“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:11-12, NKJV). The believers in Ephesus seem to have lost a clear sense of … Continue reading –>
What is God’s “plan for the fullness of time,” and how extensive is its reach? Ephesians 1:9-10. Paul uses three labels for God’s plan. It is (1) “the mystery of his will,”(2) “his purpose,” and (3) “a plan for the fullness of time” (ESV). What is God’s ultimate, final plan? To unite everything, everywhere, in Jesus. The … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Paul’s opening makes Ephesians especially valuable in modeling how to worship God and praise Him for the many blessings He has provided. July 8, 2023 1. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 1:7,8. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage. What does redemption … Continue reading –>
Lesson 2 *July 1-7 God’s Grand, Christ-centered Plan SABBATH AFTERNOON Read for This Week’s Study: Ephesians 1:3-14 ; Ephesians 2:6 ; Ephesians 3:10 ; Colossians 1:13-14 ; Deuteronomy 9:29 . Memory Text: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly … Continue reading –>
Sin had been a dark, dominating force in the lives of Paul’s audience. Paul can describe them in their prior existence as the walking dead — “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1, NKJV) yet “walking” or living as Satan commanded them (Ephesians 2:1-3). Enslaved to sin and Satan, they had no ability to free themselves. They needed … Continue reading –>
A thank you note usually includes a description of the gift or gifts received. Paul includes a long gift list in Ephesians 1:3-14 as he thanks God for the blessings of the gospel. Paul praises God for the fact that He has “blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing” (Ephesians 1:3, ESV). That the blessings are spiritual (Greek, pneumatikos) suggests … Continue reading –>
How do we grow in grace if grace is unmerited mercy/forgiveness? (2 Peter 3:18) Join us as we discuss Lesson 1, Paul and the Ephesians. (1)
Continue reading -->Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Ephesians 1:3-14; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10; Colossians 1:13-14; Deuteronomy 9:29. Memory Text: “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” (Ephesians 1:3, ESV). Twenty-five years after becoming the first person to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong wrote a … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: The story of the exorcists misusing the names of Jesus and Paul (Acts 19:13-20; see Sunday’s study) helps explain why Paul uses so much language about power in Ephesians. Some new believers, under fresh conviction of the sovereignty of Jesus, throw their expensive magic manuals into the flames. Thanks to the discovery of some 250 … Continue reading –>
How does Paul announce the theme of his letter? Ephesians 1:9-10. How can the message of Ephesians be summarized? From prison, Paul sets forth a vision of God’s Christ-centered plan for the fullness of time and the church’s role in it. God has acted in Christ to initiate His plan “to unite all things in him [Christ], … Continue reading –>
