14: Ephesians in the Heart – Teaching Plan
Key Thought : Paul’s writings to the Ephesians has a greater scope and reach. Paul was writing to believers everywhere. His messages were meant to reach our world and thought.
September 30, 2023
1. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 1:4.
- Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
- If God chose us before the foundation of the world, what does that tell you about His foreknowledge?
- Personal Application: How do you react to the thought that God not only knew you before you were born but that He had chosen you to be saved and to live with Him throughout eternity? Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Does this mean God chose some to be saved and some to be lost, or did He choose everyone to be saved? How can I take this personally when it seem either universally or personally selected?” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 3.
- Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
- Is it both exciting and important to be a part of God’s church? Why or why not?
- Personal Application: What kinds of barriers between believers exist in our church that should not be there? Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why don’t we see the power in our lives to go exceedingly, abundantly above what we ask or think? Is the power not there? Are we asking incorrectly? Or is it because we haven’t tapped the power? Do we lack faith? The promise is there. Why haven’t we seen it?” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 4.
- Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
- What things does Paul tell believers to stop doing, and what things does he tell believers to do
- Personal Application: What are ways that we can contribute to the unity of our church, both at the local and worldwide levels? Why is it important to do what we can? Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “Why do many churches believe in pastors, teachers, and evangelists; but not in prophets? These are gifts to help pring unity in the faith, to perfect the saints, and to edify the body.” How would you respond to your relative?
4. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 5.
- Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
- How does Paul ask us to live out the gospel in our relationship with others?
- Personal Application: How can we walk in love as imitators of God in our lives? What hindrances do we face in that kind of walk? Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).
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