Ephesians
Creating A Healthy Marriage
Read Ephesians 5:21-33
Why do you think verse 21 is so important in understanding this passage? Why do you think submission is such a radical counter-cultural idea?
How does Paul describe submission for a husband (v 25-29)? For a wife (v22-24)?
Why is submission so difficult for us?
When Paul says that husbands are to "love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her...," what does that mean?
Husbands: how can you demonstrate that attitude to your wife?
When Paul says that wives are to "submit to their husbands," what do you think that means?
Wives-what does this require on your part? How can you demonstrate this atti- tude to your husband?
Read Ephesians 5:21-33 again
Restate verse 33 in your own words. Why do you suppose Paul talks about "love" when it comes to how husbands treat their wives, and "respect" when he addresses how wives treat their husbands?
Husbands-what does it look like to treat your wife with love, unconditionally? How are you doing at making sure your wife feels loved? Ask your spouse what she thinks...and how you can help her to feel more loved.
Wives-what does it look like to treat your husband w/ respect? Is this optional in a Christ-centered marriage? How are you doing at ensuring your husband feels respected? Tell him what you respect about him as a husband, father, and provider.
Additional Study: Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Make a list of the attributes of love. Which are you doing well in when it comes to your marriage? Which do you want to grow in for the benefit of your spouse?
Verse 7 says that love "always protects, always trusts, always perseveres." How do we demonstrate those in marriage?
Read John 15:9-12
How does this passage relate to marriage? How is knowing and loving like Jesus pivotal in maintaining a healthy marriage?
Restate verses 11-12. What is Jesus promising? What does this say about Him? For your marriage? On a scale of 1-10, what is the joy factor in your marriage? Jesus wants to grow that number...ask God directly how he wants to do that.
Clothed to Win
Read Ephesians 6:1-13
What main point is Paul trying to get across to the Christians in Ephesus in this passage?
What do you think verse 12 means? Why is it important for us as Christians to understand?
Do you often think of yourself as in a spiritual battle? Why or why not?
If this is a battle we're in, what are the primary areas the enemy might want to attack in our day and age? In your life? What is his purpose in doing so?
How do you discern when there is something else at work in your life-an enemy trying to steer you away from Jesus? Spend some time asking God today if there is some area of attack in your own life you need to be aware of. Pray for His power.
Read Ephesians 6:14-20
What are the elements of God's armor? What is the significance of each?
Which of the above areas do you need, specifically, today? Spend some time asking God to help you put that part of faith on.
What are the arrows (ie temptations, thoughts, discouragements) that you sense the devil often shoots at you? How can you use faith to "extinguish" them?
What is the role of prayer in this battle? What do you think it means to "pray in the Spirit?"
Additional Study: Read John 10:10
What is it the thief tries to do in our lives? What is he trying to steal/kill/destroy?
Have you ever wondered why Jesus married these two statements? What does it say about the reality of the spiritual battle?
Read Genesis 3:1-5
How does the serpent tempt Eve? What is the progression of his argument? What is he trying to convince Eve of?
When you think of your own life, how have you experienced this kind of "attack" on your faith? How are you experiencing it now?
Read 1 Peter 5:8-11
What is the description in this passage? How is it consistent with the rest of the verses talked about this week? How is it challenging to your daily life of faith?
How are vv.10-11 encouraging? Pray these passages back to the Lord: "Jesus, you have called me to your eternal glory; restore me and make me strong, firm, and steadfast in my faith."
Learning to Yield
Read Ephesians 5:21-33
What is the encouragement of verse 21? How does this alter/inform your understanding of the rest of the passage? How does this challenge the typical objections to this passage?
What do you think it means to "submit?" How does Paul describe what it looks like for the husband (v 25-29)? For the wife (v22-24)?
How do these compliment one another, making verse 21 a reality?
Why is it so important that we learn to "submit to one another" in marriage? If you are married, how would you rate your "submitability" (your ability to elevate your spouse's needs and desires above even your own)?
Read Ephesians 6:1-9
Its interesting that Paul draws in the Old Testament in v.3. What is the promise of obedience (to children specifically here, but to all of us as it relates to God)?
How does verse 4 say is the top priority of parenthood?
What makes this difficult? In what way are you yielding to the Lord in making this a priority?
Verses 6-9 touches on the idea of slaves. In NT times, slavery ranged from employment to indentured servitude to real slavery. Since we are not "slaves" in the latter sense, what instruction does this passage offer for us today?
Re-read verse 7-8. How is this true in your work life? How does it apply to how you serve at church?
Additional Study: Read Philippians 2:1-7
Make a list of the attitudes that this passage is promoting. Which is God urging you to work on in your life?
It says here that the call for all Christians is to resemble Christ (v.5). In what way? How does this challenge us to relate to people at work? At home? At church?
Read Isaiah 6:1-8
What is the image that Isaiah is reacting to in this passage? What is his initial response (v.5)? How does God encourage a different response in Isaiah?
After God removes Isaiah's sin, He asks a question. How does Isaiah respond? How is Isaiah's joyful willingness to yield to God's call a great example for us?
Read Job 22:21-25
What are the instructions of this passage? What is the promise those that learn to submit (yield) to God and His instructions?
In your own life, how are you doing at submitting to God and His instructions? Take some time to be reflective. In what areas is God asking you to learn to submit more to Him so that He "will be your gold, the choicest of silver for you."
Imitating God
Read Ephesians 5:1-14
What are Paul's instructions in verse 1-2? How do these two verses "set up"
what he is saying in the rest of the passage?
What specific dark behaviors does the passage indicate we should avoid? Why
do you think it is so important to God that we avoid these things?
If we are to avoid "darkness," what actions/behaviors/attitudes must we
favor instead ("light")?
In what areas do you find yourself justifying darkness? How is God
challenging you to move more toward light in your life?
How does the culture around us make it hard to live as God wants us
to-especially in these areas? How can we counteract the impact of the world?
Read Ephesians 5:15-20
The same general concept is repeated in verses 1,10, and 17. How would you
restate what are we asked to do as believers? Why is this important?
Verse 15 urges us to "be very careful" how we live-what do you think that
means in our day and age?
What different steps can you take to live more wisely?
In v. 18, Paul gives a prescription for living more in the light than in
"debauchery." What is his instruction? What does it mean to be "filled with
the Holy Spirit?"
How can you learn to rely more on the Holy Spirit?
Additional Study: Read Colossians 1:9-14
In what ways can you grow in the knowledge of God? According to this
passage, how will that influence your life?
It says here that we have been rescued from the "dominion of darkness" and
brought into the "kingdom of light." How would you describe these in your
life?
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
What does this passage indicate as God's will? Is this always true? Why?
How does this passage indicate that we are called to live (v. 7-8)? Choose a
behavior to "learn to control" this week. Pray for help.
Read Hebrews 13:15-16
Have you ever thought of praising God, doing good or sharing as a "sacrifice
to God?" Why or why not?
Imagine if everything you do were a "sacrifice to God." How would this
affect your actions? Is that realistic? Why or why not? How can you grow
toward this?
Old to New
Read Ephesians 4:17-24
According to this passage, how do non-believers (Gentiles) live? How should that differ from Christ's followers?
We all fall every now and then in our new life of faith. What are some of the ways you can get caught in the "old self?"
How can we get back up again and continue our journey with God?
How are we "to be made new" (V. 23-24)? How would you describe this new life (as opposed to your "former life") in Christ?
What's one thing you are struggling with right now? How can you hand it over to God? Visually picture yourself doing this. Choose today this new way in Christ.
Read Ephesians 4:25-32
What are the "old ways" that Paul specifically addresses in this passage?
Of these behaviors mentioned, which is a "growth area" for you?
Verse 30 mentions that we can "grieve the Holy Spirit of God," What is important about that concept?
What does it say about God that He can be grieved by our actions/attitudes? What does it say about us? Our relationship with God?
Focus on v. 32 this week. Memorize it. Commit to living that verse daily.
Additional Study: Read Psalm 51:1-12
How can we be sinful from birth?
How does God want to deal with the sin in our lives?
What does God desire for us? How does He achieve that desire?
Read Romans 8:1-17, 29
How does our sinful nature affect us?
What does the Spirit o God do for us? How do we receive that Spirit? How does the Spirit change us? What is the end goal of change (v. 29)?
Read Colossians 3:1-14
How does our earthly nature separate us from God?
What step can you take to make your life revolve around Christ (v. 1-4)?
What is constantly happening to our new self as we grow in Christ?
Unity on Uniqueness
Read Ephesians 4:1-16 (Day 1)
What is the calling we've received (v. 1)? What does it mean to live a life "worthy of that calling" we've received?
How does the list of behaviors in v. 2-3 relate to living a worthy life? How are you growing in these areas?
Why do you think there is there so much emphasis on "oneness and unity in verses 4-5? Upon what things should Christians be united?
Paul begins verse 7 with "But..." How does he emphasize our uniqueness (individuality) yet still emphasize being part of one Body? Is this a contradiction? Why or why not?
Read Ephesians 4:1-16 (Day 2)
List some gifts (graces) that God has given to men. For what purpose did God give us gifts? (v. 12)
Which gift(s) do you think God has given you? In what practical ways do you use the gift(s) God has given you?
Can you become a mature Christian without serving others? Why or why not?
Why is it important to become a mature Christian? (v. 14) How do you think a mature believer thinks and acts? What is foremost in his/her mind?
How does being well-grounded in God's Word give us stability and lead to maturity? When has God's Word kept you from being "tossed back and forth" by prevailing opinion or the "cunning and craftiness" of men?
Additional Study: Read Hebrews 5:12- 6:3
How is maturity illustrated in this passage? What gets in our way of becoming mature believers?
How are you tempted to be content with spiritual "milk?" How are you challenged to grow in Christ?
Read 1 Peter 4:7-11
Whom are we to serve with our gifts? Where does the strength for using your gifts come from? How does reliance upon Christ for strength free you to do His will?
How does a mature r/ship with Christ empower you to fully utilize your gifts?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
How can acknowledgment of unique gifts, service and working in Christ contribute to a bond of peace among believers?
How do your gifts, service and work contribute to the unity of the Spirit? Who benefits from your service? Do you feel challenged to fully utilize the gifts given to you?
Love from the Spirit
Read Ephesians 3:14-21 (Day 1)
What are the riches and resources of Christ (v. 16)? List as many as you can. Which have you most experienced in Christ?
The word "power" appears three times in this passage. What is the purpose of this God-given power in each instance? How have you been strengthened and empowered by the Spirit?
What do you think it means to be rooted and established in love? What tempts you away from Christ's love? What actions can you take to remain rooted in love?
What do you think Paul means in verse 19 when he says he wants us to know God's love that surpasses knowledge? Is this an intellectual or experiential?
Read Ephesians 3:14-21 (Day 2)
What does the "fullness of all the measure of God" mean? How does being filled with the "fullness of God" impact our relationship with Him? With others? With the circumstances/tragedies/joys in our life?
Has there been a time that God has not answered your prayer? What's the difference between God being able to do everything we ask and Him actually doing it?
Do you have an area of your life that you feel less than complete? How does experiencing the love of Christ make you complete?
What difference would there be if we prayed for fullness of God in our lives rather than (or in addition to) asking for the specifics in a situation?
Additional Study Read Romans 8:35-39
What is Paul convinced of in this passage (v. 38-39)? Why is he convinced? What similarities do you find between verse 39 and Ephesians 3:18?
Have you ever put limitations on God's love? Have you ever thought that His love was not deep enough to heal your hurt? Not wide enough to forgive your sins? How can you now cling to this promise when faced with those thoughts and feelings?
Read 1 John 4:7-12
How does this passage define love? How is this different from the worldview of love? Why is important to have a Biblical view of love?
Do we have the ability to love one another independently of God? How does this description of God's love differ from our tendency to describe love as a feeling?
Read 1 John 5:2-4
What link is there between love and obedience? This passage clearly states that God's commands are not burdensome. Do you agree? What could cause us to think that following God's commandments is a burden?What is difficult for you about this passage? How does this passage challenge our present world/culture? How comfortable are you with that?
A New Kind of Community
Read Ephesians 2:11-18
How did the Jews and Gentiles divide themselves (see v. 11 & 15)? What are the divisions that we tend toward-the dividing lines for who's "in" and who's "out" in our world?
How do you think those categories influences the church?
According to this passage, how did Jesus unite those who were divided? Why do you think it's so important that Christians get rid of these divisions?
What does it mean that now "we have equal access to the Father?"
Read Ephesians 2:19-22
Have you ever felt like an "foreigner," excluded from a group? How did you react?
What do you think it means that we are "being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit?"
If we are being built together, then what does that say about the importance of the church community in the life of a Christian-particularly in worship (ie being a "temple")?
How can this understanding of community shape what it means to be a Christian? To be a church family?
Additional Study
Read Galatians 3:26-28
What are the categories that Paul mentions here? Why is it so important to Paul that we "are all one in Christ?"
Identify the categories you tend to put people in...what can you do to grow in your ability to see people (esp. in the church ) as children of God?
Read James 2:1-9
When (or with whom) are you most tempted to show favoritism? To discriminate against?
Is there one person-an "outsider"-at your work, in your family, or in your neighborhood that God might be asking you to reach out to?
Read John 17:20-23
Jesus is praying for all of us-generations of believers. What is his prayer?How can this unity-this unconditional attitude of grace toward one another- be "the glory" that shows the world about Jesus?
The Richness of Grace
Read Ephesians 2:1-5
How does this passage describe the Ephesians before they believed in Christ? How would you describe your life before Jesus?
According to this passage, how did their life change? What is the most significant difference you have experienced since turning to Christ?
What does it mean to be "alive with Christ?" Who makes us that way? Read John 10:10 and Gal. 5:22-23-how do these passages inform your answer?
What does v. 4 say was God's motivation in "saving" us? How have you experienced that in your life?
Read Ephesians 2:4-10
Look up the definition of grace in a dictionary. Why is it important to understand that it is not what we do that saves us, but a free gift from God?
Why do you think God made salvation an undeserved gift?
How does v. 10 name those who follow Christ? What do you think that means?
What does v. 10 say we were saved for? How can you identify the things God has prepared for you to do? How are these a great gift as well, part of the richness of God's grace?
Additional Study
Read John 1:14-18
How is grace made possible to receive? What do you observe about Jesus that makes Him the ultimate expression of God's grace?
What blessings have you received in following Jesus (v. 16)?
Read Titus 3:4-9
How have you experienced the "washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit" that comes from God's grace?
How can we live our lives more reflective of our appreciation for this gift?
Read Galatians 3:1-7
What is the "law" they are talking about? Why is the "spirit" or rightness with God not be reached by human effort (ie following rules/trying to be perfect)?What is received by believing in Christ crucified for our sins? How is that belief manifested in your life?
Knowing God
Read Ephesians 1:15-19a
Make a list from this passage: what is Paul, the author, excited about? What does he want the Ephesian church to have?
How should these things make a difference in the church today? In your life?
Paul prays here for the Ephesians to really "know Him better." How would you rate your knowledge of God? Why? Why is this so important?
What three things does this passage say knowing God better (having "they eyes of your heart" enlightened-see v. 18-19) brings?
Which of these have you experienced the most? Which do you need to grow in? Make that your prayer this week.
Read Ephesians 1:19b-23
God has incredible power over life and death. How does knowing God is all-powerful comfort you? Challenge you?
What are the struggles in your life right now? This passage says that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is available for you (v. 19). Pray right now that God would supply His power and His strength in your specific situation.
With Jesus as the head of the church body, how important is it for followers to be a part of that body (see v. 22-23)?
What role does church play in your life?
Additional Study
Read Jeremiah 24:6-7
What does God promise to the exiles (His people)? Why is it important for us to constantly "return to God" with all our heart?
What benefits have you received in knowing God? How can you keep growing in knowing God? What resources do you have?
Read Psalm 46:1-11
How is God's power shown? What should y our response be (v.10)?
How should we see the world in light of God's power? How do you see God in light of this psalm?
Read John 17:1-5
What power does God give Jesus? Why? How does Jesus glorify God?
What does eternal life mean to you? How does Jesus describe it? What do we get a taste of by knowing God and Jesus?
Predestined Confidence
Read Ephesians 1:3-14
What does Paul list as the spiritual blessings God has given us (see verses 4-14)? Which of these most resonates with you?
How do we become holy and blameless (see v. 4)? What is required of us? What did God do for us?
What does it mean that God "chose us?" How have you experienced being "marked in Him with a seal" (v. 13)?
Divide this passage into events past, present, and future. How does knowing you have a planned future give you confidence as a child of God?
Read 2 Timothy 1: 8-12
Based on this passage, what is God's purpose for us? What part does God's grace play in fulfilling His purpose?
How have you experienced God's purpose and grace in your life?
To be "holy" (v. 9) means to be "set apart." What does that mean to you? (Note that here this is what we were "saved" for-we get to live a holy life.)
What do you think a holy life looks like? How are you doing in leading a life "set apart?"
Additional Study
Read Romans 8:28-31
What does Paul say God does for those he knew personally beforehand? What does it say that work is supposed to accomplish in us (v. 29)? What do you think it means to be conformed to the likeness of Christ?
This passage says that God has a plan for those He has called. Can anything stand in the way of God's ultimate purpose for you? How does this comfort you?
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15
How does Paul describe believers in this passage? How can knowing that you were chosen and loved by God help you to stand firm against the trials of this life?
Read Hebrews 13:8
Have you experienced times of doubt of God's love and plan for your life? How can this passage help put to rest any doubts about being chosen by God yesterday, today, and forever?
Living Grace Together
Read Ephesians 1:1-2
How does Paul describe the church in this short passage?
What do you think it means to be "faithful?" What do you think it means to be part of "the faithful?"
Do you think its possible to be part of the faithful to Christ outside His Body (the Church)? (Please read Ephesians 2:19-22) Why or why not?
How do we dispense grace and peace as individuals? As a church?
Paul's blessing is for grace and peace. How have you received grace and peace thru Christ and His church?
Read Romans 12:3-8
How does Paul illustrate the workings of individuals within the Church? Why do you think this is the ideal for how the church should function?
What does it mean that we "belong to each other?" How does/should this play out in real life?
What critical instruction is given in v3? How do you think you're doing in this arena?
How do you contribute to the Body? How does your contribution and membership in the Body give purpose and meaning to your life?
Additional study:
Read Ephesians 2:19-22
What images does Paul use here to describe a group of believers (a church)? How do you see God working to join you together with other believers? What is the purpose of being built together?
How does being built together as a dwelling for God challenge your view of corporate worship?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12=13
According to this passage, what gives us membership into the Body?
What responsibilities do you have in being a member of the Body and sharing the same Spirit? What advantages? How have you experienced this in your life?
Read Matthew 4:14-16
How does the second part of verse 14 exemplify a community of believers?
The light from a city can be seen from miles away. What does this tell you about the range of your light when united with others? Why do you think it is so important to be part of the city on a hill in this dark world?
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