’s love for all people.

Jesus died on the cross for all people. No longer is there a

separation between God and people or between people; more

specifically, Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1-11).

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 43

JOINED TOGETHER

EPHESIANS 2:11-22

WEEK

6

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 44

JOINED TOGETHER

EPHESIANS 2:11-22

WEEK

6

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 45

MYSTERY REVEALED

EPHESIANS 3:1-11

WEEK

7

Introduction

In chapter 2, Paul began to introduce the idea of the mystery of the Gospel; that

God is making a new group of people through Jesus' death on the cross. At the

beginning of chapter 3, it appears that Paul attempts to move on to pray, yet is

overwhelmed and returns to further expound upon the mystery of the Gospel.

John Stott remarks:

“[I]n Christianity there are no esoteric (obscure) ‘mysteries’

reserved for a spiritual elite. On the contrary, the Christian

‘mysteries’ are truths which, although beyond human

discovery, have been revealed by God and so now belong

openly to the whole church. More simply, mystērion [Greek

word for mystery] is a truth hitherto hidden from human

knowledge or understanding but now disclosed by the

revelation of God”.

Just as Paul was commissioned to proclaim this mystery, the Church today is

also called to make it know, with boldness and confidence that comes from

faith in Jesus.

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 46

MYSTERY REVEALED

EPHESIANS 3:1-11

WEEK

7

MAIN IDEA

Paul was appointed by God to proclaim the mysteries of God that united both

Jews and Gentiles together in Christ.

Conversation Starter

Q. Is there something that seemed like a mystery to you when you were

younger, that you know and understand now that you're older?

Read & Discuss

READ EPHESIANS 3:1-6

Q. Why does Paul refer to himself as “a prisoner of Christ Jesus”? What might a

life lived like this look like?

Ephesians 3:1-11

The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed

3

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—

2

assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was

given to me for you,

3

how the mystery was made known to me by revelation,

as I have written briefly.

4

When you read this, you can perceive my insight into

the mystery of Christ,

5

which was not made known to the sons of men in other

generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the

Spirit.

6

This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same

body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

7

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gi of God's grace, which

was given me by the working of his power.

8

To me, though I am the very least of

all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable

riches of Christ,

9

and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the

mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,

10

so that through the

church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and

authorities in the heavenly places.

11

This was according to the eternal purpose

that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,

12

in whom we have boldness and

access with confidence through our faith in him.

13

So I ask you not to lose heart

over what I am suering for you, which is your glory.

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 47

MYSTERY REVEALED

EPHESIANS 3:1-11

WEEK

7

Q. Have you ever considered the fact that you are a steward of God’s grace? Are

you being a good or bad steward of the grace that you have received and are

commanded to extend to others? Why?

Q. What is the mystery that Paul is talking about in this section?

Q. The letters to the early churches (and last week’s study) show that there

was a division between Jew and Gentile converts to Christianity. As Paul is

illuminating the root of the issue here, the Jewish converts probably wondered,

“Why the Gentiles, God?” Describe a time where you have asked, “Why me; why

now, God?”

READ EPHESIANS 3:7-13

Q. What (or who) qualified Paul to preach to the Gentiles?

Q. What comes to mind when you read the phrase “the unsearchable riches of

Christ”?

Follow Up: How do you explain the “unsearchable riches of Christ” to an

unbeliever?

Q. Paul says in verse 9 that it is his responsibility to illuminate and make known

the mystery that has been hidden for ages. Through your own personal study,

what is one mystery that God has illuminated in your life?

Follow Up: Do you see yourself as having the same responsibility?

Q. According to verse 12, Paul says that believers have “boldness and access

with confidence.” How bold and confident do you feel about your faith?

Follow Up: How bold and confident do you feel about the mission God has

called us to?

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 48

MYSTERY REVEALED

EPHESIANS 3:1-11

WEEK

7

personal application / reflection

Paul is urging the Church to be…the Church. Christ is still at work building

His Church. He is doing it through the mysteries revealed to individual

believers through His Word. Briefly review the entire passage one more

time. What privileges and responsibilities does Ephesians 3:1-13 give

to the Church? How are we to respond to the mysteries that have been

revealed in our lives? What is one way we can pray for Christ’s mystery to

be revealed to others through your words and actions?

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 49

MYSTERY REVEALED

EPHESIANS 3:1-11

WEEK

7

Family Discussion

Some riches can be calculated;

money, silver, gold, property.

Name some things that are

priceless.

Wow Words/Big Ideas

Mystery: In this instance, God’s

plan that had not been revealed until Jesus.

• Part of God’s plan had been revealed from the beginning:

God would send the Messiah. The Jewish people, as God’s

chosen people, had been waiting thousands of years for this

Messiah’s rescue.

• What was not known was the Messiah in God’s plan would

come for all people. Believers—no matter if they are Gentiles

or Jews would be equal partners, and that all believers are co-

heirs with Jesus. (Romans 8:17, Galatians 3:29, 4:7)

• God planned to have Jews and Gentiles comprise one body—

the church.

• This union of Jews and Gentiles, which was so astonishing

to all who saw it, is a living example of the gospel; that God

accepts all who believe.

Believers not only have the

right to approach God, but they can

approach Him with

confidence and boldness, much as one would

with a close friend.

• Because of Jesus, we can enter directly into God’s presence

through prayer.

• We are welcomed with open arms because we are part of

God’s family—we are God’s children.

fAmily

disCipLeship

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 50

MYSTERY REVEALED

EPHESIANS 3:1-11

WEEK

7

Verses to Remember

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is

not your own doing; it is the gi of God, not a result of works,

so that no one may boast.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one

another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 2:8-9, 4:32

Going Deeper

Ephesians is a book about God’s love reflected in a believer’s life.

Entry to the Kingdom of God is a priceless gi. The unsearchable

riches of Christ can be seen in the heart of His followers (Matthew

13:44-46).

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 51

MYSTERY REVEALED

EPHESIANS 3:1-11

WEEK

7

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 52

MYSTERY REVEALED

EPHESIANS 3:1-11

WEEK

7

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 53

ROOTED & GROUNDED

EPHESIANS 3:14-21

WEEK

8

Introduction

In this passage, Paul prays for the believers to have a deep understanding of

God’s power in their lives. Paul’s main request is for the Spirit to give strength to

the believer to comprehend the incomprehensible love of God. When His love

is planted in our hearts, we can grow to maturity. How much of your heart does

Jesus live in? What in your life is mainly controlled by sinful ideas, unhealthy

influences, and self-centeredness? Maturity in Christ is dependent on being

filled with His loving and powerful presence, which helps us oppose sin and

nurtures a selfless love.

MAIN IDEA

Believers may know the dimensions of the knowledge-surpassing love of Christ

in us and that we may know Him more and more.

Conversation Starter

Q. We’ve all heard the adage, “Measure twice and cut once.” Think of a time that

you didn’t follow the rule; or you did follow the rule and it still didn’t work. What

happened?

Read & Discuss

READ EPHESIANS 3:14-15

Q. What is Paul’s posture in prayer?

Follow Up: Who does he kneel to? What does bowing symbolize?

Q. What does “before” connotate regarding the person kneeling and the Father?

Hint: Face-to-face implies what kind of relationship?

READ EPHESIANS 3:16-19

Q. The content of Paul’s prayer is listed in three items (verses 16, 17, 18-19).

What are they?

1. EPHESIANS 3:16—STRENGTH OF SPIRIT

Q. We have an inner being (as referred to in verse 16), but there’s another part of

ourselves—what is it? Hint: 2 Corinthians 4:16 tells us.

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 54

ROOTED & GROUNDED

EPHESIANS 3:14-21

WEEK

8

Ephesians 3:14-21

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

14

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,

15

from whom every family in

heaven and on earth is named,

16

that according to the riches of his glory he may

grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

17

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and

grounded in love,

18

may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is

the breadth and length and height and depth,

19

and to know the love of Christ that

surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think,

according to the power at work within us,

21

to him be glory in the church and in

Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Follow Up: What does 2 Corinthians 4:16 tell us is happening to each “being” or

“man?”

Follow Up: The inner man is wasting away and Paul prays for strength for the

inner man, knowing that we cannot resist evil influences in our own strength.

But we should not be discouraged. What hope do 2 Corinthians 4:16 and

Colossians 3:9-10 give us?

2. EPHESIANS 3:17—INDWELLING OF CHRIST

For those who like grammar, this passage uses the present continuous tense,

meaning the progressive character of Christ’s indwelling. In other words,

Christ’s indwelling is not static, but a maintained experience.

Q. We enter a relationship with Christ by faith; we are “in Christ.” What does

Christ’s indwelling mean? Hint: Look up Galatians 2:20 and 2 Corinthians 13:5.

Follow Up: John 15:5 tells us two things about Christ’s indwelling. One is that it

is not a temporary, but permanent by the means of whom?

Follow Up: What is the result of Christ’s indwelling?

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 55

ROOTED & GROUNDED

EPHESIANS 3:14-21

WEEK

8

3. EPHESIANS 3:18-19—FULLNESS OF GOD

Some translations use the word “grasp” in verse 18. While grasp can mean “to

grip or hold,” in this case it refers to “comprehend” or “perceive.”

Q. Paul uses four measurements in verse 18. What are they?

Follow Up: Scholars disagree on what the measurements refer to—God’s love or

God’s power (or both). What do you think? Why?

Q. What is Paul trying to communicate about the love of God in verse 19?

Q. Part of Paul’s prayer is that the believers may be filled with all the fullness of

God. What is the fulfillment God intends for man in Ephesians 4:13? Hint: How is

maturity measured?

Follow Up: A child has full value but does not have full maturity. How does this

statement give us hope?

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 56

ROOTED & GROUNDED

EPHESIANS 3:14-21

WEEK

8

personal application / reflection

Paul concludes with an impassioned outpouring of praise in a doxology

(Ephesians 3:20-21). God’s copious power is again highlighted in this

conclusion. Do we underestimate the power at work within us?

The love of God is immeasurable. A hymn from my childhood illustrates

this concept. As you read through the hymn, reflect on whether you put

limits on God’s love for you. Do you know God’s love? We do not know

Christ until we know the love of Christ that cannot be fully known.

The Love of God Is Greater Far

The love of God is greater far

Than tongue or pen can ever tell.

It goes beyond the highest star

And reaches to the lowest hell.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,

And were the skies of parchment made;

Were every stalk on earth a quill,

And every man a scribe by trade;

To write the love of God above

Would drain the ocean dry;

Nor could the scroll contain the whole,

Though stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure—

The saints’ and angels’ song.

Words & Music by Frederick Martin Lehman (1868-1953).

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 57

ROOTED & GROUNDED

EPHESIANS 3:14-21

WEEK

8

Family Discussion

Think of something you love.

How would you describe that

love? How would you measure it?

Wow Words/Big Ideas

The power of God in our lives

is the same power that raised

Jesus from the dead. It now resides in us.

Indwelling: We are in Christ, but what’s more amazing is that

Christ is in us!

Rooted and grounded:

• Like a tree, the believer who is rooted in God’s love is made

strong.

• Like the foundation’s cornerstone of a building that holds the

whole structure together, Jesus provides a solid base for the

believer.

Review

mystery from Week 7.

• The idea that all people are equal in God is mystifying; but

even more mystifying is how big the love of God is for us.

• God’s love for us is too large to even measure:

Wide enough to reach the whole world and beyond.

Long enough to stretch from eternity to eternity.

High enough to raise both Jews and Gentiles to heavenly

places in Jesus.

Deep enough to rescue people from sin’s rottenness and even

from the grip of Satan.

• The more we understand of the love of God, the more we will

be filled with all the fullness of God.

fAmily

disCipLeship

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 58

ROOTED & GROUNDED

EPHESIANS 3:14-21

WEEK

8

Verse to Remember

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one

another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

GOING DEEPER

Ephesians is a book about God’s love. The more you understand

God’s love, the more you will: experience His presence and take on

His character (including suering). (Romans 8:17)

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 59

ROOTED & GROUNDED

EPHESIANS 3:14-21

WEEK

8

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 60

ROOTED & GROUNDED

EPHESIANS 3:14-21

WEEK

8

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 61

UNITY

EPHESIANS 4:1-16

WEEK

9

Introduction

In Ephesians 1-3 ,we learned of God's work of redemption. All of this was

according to His plan, reconciling sinful men and women back to Himself. Yet,

this act is not done in isolation. God calls all His people into a new community,

a new people, a new family in Christ. Aer three chapters of doctrine, Paul

transitions into addressing everyday practical implications of the Gospel. Here

starts the second half of the letter that teaches us how to live in light of God's

glorious grace.

MAIN IDEA

Paul exhorts us to maintain unity and grow into spiritual maturity.

Conversation Starter

Q. What is the best group or team you have ever been a part of? What made it

such a great experience?

Read & Discuss

READ EPHESIANS 4:1-3

Q. “Therefore” in verse 1 is a major “therefore" in all of Scripture. It’s a

“therefore” that refers back to everything Paul has covered in chapters 1–3.

Given all that Paul has said about the riches of the Gospel of Christ and the glory

of God, Paul uses all that truth to set up the first major imperative (command)

of the book.

Q. Before we get to Paul's command, let’s briefly take a second to recap the

first part of Ephesians. Paul continues to use the term "called" to describe

something in which God has done in this chapter (verses 1 and 4). Considering

what we've learned so far in the book of Ephesians, how would you describe

this calling? Hint: See Ephesians 1:18; 2:10; and 3:6.

Q. Paul commands his readers to live a life worthy of their calling and then lists

some characteristics. What are they? What type of person comes to mind as you

read over this list? Who have you witnessed to a good example of this?

Q. How do the qualities listed in verses 2-3 display a mature faith?

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 62

UNITY

EPHESIANS 4:1-16

WEEK

9

Ephesians 4:1-16

Unity in the Body of Christ

4

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of

the calling to which you have been called,

2

with all humility and gentleness,

with patience, bearing with one another in love,

3

eager to maintain the unity of

the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you

were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—

5

one Lord, one faith, one

baptism,

6

one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

7

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gi.

8

Therefore it says,

“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,

and he gave gis to men.”

9

(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into

the lower regions, the earth?

10

He who descended is the one who also ascended far

above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11

And he gave the apostles, the

prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds[c] and teachers,

12

to equip the saints for

the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

13

until we all attain to the

unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,[e]

to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

14

so that we may no longer

be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of

doctrine, by human cunning, by crainess in deceitful schemes.

15

Rather, speaking

the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into

Christ,

16

from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with

which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so

that it builds itself up in love.

Follow Up: What happens when Christians embody and live out these

characteristics?

Follow Up: From the list of behaviors to model and exhibit in our everyday lives,

which one(s) do you struggle with the most?

Follow Up: How would you ask God to help you grow in this area?

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 63

UNITY

EPHESIANS 4:1-16

WEEK

9

READ EPHESIANS 4:4-6

Q. Why does Christian unity necessitate agreement on “one body and one Spirit,

one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all”? What might this

say about the importance of doctrine, our ability to understand it, and unity?

Q. Within this section, Paul lays out three ways in which we are united: by a

divine calling (verse 1), by Christlike conduct (verses 2-3), and by our Gospel

confession (verses 4-6). Why are each of these components required for us to

experience unity? What happens if one of these three pieces is missing?

Q. Paul stresses the importance of unity within the local church in this passage.

Why is this so important? What message does a unified church declare to an

unbelieving world? What message does a fragmented church send to a skeptical

world?

READ EPHESIANS 4:7-16

While unity means a oneness of mind and heart, it does not mean sameness.

While Christians are to experience and strive aer unity, we are to do so by using

the diverse gis and abilities God has blessed each of us with.

Q. In these verses, Paul highlights Christ’s generosity and authority. Christ Jesus

died, rose, and ascended into heaven as the victorious King with all authority

and gave gis to His people, displaying extravagant generosity. What is the

relationship between the ascension of Jesus and the distribution of spiritual

gis to believers? Hint: Look at Paul's use of Psalm 68.

Q. Jesus has given every believer

gis through the Spirit, as well as

the corporate body of believers.

For what purpose? Hint: See

verses 12 and 13.

Q. How does Paul describe

the mature church in these

verses? What can you do to help

your church grow in spiritual

maturity?

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 64

UNITY

EPHESIANS 4:1-16

WEEK

9

personal application / reflection

The Apostles’ Creed is a well-known and widely used summary of what

Christians believe. The Apostles’ Creed appeared in various forms during the

early centuries of the church, but it was standardized by about A.D. 700 in

Latin. Since then, Christians have joined their voices together in reciting this

creed, to not only re-airm what they believe, but also to help others learn

and remain true to the teachings of the Bible. Paul. in this passage, calls for

unity in the believers’ calling, behavior, and belief. Take time either reciting

the Apostles Creed together as a sign of unity or personally studying it this

week, finding where each statement of faith is rooted within Scripture.

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit

and born of the virgin Mary.

He suered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to hell.

The third day he rose again from the dead.

He ascended to heaven

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.

From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic* church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

* the word catholic means “general, universal, concerning the whole” and does not refer exclusively to the Roman

Catholic Church. Some may substitute the term "catholic" with "Christian" or "universal".

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 65

UNITY

EPHESIANS 4:1-16

WEEK

9

Family Discussion

Q. What are some things you

need to do and you need to

communicate with your partner

to make a three-legged race

successful?

Wow Words/Big Ideas

Review Church from Week 6.

Unity: A oneness of mind and heart. Unity does not mean

uniformity. (See gis below.)

Believers are disciples who are called to make other disciples.

They are also called to serve others out of a heart of gratitude for

all that Jesus has done for them. They are called to live a life that

reflects Jesus.

The church is where disciples meet with other disciples to learn

more about Jesus.

God wants His people to live together in harmony—meaning

believers live and work together in a unity that flows out of

obeying Bible truths and Jesus-centered living.

• Believers must have humility, gentleness, patience,

forbearance (bearing with one another in love), and peace.

This is not always easy. Isn’t it nice to know you’re powered by

a supernatural source?

• Believers should remember what unites them:

one body, one

Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God!

Imagine Jesus as the victorious king who has defeated his

enemies through His death on the cross and His resurrection. As

the victor, He now provides gis to His people (Psalm 68:18).

fAmily

disCipLeship

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 66

UNITY

EPHESIANS 4:1-16

WEEK

9

• These talents and gis grow and are to be used to serve one

another and for the church to work together.

• The church is comparable to the human body. The head

provides direction and guidance to the body (this is Jesus).

But it is essential fwor every part of the body to do its job.

• Not all the people do the same thing, but all are necessary.

We all have a part that adds to the work God wants us to do

together.

Going Deeper

Ephesians is a book about God’s love. Jesus was a living example

of God’s love as we are to be living example of His love (John

13:35).

Verse to Remember

Be kind to one another,

tenderhearted, forgiving

one another, as God in

Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 67

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

UNITY

EPHESIANS 4:1-16

WEEK

9

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 68

UNITY

EPHESIANS 4:1-16

WEEK

9

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 69

RENEWAL

EPHESIANS 4:17-5:21

WEEK

10

Introduction

Oen when people consider the cost

of becoming a Christian, their minds

regularly go to "what I can't" or

"what I shouldn't" do anymore. Yet,

when one becomes a new creation in

Christ, it’s not simply stopping living

in a particular way, but beginning to

live in a completely new way. Paul

begins to tease out the areas in our

lives that should see renewal and

transformation as we have been

adopted into God's family and begin to

live in the new community He has set

apart for Himself.

MAIN IDEA

Believers are called to live out their

new identity in Christ by imitating God, by walking in love, light, and wisdom

with a lifestyle that is dierent from the world and dierent from their past.

Conversation Starter

Q. At dierent points in life, we experience an important event that radically

changes something about how we think, behave, or look at things. What is one

example of an event that had an impact on everything else in your life?

Read & Discuss

READ EPHESIANS 4:17-32

Q. Paul does not paint a pretty picture for those who do not have a relationship

with Jesus. In verses 17-19, what are some of the descriptions Paul gives? Can

you give some examples of what this may look like in your life?

Follow Up: How do you think someone who does not walk with God responds

to these descriptions?

Follow Up: How does that impact the way you would witness to unbelievers?

"The gospel is the dynamic for

all heart-change, life-change,

and social-change. Change won’t

happen through ‘trying harder’

but only through encountering

with the radical grace of God. We

do not 'get saved' by believing

in the gospel and then 'grow' by

trying hard to live according to

Biblical principles. Believing in

the gospel is not only way to meet

God, but also the way to grow into

him."

The Gospel – Key to Change

by Tim Keller

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 70

RENEWAL

EPHESIANS 4:17-5:21

WEEK

10

Ephesians 4:17-32

The New Life

17

Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles

do, in the futility of their minds.

18

They are darkened in their understanding,

alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their

hardness of heart.

19

They have become callous and have given themselves up to

sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.

20

But that is not the way you

learned Christ!—

21

assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in

him, as the truth is in Jesus,

22

to put o your old self, which belongs to your former

manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,

23

and to be renewed in the

spirit of your minds,

24

and to put on the new self, created aer the likeness of God

in true righteousness and holiness.

25

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with

his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

26

Be angry and do not sin; do

not let the sun go down on your anger,

27

and give no opportunity to the devil.

28

Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his

own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

29

Let

no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building

up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

30

And do not

grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

31

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from

you, along with all malice.

32

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one

another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Q. Paul says that the Ephesians had "learned Christ." Normally we learn details,

facts, or behaviors, but not a person. Do you think this phrasing from Paul was

unintentional? What is he trying to communicate here?

Q. Paul begins to draw a distinction between the "old self" and the "new self".

What are some of the contrasts that Paul makes?

Follow Up: What are some of the examples of "deceitful desires" that you may

need to put o?

Q. What does 4:32 say about forgiveness? Do you need to forgive anyone?

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 71

RENEWAL

EPHESIANS 4:17-5:21

WEEK

10

Ephesians 5:1-21

Walk in Love

5

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

2

And walk in love, as

Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant oering and sacrifice

to God.

3

But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named

among you, as is proper among saints.

4

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk

nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

5

For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure,

or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of

Christ and God.

6

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these

things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

7

Therefore do not

become partners with them;

8

for at one time you were darkness, but now you

are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

9

(for the fruit of light is found in all

that is good and right and true),

10

and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

11

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

12

For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.

13

But when

anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,

14

for anything that becomes

visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,

and arise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

15

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

16

making the

best use of the time, because the days are evil.

17

Therefore do not be foolish,

but understand what the will of the Lord is.

18

And do not get drunk with wine,

for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

19

addressing one another in

psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord

with your heart,

20

giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in

the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

21

submitting to one another out of reverence

for Christ.

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RENEWAL

EPHESIANS 4:17-5:21

WEEK

10

READ EPHESIANS 5:1-21

Some of Paul's strongest warnings against sin are present within this passage.

Coupled with it, Paul calls for believers to allow their love for Christ to be exhibited

in the way they walk and carry themselves.

Q. Connect the dots between what Paul says in Ephesians 5:1 and what he says at

the start of the book in Ephesians 1:5.

Follow Up: What does it mean to "imitate God"? Does this seem impossible? Or

does it encourage you?

Q. In verse 3, sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness are strictly prohibited

by Paul, stating that they have no place amongst the people of God. He also calls

out the way in which we use our words in verse 4. Are these issues prevalent among

Christians today?

Follow Up: If so, what impact is that having on the Church? On its ability to witness

to an unbelieving world?

Q. What are some of the warnings Paul gives for participating in behavior that is not

in alignment with God and what He calls his people to?

Q. Paul brings about instruction that we, as followers of Jesus, should be light in the

dark world around us. This does not just simply mean avoiding participating in it,

but he goes even further in stating we should expose the works of darkness (verse

11). How might we do this today? How does the Holy Spirit provide wisdom and

boldness for this task?

Q. Paul juxtaposes "drunk with wine" and "filled with the Spirit". What dierences

would characterize one who enjoys debauchery and one whose life is evidenced

with being filled with the Spirit?

personal application / reflection

Ephesians 5:14 says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will

shine on you.” This quote is most likely a mixture of lines from Isaiah (Isaiah 9:2;

26:19; 50:9–10; 60:1–2). It’s important to take an honest look at our lives and

examine the ways we are called to put on the new self and walk in love. As we do

this, we are to look for areas that may still be dead and hiding in the darkness.

Where does the light of Christ need to shine in your life right now? This is not an

exercise to shame nor produce guilt, but to align our lives and hearts with Christ.

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RENEWAL

EPHESIANS 4:17-5:21

WEEK

10

Family Discussion

Q. What is a “hard heart”

(think of Pharaoh in

Exodus)?

Wow Words/Big Ideas

Since we are adopted into God’s

family, we are to live for the

Kingdom of God, not the way the world says to live.

Believers are “born again” and made into a new creation. We may

be the worst of sinners, yet Jesus can forgive us and transform our

lives.

• It is described as a “new man,” and a “new self” as opposed to

the “old man” (not age) and the “old self.”

• Believers must make a clean break with their behavior that

was a part of their lives before they became followers of

Jesus.

• Though they are made new, sinful tendencies remain.

Believers will struggle with lying, anger, stealing, naughty

words, hard feelings, and even bitterness.

The Gospel is not just used to tell people how to become followers

of Jesus. Aer becoming a Jesus follower, you

learn to live like

the holy person you’ve already begun to be, each day, more and

more. We grow with our hope in the Gospel.

Going Deeper

Ephesians is a book about God’s love. Believes are called to allow

God’s love and forgiveness for them to be shown in the way they

live, love, and forgive (Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 18:35, Mark

11:24

, Luke 11:4).

fAmily

disCipLeship

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 74

RENEWAL

EPHESIANS 4:17-5:21

WEEK

10

Verse to Remember

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one

another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

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RENEWAL

EPHESIANS 4:17-5:21

WEEK

10

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

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RENEWAL

EPHESIANS 4:17-5:21

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

WEEK

10

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 77

MARRIAGE AS A VISUAL REPRESENTATION

EPHESIANS 5:21-33

WEEK

11

Introduction

As we've seen in the book of

Ephesians, the Apostle Paul has gone

to great lengths to teach and remind

us of the Gospel - what it is and what

it calls us to.

The Gospel has grand implications

for our relationships. Up to this point,

Paul has spoken about how believers

are to engage and interact with the

world around them at large and

within the Church. At this point in his

letter, he turns the attention to our

homes. In this week's passage, Paul

touches on the key responsibilities

of husbands and wives and gives us

a beautiful analogy of Christ and the

Church.

MAIN IDEA

Marriage is a mystery, but a Gospel-

centered marriage points to God’s

love for us.

Conversation Starter

Q. We all have pet peeves; some of us

have words that get under our skin.

Share a pet peeve or a word that you

don’t like.

Read & Discuss

READ EPHESIANS 5:22-33

Consider having a woman read verses

22-25, and a man read verses 26-33.

Note for this week

This can be a challenging portion

of Scripture. Sadly, it has been so

misinterpreted and abused that

many women avoid reading it

and the men teaching it tend to

approach it with hesitation. With

that in mind, let’s prayerfully

approach this section, asking

the Holy Spirit to remove our

preconceived ideas in exchange

for the truth. Be gentle with one

another and remember it is the

role of the Holy Spirit to move our

hearts, not man.

The questions this week are

broken up into three sections:

whole group discussion,

questions for women, and

questions for men. We also

understand that there are many

who are not currently married.

We have provided questions

for them as well. Feel free to

have the group discussion and

then move into separate spaces

for the men’s and women’s

conversations. The questions for

women were written by Sarah

Glassett, our Director of Spiritual

Formation to Women, while the

questions for men were craed

by Sarah’s husband Luke, who is

an Elder.

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EPHESIANS 5:21-33

WEEK

11

Ephesians 5:21-33

21

...submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Wives and Husbands

22

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

23

For the husband is the

head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself

its Savior.

24

Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in

everything to their husbands.

25

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for

her,

26

that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with

the word,

27

so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without

spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

28

In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who

loves his wife loves himself.

29

For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes

and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,

30

because we are members of his

body.

31

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his

wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

32

This mystery is profound, and I am

saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

33

However, let each one of you love

his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

discussion questions for the group

Q. Submission can seem like a dirty word. It’s important for everyone to start on

the same page. What is submission? What isn’t it? If you’ve got the ability, make

a T-chart listing what submission is and isn’t for reference during the discussion.

What are some good examples of submission in the Scriptures?

Q. Look back to verses 15-21. How does "submitting to one another out of

reverence for Christ” set the context of this passage?

Q. Christ gives us the ultimate example of submission. Read Philippians 2:1-8.

Sin makes submission scary and painful because sinful people take advantage

of others and use their power for themselves. How does Christ’s example further

clarify your understanding of submission?

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EPHESIANS 5:21-33

WEEK

11

Q. The Gospel should aect every area of our lives, including how we interact

with our spouse. Ephesians 5:22-33 is what a Gospel-centered marriage looks

like; it is a restorative view of marriage, God’s perfect plan all along. How does

it help you to understand that a marriage that looks like this was God’s plan,

before sin entered the world? How does it challenge you?

Q. What does this passage teach us

about the Church?

discussion questions for wives

Instead of using this time to focus on

why submission is hard or unpopular,

focus on what Godly submission

looks like and how you can grow.

It’s important to note that when it

wife submits to her husband, she is

not looking the other way while her

husband sins, it does not condone

abuse, or mean you she is a doormat. If

you are in an abusive marriage, please

let someone at the Church know. We want to help you.

Q. A wife that submits to her husband allows him to be responsible for her.

This can be frightening and hard. What steps can you take to grow? What

conversations might you need to have with him?

Q. When we take time to grow in our trust of the Lord, understanding His good

character, and love for His children, we can grow in our ability to submit to our

husbands. Why do you think this is?

Q. Notice in verses 23-24 that the Church is mentioned as an example of

submission to Christ. Healthy, strong leadership is a gi from God! We know

from Genesis 1:26-28 that both men and women are created equally in God’s

image and that we are heirs together of eternal life (Galatians 3:28-29). We are

of equal value with dierent, complimentary roles. How does looking at the role

of the wife through a Gospel-centered lens help you tackle the misconceptions

of submission?

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EPHESIANS 5:21-33

WEEK

11

Discussion questions for husbands

Is it ever your duty to remind your wife to submit? I will answer this one for you:

NO! I would even go so far as to say that you should not even use this verse

in jest. To joke to your wife about "submitting to you" only reinforces falsely-

established norms of patriarchal superiority. It misses the point entirely.

Q. Paul compares a husband being

head of his wife to Jesus as head of his

Church. Knowing this, in what ways

can a husband model Jesus? Are there

verses you can think of that you can use

as guidance? Hint: Philippians 3:2-11.

Q. If our wives are supposed to submit

to us, what is the corresponding weight

of responsibility placed on a husband’s

shoulders?

Q. According to verse 25, what does

it look like to love our wives as Christ

loved the Church? What are some practical ways you can give yourself up for

your wife?

A note to our single brothers and sisters

Just because Paul focuses on marriage for this portion does not mean there

isn’t an important, necessary role for the single population in the Church. It

also doesn’t mean that we can’t all use Jesus’ example of submission as our

guideline for the way we live. Christ lived a life of submission to the Father, and

we are each called to model that in our distinct roles.

Q. We are called to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians

5:21). What does Godly submission look like outside of marriage? How

should this look inside and outside of the Church? Use Christ’s life as your

encouragement and example.

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EPHESIANS 5:21-33

WEEK

11

Q. What role does submission play in a Gospel-centered life? How does our

submission, or deference, to others point them to Christ? How do you think

living this way can open the door to Gospel conversations?

Q. How does your life point others to God’s love for us? How can you grow here?

WIVES

According to verse 33, have a conversation with

your husband about what respect looks like to him.

You might be surprised! Oen, words have dierent

meanings to dierent people.

personal application / reflection

HUSBANDS

According to verses 28-30, ask your wife the following

questions: What makes you feel nourished by me? How

can I make you feel cherished?

SINGLES

Have a conversation with a friend about what Godly

submission looks like practically. Where can you grow

as someone who looks first to the needs of others and

are willing to lay down your wants and desires for their

benefit?

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EPHESIANS 5:21-33

WEEK

11

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EPHESIANS 5:21-33

WEEK

11

Family Discussion

Q. People are the same, yet

dierent. We all need water,

food, shelter, etc., but are all

unique in our own way. What

are some other examples of “the

same, but dierent?”

Wow Words/Big Ideas

Review the idea of head and body when it comes to the Church

from Week 9.

Submit: A voluntary yielding to one who has authority.

Submission is not blind obedience.

• Soldiers follow their commanders, members of the church

yield to their pastors/elders, and all people submit to the

government. (1 Peter 3:5, Romans 13:1)

• Jesus called His disciples to serve one another and resist the

urge to be overbearing, or bossy with each other (

Mark 10:42-

45).

• Paul encourages believers to defer to the needs and interests

of others by considering others more highly than they

consider themselves (

Philippians 2:2-3).

• Submission involves subduing pride and selfish pursuits.

Just as Jesus is the head of the body of the church, the

husband is

the head of the family.

• The husband’s leadership is directed by a self-sacrificial love

like Jesus’ love and sacrifice on the cross.

• This is not a heavy-handed and demeaning attitude of

husbands to wives.

fAmily

disCipLeship

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MARRIAGE AS A VISUAL REPRESENTATION

EPHESIANS 5:21-33

WEEK

11

Verse to Remember

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one

another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

A husband’s responsibility is to love, cherish, and serve his wife.

A wife is called to submit to her husband.

• This deferring to her husband is made easier when she knows

her husband will put her needs above his own and treat her

like Jesus treats the church.

Going Deeper

Ephesians is a book about God’s love. God created man and

woman equally in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-28), and we are heirs

together of eternal life (Galatians 3:28-29). We are of equal value

with dierent, complimentary roles.

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 85

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

MARRIAGE AS A VISUAL REPRESENTATION

EPHESIANS 5:21-33

WEEK

11

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 86

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

MARRIAGE AS A VISUAL REPRESENTATION

EPHESIANS 5:21-33

WEEK

11

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 87

PARENTS & WORK

EPHESIANS 6:1-9

WEEK

12

Introduction

Paul continues to provide us with

a holistic approach to Gospel-

centered living as he walks out Gospel

implications for our everyday lives.

Paul has taken great care and eort

to address the most foundational

relationship that each of us has or

will experience. Aer taking time to

discuss our relationship with God and

how that will impact how we live and

reflect Jesus in our daily walk, our

relationships within the church, within

the marital relationship, Paul now turns

his attention to parents, children, and

our work environments.

MAIN IDEA

Christlike actions in the house and

workplace are also a worship to God.

Conversation Starter

Q. Each of us has (or had) parents. What

was your experience in honoring your

parents?

Read & Discuss

READ EPHESIANS 6:1-4

Q. Exodus 20:12 is cited by Paul in

verses 2-3. How does the idea of

"honoring" your parents fall in line with

Paul's initial command of "obey"?

Follow Up: At what age does this cease

to be applicable to us?

EPHESIANS 6:1-9

Children and Parents

6

Children, obey your parents

in the Lord, for this is right.

2

“Honor your father and mother”

(this is the first commandment

with a promise),

3

“that it may go

well with you and that you may live

long in the land.”

4

Fathers, do not

provoke your children to anger, but

bring them up in the discipline and

instruction of the Lord.

Bondservants and Masters

5

Bondservants, obey your earthly

masters with fear and trembling,

with a sincere heart, as you would

Christ,

6

not by the way of eye-

service, as people-pleasers, but

as bondservants of Christ, doing

the will of God from the heart,

7

rendering service with a good will

as to the Lord and not to man,

8

knowing that whatever good

anyone does, this he will receive

back from the Lord, whether he is

a bondservant or is free.

9

Masters,

do the same to them, and stop

your threatening, knowing that he

who is both their Master and yours

is in heaven, and that there is no

partiality with him.

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 88

PARENTS & WORK

EPHESIANS 6:1-9

WEEK

12

Q. In what ways could a parent

"provoke" their child to anger?

Follow Up: The word provoke in the

letter's original language meant "to

bring to anger", not necessarily as a

one-time instance, but as a long-term

problem. Understanding that, does it

make a dierence as to how we take

instruction here?

Q. According to this passage, whose

responsibility is it to discipline and

train children?

Follow Up: How might you teach your children the basic doctrines of the faith?

Are you doing this?

Follow Up: Turn to Deuteronomy 6:4-9. What do these verses tell us about

imparting our faith to our children?

Q. Notice how Paul ends this instruction with stating we are training and

disciplining our children in the Lord. This means we are to make disciples of

our children and not just good citizens. Does this impact the way you view

parenting?

"Every single household is showing

and demonstrating one of two

realities: a God who identifies with

his people, provides for his people,

protects his people and gives his

people a future; or a god who

ignores his people, who gives no

future for his people and will grind

his people to bits."

4 Priorities for Every Gospel-

Centered Parent by Russel Moore

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 89

PARENTS & WORK

EPHESIANS 6:1-9

WEEK

12

READ EPHESIANS 6:5-9

Note about this section: The situation Paul

addressed was not like slavery in American

history. It was complex and massive in

scope. American slavery was primarily racial

and lifelong. In Paul’s day it was not racial,

and it was not always lifelong. There were

some similarities, but it was dierent. It is

estimated that bondservants composed

about one-third of the population of a city like

Ephesus. They were considered an integral

part of a family, so Paul’s instructions for

bondservants were a natural part of his

dealing with family relationships. In this

culture, a bondservant could own his own

property; but even so, he may have had

limited rights under his master and could

have become the object of abuse. One should not think of contemporary forms of

racially-driven slavery, kidnapping of children to make soldiers, or sex traicking when

thinking of the bondservants mentioned in the Bible, for they are not equivalent. While

Paul does not call for the abolition of slavery, the radical teaching of equality in texts

such as this one laid the foundation for its dissolution. A better modern-day comparison

would be an employee under the authority of a supervisor, manager, or owner.

Q. Drawing a parallel between what Paul is speaking of here and our current

work situation, how do should these verses inform our work ethic?

Q. Verse 9 is oen a verse we may miss the shock the initial readers would have

experienced when they read “masters treat your bondservants in the same

way…” How should these verses inform the way we relate to people we work

with - especially if we are someone who holds authority over others?

Follow Up: What is the reason that Paul gives for this? What does he root his

argument in?

Q. Thinking about what we have covered over the past few weeks, what are

the common elements Paul includes for each group (husband/wives, parents/

children, masters/bondservant)?

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PARENTS & WORK

EPHESIANS 6:1-9

WEEK

12

SLAVERY

Slavery is one of the oldest institutions of man. While some cultures have

practiced slavery as a means of helping the poor or employing skilled

workers (Exodus 21:1–6; Deuteronomy 15:12–18), many cultures use

slavery as a means to separate and subjugate a class or race of people,

while exalting the owners and making them wealthy.

Paul’s instructions on slavery and the slave-master relationship are

complex. Although he never calls for dismantling the institution, he

does encourage Christian slaves to gain their freedom when possible (1

Corinthians 7:21). However, those who remain slaves to human masters

should see themselves as free in Christ (1 Corinthians 7:22). Peter would

later add that slaves should submit themselves even to masters who treat

them cruelly or unjustly, following the example of Christ (1 Peter 2:18–25).

The Godly actions of believing slaves and masters manifest the life-

changing power of Christ to all (Titus 2:9), make the slaves better

employees (Ephesians 6:6-7), promote brotherhood and equality in Christ

between slave and master (Ephesians 6:9; Philemon 15:16), and give

dignity to all slaves as Christian masters deal kindly with those under their

authority (Ephesians 6:9). The fact that slavery in the modern world is not

practiced with any sense of Christian ideals, but instead degrades, abuses,

tortures, and dehumanizes people as captives, sex objects, or property,

argues for the Christian to seek the abolition of slavery today as an act of

justice (Psalm 82:4; Proverbs 21:3, 15; 24:10–12; Isaiah 58:6–7; Micah 6:8;

Matthew 12:18–20; Luke 11:42).

Credit to Crossway's Ephesians: A 12-Week Study by Eric C. Redmond

personal application / reflection

This week's passage showed us a lot about two of the biggest arenas of our lives we

live in daily. Take some time to pray specifically for these relationships. Pray for the

families in your group and families in our church at large, that the parents may be

able to live a life worth emulating and be able to teach and train their children in

the Lord. Pray for your employer and fellow employees. If there is something that

needs to be confessed and repented of in one of these areas, do it.

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 91

PARENTS & WORK

EPHESIANS 6:1-9

WEEK

12

Family Discussion

Q. Besides getting “punished”

or having consequences for our

actions, why is it not good for

us to disobey our parents or our

bosses?

Wow Words/Big Ideas

Review the idea of head and body when it comes to the Church

from Week 9.

Review submit and head of family from Week 11.

Just as God expects His children (us, including adults and your

parents) to have an attitude of obedience to Him, children are

to obey their parents. We are also to honor God and our parents,

which means to respect and love.

Fathers are called to use sensitivity and moderation when

asserting authority and discipline to their children.

Believers should do their jobs well (that includes your chores at

home)—even when no one is looking.

Going Deeper

Ephesians is a book about God’s love—sharing God’s love with

others. That includes parents making disciples in their families

(Matthew 28:18-20, Deuteronomy 6:5-7).

fAmily

disCipLeship

Verse to Remember

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one

another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 92

PARENTS & WORK

EPHESIANS 6:1-9

WEEK

12

______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 93

PRINCIPALITIES & POWERS

EPHESIANS 6:10-24

WEEK

13

Introduction

As we conclude our study in the book of Ephesians, we come to the final

major section that many people are familiar with. What's surprising about this

passage is that it appears to be a hard le turn in contrast to what Paul has

been speaking about household and workplace relationships. However, if we

take a step back, we see this section helps tie up the letter, speaking to how

believers need to know there's more at play behind the curtain in their day-to-

day lives. Paul uses battle imagery as he calls all of us to stand firm amid the

spiritual war that is in progress.

MAIN IDEA

Stand firm by God's power with God's armor.

Conversation Starter

Q. What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "spiritual warfare"?

Follow Up: What emotions come to mind when you even consider discussing

this topic? Fear? Excitement? Uncertainty?

Read & Discuss

READ EPHESIANS 6:10-24

Q. What are some of the schemes and strategies have you seen the devil

attempt to use? Hint: Two of his biggest attacks are deceiving (see Genesis 3:4-5;

2 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Corinthians 11:14) and accusations (see Mathew 13:38-39;

Revelation 12:10).

“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the

devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an

excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by

both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.”

The Screwtape Letters

by C.S. Lewis

EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 94

PRINCIPALITIES & POWERS

EPHESIANS 6:10-24

WEEK

13

EPHESIANS 6:10-24

The Whole Armor of God

10

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

11

Put

on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the

schemes of the devil.

12

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but

against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over

this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly

places.

13

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able

to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

14

Stand

therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the

breastplate of righteousness,

15

and, as shoes for your feet, having put on

the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

16

In all circumstances take up

the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of

the evil one;

17

and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God,

18

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer

and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making

supplication for all the saints,

19

and also for me, that words may be given to

me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

20

for

which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought

to speak.

Final Greetings

21

So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the

beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything.

22

I

have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are,

and that he may encourage your hearts.

23

Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the

Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with

love incorruptible.

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Follow Up: Which of these

schemes and strategies have

been most eective against you?

Q. “Flesh and blood” is a

figurative way of talking about

people. If people are not the

enemy, how come so oen we

perceive our battle is against

someone else rather than seeing

the true nature of the struggle?

Q. What are the two commands

Paul gives as instruction for

believers against the evil one's

attack? Hint: Be strong in the Lord;

put on the armor of God.

Follow Up: Paul says we should

be strong in the Lord. How does

this dier from self-eort?

Follow Up: Four times in this

small section, the word "stand" is

used. Why do you think that is?

Q. Paul describes the main pieces of equipment for protection. What are these

pieces and how do you use each part of the armor to protect yourself? Hint:

Belt of Truth; Breastplate of Righteousness; Shoes of Readiness; Shield of Faith;

Helmet of Salvation; Sword of the Spirit.

Follow Up: Read Isaiah 52:7, how does this help us to understand what is meant

by “feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace?”

Follow Up: Do a quick self-assessment regarding each piece of your "spiritual

armor". Is it in good condition? Is it taken care of well? Is it lost somewhere or

packaged away in the garage?

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Q. One of the main ways we can extinguish the "flaming darts" of the evil one is

being familiar with the Scriptures to combat lies with truth. Can you think of a

time Jesus did this during His life and ministry? Hint: See Matthew 4:1-11.

Follow Up: What were the lies/deceptions Satan attempted to use against

Jesus? How did He respond to each one?

Q. Yet again, we find repetition in Paul's words, stressing something important.

In verse 18, "all" appears four times, instructing the believers on prayer during

the war. What does each "all" say about the importance of prayer in our lives?

additional resources -

spiritual warfare

Secret Church (4.5 hrs) – David

Platt – Angels, Demons, Spiritual

Warfare

Podcast (13 min) – The Doctrine of

Spiritual Warfare

Video (8 min) – Demons &

Spiritual Warfare - Russell Moore

personal application /

reflection

Spend some time as a group, or

individually, thinking through the

past 13 weeks of this study. What

stands out the most for you?

How has this letter aected your

understanding of God? The church?

Your Christian walk?

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Family Discussion

Q. We wear a helmet when we go

biking. What are some protective

devices for the following: soccer,

football, parachuting, driving,

rollerblading, and boating?

Why is this protective gear

important?

Wow Words/Big Ideas

God wants to strengthen His people through an active connection

to Jesus. The emphasis on verse 10 is not on “be strong,” but on

“in the Lord.” It is elaborated with the imagery of armor:

• The belt of truth protects against the “father of lies”—the

Devil.

• The breastplate of righteousness protects our heart and soul.

It goes on aer the belt of truth—we recognize that our being

made right with God has nothing to do with us. Apart from

Him, we can do nothing. We know we are “in Christ.”

• Our feet are fitted with the Gospel of peace. We are firm (feet

planted) in our position of “in Christ.” We are also moving—

taking the Gospel (the good news) to others.

• The shield of faith is solid and substantial. We can trust that

God is true and His Word is eective.

• The helmet of salvation protects our head—our way of

thinking, knowing and believing spiritual truths.

• The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God.

Just as a soldier would need help in putting on his armor, we are

called to arm each other through

prayer.

fAmily

disCipLeship

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Verse to Remember

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one

another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Going Deeper

• Ephesians is a book about God’s love. We have access to so

much, including His strength. Each piece of armor represents

a part of God’s strength that He extends to us when we

become His children.

• We are directed to “put on” this armor, which means that

we do not wear it all the time. Putting on the armor of God

involves a conscious decision on our part.

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NOTES

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NOTES

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notes

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EPHESIANS STUDY GUIDE - 102

notes

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