Ephesians An Inductive Bible Study
Sunergos Bible Studies Jan Wells
Copyright 1999, 2000, 2004 by Jan Wells Ephesians - An Inductive Bible Study by Jan Wells Printed in the United States of America ISBN 1-59467674-7 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise – without the prior written permission of the publisher and copyright owners. Acknowledgments Unless otherwise indicated or if marked (ISV) Scripture quotations are taken from: The Holy Bible: International Standard Version®, ISV®. Copyright © 1996-2009 by The ISV Foundation of Yorba Linda, CA. Used by permission of Davidson Press, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED UNDER INTERNATIONAL AND PAN-AMERICAN COPYRIGHT CONVENTIONS. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from The New American Standard Bible®, NASB® Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org) Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, KING JAMES ® VERSION. KJV is public domain and permissions for use are not necessary. Word studies are taken from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible as well as other reference sources. The Hebrew and Greek words given in the left column of the word study are the lexical form of the word, followed by actual word found in an Interlinear Bible. When sources other than the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance are used in the center column of the word study they are in italic print. A complete list of the references used for this study is found in the Bibliography. The picture on the cover is the façade of the library in ancient Ephesus, in modern day Turkey, by Sunergos Bible Studies, 1999.
Sunergos Bible Studies 2485 Morse Road Sebastopol, CA 95472 (707) 829-2956 www.Sunergos.org To order additional copies, www.SunergosBible.org
11/01/2009
Table of Contents Page Lesson 1 – Ephesians Overview ............................................................................................5 Lesson 2 – Ephesians 1:1-17 ...............................................................................................13 Lesson 3 – Ephesians 1:18-23 and Ephesians 2:1-3 .............................................................27 Lesson 4 – Ephesians 2:4-18 ...............................................................................................37 Lesson 5 – Ephesians 2:19 – Ephesians 3:6 .........................................................................47 Lesson 6 – Ephesians 3:7 - Ephesians 4...............................................................................55 Lesson 7 – Ephesians 4:1-16 ...............................................................................................65 Lesson 8 – Ephesians 4:17-32 .............................................................................................75 Lesson 9 – Ephesians 5:1-20 ...............................................................................................87 Lesson 10 – Ephesians 5:21-33 ...........................................................................................99 Lesson 11 – Ephesians 6:1-20 ........................................................................................... 109 Lesson 12 – Ephesians 6:14-24 ......................................................................................... 121 Appendix .......................................................................................................................... 133 Scripture Worksheets ........................................................................................................ 135 Inductive Study Methodology ........................................................................................... 149 Themes and Titles Chart.................................................................................................... 155 Word Study Index ............................................................................................................. 157 Bibliography ..................................................................................................................... 159 Sunergos Bible Studies...................................................................................................... 161 Book Summary ................................................................................................................. 163 Author Profile ................................................................................................................... 163
I have written this Bible study that it might strengthen and encourage believers who are fellow workers, translated from the word sunergos in the New Testament Greek. We are to glorify God in all that we do, and diligent study of His word will equip us to carry out God’s plan in our life and in His church so that we might truly enjoy Him forever. In His Love,
Jan Jan Wells, M.A. Sebastopol, CA 95472 707.829.2956 email:
[email protected] www.sunergosbible.org And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker (sunergo) in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:2
I have found that there are some prayers that I can voice that God will always answer. One is asking God to increase my desire to spend time with Him, asking Him that my spirit would long to commune with Him in the pages of His word. If you surrender your feeling of “you have to” study God’s word, and instead ask God to help “you want to” spend time with Him, you will be delighted and amazed at the difference in your attitude toward the spiritual discipline of Bible study. Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory)!
This study is dedicated to my dear husband Rich who has encouraged and supported me as I have served the Lord through this ministry. I thank the Lord for this blessing.
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Lesson 1
Lesson 1 – Ephesians Overview Introduction This inductive study of the New Testament book of Ephesians is intended to encourage you concerning your faith, and you will be challenged to examine your own commitment to the Lord as well as your relationship with others in the body of Christ. The study will investigate the various topics and timeless truths that have convicted and inspired generations of people of all ages. The lessons will seek to equip you to be stronger and more mature in your walk with the Lord Jesus. To make the book of Ephesians come to life, this inductive study will use the Bible as the primary source of information and as you read with a purpose you will be asked questions to help you thoroughly observe, so that you will be able to accurately interpret, determine Scripture’s eternal principles, and then apply the word to the circumstances of your life. How important it is to “be diligent” and “handle accurately the word of truth.” It is important that you believe that “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness,” 2 Timothy 3:16. The lessons in this study will challenge you to recognize God’s eternal perspective from the book of Ephesians. You are promised that the Holy Spirit will help you understand the word of God. All believers have the same indwelling Holy Spirit to guide them in God’s truth. When you feel frustrated or hear a voice telling you, “You cannot do this study,” recognize that that thought is not coming from God. It might be that you have allowed your own flesh to defeat you and Satan will always try to keep you from studying God’s word.
Stand firm, persevere, and ask for God’s help. You will be blessed as you press on! You will be challenged to memorize some of the Scripture being studied in the lessons. Trust that God will use His word to minister to your spirit, and to equip you to share your faith with another person. Part of being ready to share your faith is to be diligent in the study of Scripture and commit verses to memory. Do not think that memorization is too difficult. It is possible for all believers to treasure God’s word in their heart.
Day 1 1. You will start with the Scripture Worksheets that are located in the Appendix. These provide the text of Ephesians, double-spaced, with no marginal notes, no introductory helps, no chapter headings, no footnotes, no paragraph titles or any of those other helps that you find in some Bibles. Develop the habit of stopping every time before you read to ask God for the word to be a living reminder to you of Him and of Christ Jesus, and ask that the Holy Spirit would open your heart to receive God’s truth. • Now take some time to read through the book of Ephesians, without stopping or looking for anything in particular. As you read write down your first impression of each chapter. Chapter 1 5
Lesson 1 Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
2. The next step in the overview process is to look at the one who wrote the book. The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of all Scripture and God directed men to record truths so that many would benefit. Read through Ephesians again, this time taking a colored pen or pencil and marking, perhaps with a circle or rectangle, each time the author identified himself. He might describe himself by name or by using pronouns like “I” or “me,” or with the plural pronouns, “us” or “we.” Please answer the “5 Ws and an H” questions, (see page 149 in the Appendix) which might include some of the following: • How is the author identified? •
What specific information do you learn about him from the book?
•
In what circumstances do you find the author?
•
Record any additional thoughts that you have discovered from the text about the author.
3. The end of each day of the study of Ephesians will include a time of quiet reflection where you will be encouraged to quiet your heart before the Lord. You might read the passage of Scripture that was studied for the day and then pray through that passage. It will Continued on the next page.
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Lesson 1 be at least an entire paragraph, or maybe more. As you “pray through the Scripture,” personalize the verses. One way to do that would be to read the verse and if it is directed to someone, insert your name specifically into the passage. Another way would be to read the verse and then turn the verse into a prayer of praise or thanksgiving or confession or supplication. Take the words given and express adoration and praise to God for that truth. Perhaps your prayer would be a simple prayer of thanksgiving to God for His provision as revealed in the passage, and for the relationship you have with Him. Maybe the verse should be a prayer of confession for an area of your life where you have not been obedient to the Lord, and you need to agree with Him concerning what He has revealed to you that needs attention. Perhaps the prayer will be turning the Scripture into a prayer of supplication where you ask God for help for yourself and for others who have a need relating to the theme of the verse. For the first week of this course, before you begin to look at the text one paragraph at a time, select a portion of the book that ministered to your spirit, and pray through those verses. Ask God how this truth can become a reality in your life today. Maybe a doctrinal truth would encourage your faith and you could commit that truth to memory. Maybe the passage for you to focus on today is a challenge that has come to your heart to apply in your life. Ask God what He would have you spend time praying about and then quiet yourself before Him.
Day 2 – Key Words 1. Begin today’s time in the word by praying to God for the help you will need to understand what it is He would have you gain from your time studying the book of Ephesians. Do not let this part of the lesson be an “academic” exercise, but ask the Lord to minister to your spirit through His precious word. • As you read through Ephesians look for any mention of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. You will also look for the pronouns that take the place of these words that are always considered to be key words. Take the time to distinguish between these pronouns, as this will reveal doctrinal truths and will help you in later lessons. You will look at other key words that are repeated throughout the text as you begin to study each chapter. When key words are removed they leave the text without meaning. Key words are essential to the text, reveal the message of the text, and form the basis for studying specific doctrinal truths. Key words also reveal the subjects in the passage, and these subjects then help to reveal the themes. •
Mark the key words in a consistent way, such as a triangle through each reference to God, a cross through each reference to Jesus, and perhaps a cloud around references to the Holy Spirit. I use a red colored pencil for each of these markings.
2. The Verse of the Week! Each week you will be challenged to memorize a verse from the book of Ephesians, or from a cross-reference that is studied. This week choose a verse from Ephesians 1, and read the verse every day to help you remember the wording. Write out the verse here, including the reference. Another helpful way to memorize would be to write the verse on a small piece of paper (a 3” x 5” card or a small “Post-It”) and place it somewhere where you will see it often during the week, or carry it around with Continued on the next page.
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Lesson 1 you. A helpful hint from educational research: when you put a verse to music and sing the words, functions from both sides of the brain are integrated, and that will help you remember the words.
Now please close by praying through that verse you have chosen and make it very personal to where you are in your life today.
Day 3 – Recipients, Cultural References, and Genre 1. Today you will focus on the people who lived in Ephesus in the first century. Open by praying, asking for the Lord’s help with the reading that you might have a better understanding of the people of Ephesus. Begin with these observation questions. You might only complete these questions that observe the passage to be covered in the day’s lesson and then precede to the last question/s of the day that will be in a rectangular box. The other way to approach these lessons would be to complete all the sections offered. Question 2 will generally contain word studies for the verses being studied. The remainder of the questions will include cross-references relating to the passage being studied from either the Old and New Testaments. Remember to open in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to minister to your heart through your time in the word today. • Who are the people who received the book of Ephesians? Mark references to the recipients with a different symbol or colored line so that you can see the references to them at a glance. After marking, think about what you have learned about these individuals. Remember in observing the text you can answer with the “5 Ws and an H” questions. Who were the recipients and where were they? How does the author address the recipients?
What was the author’s concern about the recipients?
You have read through the book of Ephesians several times this week. Please do not lose heart concerning this task! The overview lesson is very demanding of your time and energy, and you might even feel discouraged. Ask God to increase your determination and your interest in His holy word. God will give you a desire to continue and to persevere with the study. 2. Now as part of the observation process, please read through Ephesians again and record your insights regarding the “atmosphere” of the book. Record any clues that give you 8
Lesson 1 information concerning the cultural, geographical, historical, and religious background that is either mentioned specifically or is alluded to in Ephesians. What is the general tone or atmosphere of the book of Ephesians? How does this book make you feel?
What cultural references are made in Ephesians?
What references to geographical locations are made in Ephesians? What references to historical information are made in Ephesians?
What references are made to religions other than Christianity in the book of Ephesians? 3. After reading through a book of the Bible, it is possible to know the type of literature or the genre of the book. Read through these brief descriptions and circle the word that describes the genre of the book of Ephesians. Some books in the Bible represent several genres. Epistle – a letter written either to an individual or to a group of individuals. Gospel – the good news of Jesus Christ, sharing His words and deeds Narrative – a written record of an event or a series of events. Poetry – the poetry of the Ancient Near East rhymed through images, not in words. Prophecy – a record of what is to come, often events in the near future as well as in the distant future. Wisdom Literature – nuggets of truth to exhort with practical insight into life choices. 4. In yesterday’s lesson you looked at every reference to God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Please close your time in the word today by looking at your Scripture worksheets and quieting your heart so that you might worship the Lord God for who He is and for what He has done for you. You might write out your prayer in response to God.
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Lesson 1
Days 4 and 5 - The People of Ephesus 1. Sometimes the theme being looked at should not be divided between two “separate” days, and these will be combined as a lesson to be done in two days. On the first day, you can work through part of the lesson and then end in prayer. The next day you might review what was already done and then proceed to the end of the “double” lesson. In the next two days you will look at Scriptures to see what has been recorded about the people of Ephesus. Pray that you would see the significance of looking at the “historical” references to the city of Ephesus as a means of helping you understand the book of Ephesians. Begin now with these observation questions. • The book of Acts provides a narrative description of the church in Ephesus. Read Acts 18:19 through Acts 20:1, and Acts 20:16 through Acts 20:38 to learn about the people of Ephesus, and note the impact the gospel of Christ had upon them. The question that follows will look at the “visitors” who came to Ephesus, so do not include that information in this section. Citizens of Ephesus and brief description:
•
Impact the gospel had upon this individual or group:
The references you just read in Acts also record how the Lord led some individuals to minister to the needs of the people of Ephesus. Please summarize the information about the teachers of the gospel in the city of Ephesus.
Who taught?
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Event explained concerning this individual or group:
Who was taught?
Summarize the results of the teaching:
Lesson 1 2. Ephesus was a Gentile city known for its worship of idols. What difference did this make to the spread of Christianity in Ephesus according to the Acts passage? What is taught about idol worship in the passage?
What impact did Paul have upon idol worship?
What impact did Christianity have upon idol worship?
3. Now will you read in Revelation 2:1-7 the message for the church in Ephesus. This was written later than the book of Ephesians was written, perhaps even to the next generation of people who lived in the city. Note the message to this church recorded by the apostle John. Commendations to the church: Criticism against the church: Warning to the church:
4. Please end your time of study by thinking about your own relationship with the Lord. Read Revelation 2:1-7 and consider how would you be addressed today by someone who you have known for a long time. Are you growing in your faith? Are you more mature now that you were a year ago? Can you remember when you became a lover of God? Perhaps you have been a believer for many years or maybe your faith is new. Could it be said of you that you too have left your “first love”? Think about your own relationship with the Lord and the commitment you have made to Him. Please take the time to write out your goal for studying the book of Ephesians in light of your personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Continued on the next page.
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Lesson 1 End your time by meditating upon the book of Ephesians. One way to assimilate the word of God is to digest God’s truth. Some would say you must ruminate upon the verses. This comes with spending time in the text and clearing your mind of the distractions that would keep you from being focused. If you are feeling inadequate for this task, that is exactly where God would want you to be, remembering the apostle Paul’s statement of 2 Corinthians 3:5, “Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.” Thank the Lord for how He is going to use the book of Ephesians in your life in the upcoming weeks, and ask Him what verse from the book your should begin to commit to memory. Write the verse out and tell someone your intention to memorize that verse! Know that God will use this verse in your life.
Close by praying that God would give you a passion for Himself and for His holy and precious word. That is a prayer that God will answer, and you will be blessed beyond any measure that words can express. To God be the glory for what He is longing to do. “Amazing Grace” Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see. ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed! Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun. By John Newton
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Lesson 2
Lesson 2 – Ephesians 1:1-17 Introduction Remember to open each day of study with a prayer, asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit that you may be able to claim the truth that God wants His children to understand His word. You might consider claiming 2 Timothy 2:15 as your verse this week that you might “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of God.” If you are pressed for time during any of the weeks of this study, and know you will not be able to complete the day’s lesson, prayerfully read the Scripture that is being studied for the week. Please do not give up on studying; you will be blessed as you continue.
Day 1 – Ephesians 1, Comprehensive Chapter Study 1. After the overview lesson and the study of the people of Ephesus, you are going to begin the in-depth look into the book of Ephesians. Every time you begin a new chapter you will spend time going through a process called the Comprehensive Chapter Study. In this process you will observe the Scripture Worksheets for Ephesians 1. Remember to refer to the Appendix pages 149-153 for help with any part of inductive observation process. Begin in prayer asking for help and then begin. • You already marked every place God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit were referenced in Ephesians. Now read Ephesians 1 and mark the other key words. You will be studying these key words as you go through the in-depth portion of the study, for now think about what words are essential to the message of Ephesians. List the key words from Ephesians 1 here.
2. As you read the chapter, you can also look for contrasts and comparisons that the author used. Refer to Appendix pages 151 and 153 for an explanation of these and then write those that you find here or mark your Scripture Worksheets in some way to show these. Contrasts (to show differences/opposites)
Comparisons (to show similarities and connections, using the words as or like)
3. One way to understand the message of a book is to look at the different means that the author used to express truth. Each time you open a new chapter, you will look at the following means of communication: declarative statement, instructions, exhortations, warnings, and admonitions. Some Scripture includes parables as a means to communicate God’s message. In some verses, the first phrase in the verse could be an instruction, the 13
Lesson 2 second phrase a declarative statement, and the verse might end with a warning. In this case, the verse would be divided into part “a,” part “b,” and part “c.” Declarative statements are found in the Gospels, where the author is telling the events of Christ’s life on earth and verses of historical narrative. Declarative statements also teach doctrinal truth that would inform and equip those who follow after Christ. Ephesians 1:1,2 are examples of declarative statements. Read these verses and mark them in some way as declarative statements. The word exhortation comes from the word exhort which was used in the New Testament to mean coming alongside of someone, reminding them of God’s truth, and perhaps urging them to be obedient to the word of God. Exhortations might also be stated in the form of something that is promised or has been promised from God. When I read Ephesians 1:3-22, I see these verses as words of exhortation to the church at Ephesus as well as words of exhortation to me personally. Paul is telling Christians what God has done for them through Christ Jesus. These truths were written to encourage. Have they encouraged you in your faith? Mark these verses as exhortations. As you go through the rest of Ephesians, you will look at the others ways that Paul communicated God’s message to the church and to you. 4. Look for terms of expression that help you understand time, with words like “now, then, later,” etc. and mark these in a consistent way. Another means of understanding language is to examine the way verbs are used in writing. A simple explanation of verbs is that they are words that express action or the state of being, and they relate the words communicated within a framework of time. Verbs communicate that something is happening at the moment, or has happened in the past, or will happen in the future. (The verbs in the preceding sentence are in italics.) Verbs can also announce that an event has already taken place and the results of that event are continuing at the present time. Please take the time to read Ephesians 1 looking for the different verb tenses that were used, noting in the left hand margin references to the future, the present, or the past. This can add another dimension to your study, not because you will be studying verbs, but this will help you see what God has done in the past, what He is doing in your life today, as well as show you what the future holds. 5. Mark words that express conclusion or show results or purpose with words like “for,” “for this reason,” “so that,” and “because.” Words that express conclusion are important to note because they show why the author wrote what he wrote and help you see the promises or consequences that will come. 6. What truth from Ephesians 1 does the Lord want you to focus upon? What caused you to think about your own life and lifestyle? How has this portion of Scripture ministered to you today?
Continued on the next page.
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Lesson 2 To end today’s lesson, pick one of the key words you marked in Ephesians 1 and go back through the chapter focusing in a time of prayer on that particular word. For example if you choose to pray through the Scripture that mentions the word grace, when you see the word grace used, turn the sentence or the phrase into a prayer relating to that word. “Father God, I thank You that the book of Ephesians was recorded for me to read and understand. Lord I thank You that You have given me your grace and peace. I praise You for Your glorious grace that You gave me in Jesus Christ, Your Beloved One. Thank You Lord that in Christ I have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of my offenses according to the riches of Your grace. I will praise your name for Your faithfulness in all things. In the name of my Savior Jesus I pray, Amen.” This prayer includes the truths from Ephesians 1, personalized in a simple way, expressed as a prayer unto God. You might want to continue praying truths of the book of Ephesians, choosing another key word to focus on. Look back over your Scripture worksheets and then spend some time alone with God.
Days 2 and 3 – Ephesians 1:1-10 1. In the next two days you will spend time observing the beginning of Ephesians 1. Part of the focus of these days will be God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Having marked these already as key words in Lesson 1, you know what Paul presents in this chapter. To help you understand the doctrinal truths in Ephesians and to help you see the relationship of God to Christ and the Holy Spirit, please observe the text, by taking the time to complete the following. • How did Paul describe himself in Ephesians 1:1 and how was that possible?
•
What did Paul express that he wanted for the Ephesians in Ephesians 1:2?
•
At the time the book of Ephesians was written, authors identified themselves at the beginning of the letter, rather than at the end as we would today. Since they wrote on scrolls, the recipient would have to unroll the entire scroll to see who sent the letter if the writer signed their name at the end. Paul opened his letters with the words “grace and peace” in his greeting. Charis, the Greek word for grace was the customary greeting among the Greek people of the first century. The Gentile people greeted someone with the word charis, as English speaking people would say “Hello.” The word also carried the meaning of something beautiful. The Gentiles believed that when good things happened to them it was because their gods were happy with them, so they would pray and ask for their gods to give them grace. In Ephesians, Paul set out to teach the truth about grace as it relates to God, because believers needed to know about God’s grace, as God’s grace is true grace. What does Ephesians 1:6,7 say about God’s grace?
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Lesson 2 •
As Gentile people greeted one another by saying charis, the Hebrew people greeted one another with their word peace. Look at God’s perspective on peace and how Scripture used the Hebrew word shalom.
A Messianic prophecy (a prophecy concerning the Messiah) in Isaiah 9:6,7
•
Our responsibility concerning peace from Isaiah 26:3,4
Paul used an expression many times in Ephesians 1 that included the preposition “in” followed by the word Christ or a word or words meaning Christ. Look for those expressions, and circle them on your Scripture Worksheets, so they are very obvious. Do not let this be an exercise in circling words, but rather read the text to let the message penetrate your spirit, the part of you that was created to respond to your Lord God.
2. Nearly every lesson will study some of the words that were used in the book to add meaning to the passage as well as deepen and clarify your understanding of the context of the words used by the author. When you look at words to study their meaning, a chart like the one below will be used to help with this. Many books are available to help with word studies, but the Strong’s Concordance is an excellent resource for looking at both the Old Testament Hebrew words and the New Testament Greek words. The word studies will include the Strong’s number for each word, the English transliteration of the word in Greek if it is from the New Testament, or the Hebrew word if the word being studied is from the Old Testament. The actual Greek word used will also be included and then the reference in Ephesians that is being studied. The definition column might also give the word as it is translated in other versions. Included in the right hand column will be cross-references that will show you how the word is used in another passage of Scripture in a similar way. Many Bible words have more than one meaning, and they can be defined by looking at the context of their usage. For this study you will look at cross-references from Scripture where the word is used in a similar way, using another verse that will add to the meaning of the words used in Ephesians. Briefly summarize what you learn about the word from the cross-reference(s) given. Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance. unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
652 apostolos apostolos Ephesians 1:1 40 hagios hagiois Ephesians 1:1
Apostle, a sent out one, commissioned, messenger, an ambassador of the gospel Holy people ISV, saints NASB, to sanctify, set apart by and for God. According to Paul, all Christians are saints and share in God’s nature. Faithful ISV, trustworthy, encompasses the words faith and believer
Colossians 1:1,2
4103 pistos pistois Ephesians 1:1 16
1 Peter 1:15
Revelation 1:5
Lesson 2 Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance. unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
5485 charis charis Ephesians 1:2
Grace, unmerited favor, acceptance. An acronym used to describe grace is: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. An Old Testament word for grace is mercy. Peace, rest, quietness, set at one again, complete
Ephesians 2:8,9
1515 eirene eirene Ephesians 1:2 7965 Hebrew shalom Isaiah 9:6,7 2128 eulogetos 2129 eulogesas eulogetos/eulogia Ephesians 1:3 2032 epouranios epouraniois Ephesians 1:3,20 1586 eklegomai exelexato Ephesians 1:4 629 apolutrosis apolutrosis Ephesians 1:7,14 Ephesians 4:30 859 aphesis aphesis Ephesians 1:7 3772 ouranos ouranois Ephesians 1:10
Ephesians 2:14-18
Peace, safe, well, happy, friendly, in Psalm 55:18-20 the abstract, welfare, health, prosperity, unharmed, NIV. Took on the concept of completeness, as when the Messiah was to come, they would be complete. Blessed/blessing, from the word Galatians 3:14 eulogeo to speak well (religiously), or to bless (thank or evoke a blessing upon) Heavenly realm, above the sky, Ephesians 2:6,3:10 celestial, high Chose, to select, to choose out
Acts 15:7-9
Redemption, the act of ransom in full, deliverance. Came to be used in association with Christian salvation.
Romans 3:24
Forgiveness, freedom, pardon, deliverance, liberty, remission
Acts 5:30-32 Acts 26:15-18
Heaven, through the idea of elevation, the sky, by extension heaven, as the abode of God, by implication, happiness, power, eternity
Ephesians 3:15,6:9
3. At the time the book of Ephesians was written, the Hebrew people would greet each other with the Hebrew word shalom. Read ahead to Ephesians 2:14-18 to see why Paul greeted his audience by using the word peace.
4. In the apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossian people, he taught about the privilege of being a Christian. Please read Colossians 2:6-12 and summarize what Paul said about being complete. How does this relate to the Old Testament teaching about the Messiah from Isaiah 9:6,7?
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Lesson 2 5. Please read two significant promises made to Christians by Christ and by the apostle Paul in these verses below. What are believers commanded to do in these verses and what will be the result of their obedience? John 14:27
Philippians 4:6,7
6. The ISV translated Ephesians 1:1 by saying that the people of Ephesus were in union with Christ. What does it mean to be in union with Christ Jesus? Summarize what Jesus commanded His followers to do in John 15:5-17 and what is promised to you when you obey. Jesus’ commands:
The promises to those who obey:
7. Look at how the word chosen was used in other Scripture. You might answer the “5 Ws and an H” questions based on these verses. a. Psalm 33:12
b. 1 Peter 1:1,2
c. 1 Peter 2:9,10
How would you summarize the idea of “being chosen” based on these Scriptures?
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Lesson 2 8. Read through Ephesians 1:1-10 and mark the words will and plan in a distinctive way. Now record the phrases where these words were used. What was shared concerning God’s will, His plan, and His purpose? God’s will:
How was God’s will accomplished?
9. How will the truths of Ephesians 1 strengthen you in your spirit? Is there a verse in Ephesians 1 you should commit to memory? Write this out here. Ask God for an opportunity to use this truth to minister to someone who is in need.
Some people might have been told that their birth was not planned, that they were an accident, or a surprise to their parents. However, what is being taught in Ephesians 1 concerning your birth and your life? Please spend some time with the Lord God Almighty concerning the truths proclaimed in Ephesians 1. Who are you according to this chapter?
The Bible says that God’s word will not return void. The philosopher Pascal said that there is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of all people, that part of one’s spirit awaiting the acceptance of Christ Jesus. Please do not let the format of the lessons, or the “task” of going through this process get in the way of the living word speaking forth its truth to your spirit. Ask the Lord God what He would have you do with a truth that touched your spirit today. Please close by praying through a verse or verses that was especially meaningful to you and make it very personal to yourself and where you are in your life today. My verses are Ephesians 1:4,5 “Father God, I thank You that You chose me in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in Your presence. I am in awe of Your love for me. I bow before You amazed that I was predestined to be adopted by You through my Savior according to the pleasure of Your will. For this I praise You, and because of this I can pray in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.” Close by praying your own prayer of worship unto the Lord.
Day 4 – Ephesians 1:11-14 1. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:2 that God’s will is proper, pleasing, and perfect. Paul taught the people of Ephesus very significant doctrine about God and Christ 19
Lesson 2 Jesus in Ephesians 1. Paul explained an important dimension of God’s will to his audience. Please open in prayer by reading today’s verses as a prayer, with a thankful heart that you have heard the word of truth, and that you have been sealed with the Holy Spirit. Begin with these observation questions. • What do you learn about the “godhead” in Ephesians 1:11-14? God: Christ: The Holy Spirit:
2.
•
What does Ephesians 1:13 say about the gospel?
•
What does Ephesians 1:11-14 say to you about your inheritance as a Christian?
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words used for this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance. unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
4309 proorizo prooristhentes Ephesians 1:11 Ephesians 1:5 2098 euaggelion euaggelion Ephesians 1:13
Predestined, predetermine, ordain, determine before, set apart beforehand
1 Corinthians 2:6-9
Gospel, a good message. From # 2097 euaggelion, to announce good news, evangelize, especially the gospel, declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel) Salvation, rescue or safety (physically or morally), deliver, health, save, saving
Romans 1:16
4991 soteria soterias Ephesians 1:13
Romans 1:16
4100 pisteuo pisteusantes Ephesians 1:13
Believed, to have faith in, upon, or with Ephesians 1:19 respect to a person or thing; by implication, to entrust, especially one’s spiritual well-being to Christ
Strong’s # and
Definition from Strong’s Concordance.
20
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
Lesson 2 Transliteration:
unless written in italics:
728 arrabon arrabon Ephesians 1:14
Guarantee, a pledge, i.e. part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security, earnest KJV. Used in modern Greek for an engagement ring.1 Glory, dignity, honor, praise, worship. Also to give a correct estimate of something or of someone. When we glorify God we are ascribing worth to Him, and expressing who He is.
1391 doxa doxes Ephesians 1:14
Used three times in the New Testament. 2 Corinthians 1:22,5:5 Colossians 1:27
3. The word predestined was only used five times in the New Testament. Acts 4:28 acknowledges that God had predestined Christ’s suffering and death. 1 Corinthians 2:7 tells of God’s wisdom that He predestined before the ages to our glory. Paul used the Greek word for predestined in relationship to followers of Christ in three verses, Romans 8:29 and Ephesians 1:5,11. Read these three verses in the context (at least the paragraph in which they are contained) and write out your definition based on what Paul taught about the word predestined. Then considering the context of the word, what is the responsibility of the one who has been predestined? a. The biblical definition of the word predestined:
b. The responsibility of the follower of Christ:
4. Did you mark the words glory and glorious as key words in Ephesians? Read where these words appear and observe Paul’s use of the word glory. Question 2 includes a study of the word glory you might want to look at also. Who or what are the words glory or glorious associated with, and what do you learn about these words in Ephesians? Ephesians 1:6 Ephesians 1:12 Who or what are the words glory or glorious associated with, and what do you learn 1
Francis Foulkes, Ephesians, Leicester, England, Inter-Varsity Press & Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1989, p. 65. 21
Lesson 2 about these words in Ephesians? Ephesians 1:14 Ephesians 1:17 Ephesians 1:18 Ephesians 3:13 Ephesians 3:16 Ephesians 3:21 Ephesians 5:27
5. In Ephesians 1:13 Paul said that believers have been sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. Paul used the same word “sealed” in Ephesians 4:30. Write out Paul’s command of Ephesians 4:30 and the blessing of your redemption.
Paul used the phrase “His praise and glory” in Ephesians 1:12 and 14. Isaiah 43:12 tells us that the people whom God formed for Himself, will declare His praise. Is this the pattern of your life? To praise God is to tell Him that you adore Him. To bring God glory is to have a correct estimate of Him in your spirit and as you share His identity and righteousness with someone else. When we glorify God we are ascribing worth to Him and expressing who He is. Do you delight in praising God, or is this something you leave for Sunday mornings. How can you praise God?
Please close by expressing to God your praise and glory to Him based on what you have studied in Ephesians 1:1-14. Continued on the next page. You might close by singing or reading the words of this song written to give God and our Lord Jesus Christ glory. 22
Lesson 2 “Glory to His Name” Down at the cross where my Savior died, down where for cleansing from sin I cried, there to my heart was the blood applied; Glory to His name! Refrain: Glory to His name, Glory to His name; there to my heart was the blood applied; Glory to His name! I am so wondrously saved from sin, Jesus so sweetly abides with-in, there at the cross where He took me in; Glory to His name! Refrain: Oh, precious fountain that saves from sin, I am so glad I have entered in; there Jesus saves me and keeps me clean; Glory to His name! Refrain: Come to this fountain so rich and sweet; cast they poor soul at the Savior’s feet; plunge in today, and be made complete; Glory to His name! Refrain: By Elisha A. Hoffman and John H. Stockton
Day 5 – Ephesians 1:15-17 1. Today’s lesson will focus on Ephesians 1:15-17. Open in prayer and read through this passage with an attitude of praise unto God, asking Him for a thankful spirit as you read. Begin with these observation questions. • When you read the word therefore in Scripture, we are told to determine what the word is “there for.” It is a term of conclusion, and in today’s paragraph, the word is a term of conclusion, announcing that because of _________________ and __________________ then Paul would pray in a certain way for the people of Ephesus. How did Paul begin his prayer in today’s passage and what did he ask of God?
•
Start by reading Ephesians 1:1 again and then Ephesians 1:15. Notice how Paul used two different forms of the same word (faithful) in these verses. The New Testament uses this word repeatedly, either as a noun, a verb, or an adjective. Remember the simple definition of a noun? The word is used to name a person, a place or a thing. The word faith is a noun; it is a thing! The word faithful is an adjective and can be used to describe a noun, as a faithful person. The same root of the word can also be used as a verb, which is a word that expresses action or being. In its verbal form it is translated into English as believe. The same word used for faith in Greek in the noun form is also translated as the word belief or believer in English. These words are key words in the New Testament. Paul used a form of the word faith many times in Ephesians. Consider what is meant by the words faithful, faith, and believe. The word studies in Question 2 look at the ways two of the words are used. Start by looking at these references and briefly state what is being said about the word faith. Ephesians 1:1 Ephesians 1:15 Ephesians 3:12
Ephesians 3:17
23
Lesson 2
2.
Ephesians 4:4,5
Ephesians 4:13
Ephesians 6:16
Ephesians 6:23
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words used for this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
4102 pistis pistin Ephesians 1:15
Faith, persuasion, that is credence, moral conviction (of religious truth or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher). Especially, the reliance upon Christ for salvation, assurance. Love, benevolence, affection, feast of charity. An unconditional sacrificial love that wants the best for the other person. Giving thanks, to be grateful, i.e. an act to express gratitude towards, used specifically to say grace at a meal. The prefix eu means good and the root charis, is the word used for grace. Prayers, worship, by implication an oratory (chapel), pray earnestly, a prayer to God Wisdom, higher or lower, worldly or spiritual. The knowledge of how to regulate one’s relationship with God, related to goodness. Revelation, disclosure, appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed
Ephesians 2:8
26 agape agapen Ephesians 1:15 Ephesians 3:17,19 2168 eucharisteo euchariston Ephesians 1:16 4335 proseuche proseuchon Ephesians 1:16 4678 sophia sophias Ephesians 1:17 602 apokalupsis apokalupseos Ephesians 1:17
John 3:16
1 Corinthians 11:24,25 Philemon 4,5 James 5:17 James 1:5
Ephesians 3:3
3. Now read these two passages to gain further insight into biblical teaching on faith. How do these references define faith? a. Hebrews 11:1-6
b. James 2:14-24
4. This next question is going to require some effort. Do not just glance over this. Read back through what you recorded about faith and believing. What would you share with 24
Lesson 2 someone who asked about your faith? How would you explain your faith to someone based on the verses you have studied?
5. In Ephesians 1:17, Paul prayed that the Christians in Ephesus would have a spirit of wisdom. James 1:5 addressed the idea of wisdom in the form of a command. To commit this verse to memory would be important because not only does it tell believers what they are to do, but it provides yet another picture of the heart of God. Write out James 1:5.
6. God’s wisdom (called the wisdom from above) is addressed in the epistle of James in James 3:13-18. Read these qualities of wisdom given and write these down in some way so that you might learn about God’s wisdom. You could also illustrate this verse in the form of a diagram or drawing to help you remember these important truths.
7. Paul said he had heard of the faith of the people of Ephesus. Have people heard of your faith? How is your faith evident to those who know you?
The author of Hebrews recorded in Hebrews 1:1-2 how God made Himself known to mankind. What is God’s revelation to people now? Continued on the next page.
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Lesson 2
Peter wrote in 2 Peter 3:18 “continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory belongs to Him both now and for that eternal day!” Ask God to help you grow in the knowledge of our Lord. Ask God to help you extend His grace to those He puts in our life. Perhaps you can write your prayer here as an affirmation of your commitment. Would the Lord want you to share with someone this commitment, and would you allow that person to hold you accountable concerning this?
What a difference our faith makes as we go through our day. I thought of the song “Faith Is the Victory” when I was meditating on some of the Scriptures for this lesson. You might sing this song as you close to help you remember the blessing of your faith. “Faith Is the Victory” His banner over us is love, our sword the Word of God; we tread the road the saints above with shouts of triumph trod. By faith they like a whirl-wind’s breath swept on o’er ev’ry field; the faith by which they conquered death is still our shining shield. Refrain: Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! Oh, glorious victory that overcomes the world. To him that overcomes the foe, white raiment shall be giv’n; before the angels he shall know His name confessed in heav’n. Then onward from the hills of light, our hearts with love a-flame, we’ll vanquish all the hosts of night, in Jesus’ conquering name. Refrain: By John H. Yates and Ira S. Sankey
26
Lesson 3
Lesson 3 – Ephesians 1:18-23 and Ephesians 2:1-3 Introduction This week’s lesson will continue to examine the last paragraph of Ephesians 1 and then begin Ephesians 2. Do not miss what God has revealed in His word. Have you been thinking about what the Lord is saying to you from His word? Perhaps there is an area in your life that you have not been willing to “deal” with? Maybe God wants you to share with someone about your struggle with these biblical challenges. Are you willing to place yourself before Almighty God and trust Him with His plan and provision for your own life? Pray that God’s truth would be very clear to you, and do not give up on what you have begun! As you move through the lesson this week see what verse you could commit to memory. An excellent way to learn something is to read the verse over and over again, as the recitation will help you store the words in your mind. If memorizing is hard for you, keep trying, it will always be worth the effort!
Days 1 and 2 – Ephesians 1:18-23 1. In the next two days you will finish Ephesians 1. This portion of Paul’s letter includes his prayer on behalf of the people of Ephesus. Open by praying Paul’s prayer as your own prayer for yourself. Begin with these observation questions. • What are the three truths that you may know according to Paul’s prayer?
•
How is it possible for believers to know these three truths?
•
How did Paul describe the greatness of God’s power and for whom is this power available?
•
In Ephesians 1:20-23 Paul taught some amazing truths about Jesus Christ. Write out the truths about Jesus from these verses.
27
Lesson 3 2.
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words used for this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
2588 kardia kardias Ephesians 1:18
Heart, the thoughts or feelings of the mind. The reasoning, understanding, will, judgment, designs, affections, love, hatred, fear, joy, sorrow and anger. These emotions affect one’s physical heart.2 Hope (to anticipate, usually with pleasure), expectation or confidence. The desire for some good with a certain expectation of obtaining it. Calling, an invitation, chosen, vocation
Romans 6:17,18
1680 elpis elpis Ephesians 1:18 2821 klesis kleseos Ephesians 1:18 1411 dunamis dunameos Ephesians 1:19 2479 ischus ischuos Ephesians 1:19 1849 exousia exousias Ephesians 1:21 2963 kuriotes kuriotetos Ephesians 1:21 4138 pleroma pleroma Ephesians 1:23
Ephesians 2:12,4:3-6
Ephesians 4:1,4
Power, specifically miraculous power, usually by implication a miracle itself, ability, abundance Strength, forcefulness, ability, might (-ily), power
2 Timothy 1:7
Authority, privilege, force, capacity, competency
Ephesians 2:2
Dominion, mastery, rulers, government, lordship
Used four times in the New Testament. Colossians 1:16
Fullness, repletion or completion, what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude) or what is filled (as container, performance, period)
Ephesians 3:19,4:13
Acts 9:19
3. Please take some time to look up the verses below that use the word heart, and determine how Paul used the word heart in his writings. a. Ephesians 3:17 b. Romans 2:14-16
b. 2 Corinthians 4:6
2
Spiros Zodhiates, The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1990, p. 1845. 28
Lesson 3 After reading these Scriptures how do you think Paul is using the word heart in Ephesians 1:18?
4. In our society, one way the word hope is used is that we “hope something will happen,” and yet we might have no assurance of that taking place. In other words, it might happen, but it might not. Look back to Question 2 and the way the Bible used the word hope. What does the word hope mean in the context of Ephesians 1:18?
To be encouraged about your calling, please read Romans 11:28,29 and see what these verses teach about the calling of a Christian.
5. In Paul’s phrase, “the riches of his glorious inheritance” he also referred back to Ephesians 1:11. Read that verse again and ask God to help you understand your inheritance. Stop and meditate on this truth that this may truly encourage your heart.
6. In Ephesians 3 Paul made several references to power. Please read Ephesians 3:7,16,20 and summarize what this says in support of Ephesians 1:19.
7. Ephesians 1:22 is also explained by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:20-28. Read this passage and jot down notes about what was taught in this passage about Christ. (Paul quoted Psalm 8:6 in both of these passages; “You gave Him dominion over the work of Your hands, You put all things under His feet.”)
8. The epistle of Ephesians contains teaching about the Christian church, and Paul’s teaching on the church will be studied in a later lesson. For now look at the definition of the word fullness (in Question 2) and read that back into the text of Ephesians 1:23. 29
Lesson 3 A number of interpretations are shared concerning the expression, the fullness. One is that the church is intended to express Christ to the world and by being filled by Him the church is enabled to fill everything in every way. Please read Ephesians 5:15-20 to determine how Paul says believers can be filled with the Spirit.
9. What a praise we can express for the truths in Ephesians about God and His gift of His Son for our salvation. The realities of life can sometimes weaken and discourage us. A verse that encourages me when I’m feeling weak is Isaiah 41:10. Read this truth and allow it to encourage you concerning a particular problem in your life where you need help. I was challenged years ago to memorize this verse and it has helped me countless times. This is also a passage I often pray on behalf of others. You could write it out here and read it over several times!
We have read of some very significant promises of God in Ephesians 1:18,19. Think about what gets in the way of you knowing Christ more fully. What should you do so that obstacle is not allowed to remain in your life or be an influence upon your spirit?
When Paul was writing to Timothy he shared God’s gift to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7. Read this and list what those who follow after Christ have been given and what they have not been given.
Please close by claiming God’s truth concerning a situation that is challenging you today.
Day 3 – Review of Ephesians 1 1. You will spend today reviewing Ephesians 1. Some would rather skip over this part of the inductive study because they do not “want to” spend time reviewing. Some find this part of the study difficult because it is hard to determine the theme of the chapter! The only way I can do this is by praying and continually asking God the Holy Spirit for help. • Start by reading Ephesians 1 and as you do determine what are the five main key words in Ephesians 1.
2. The goal will now be to reflect back on the message of Ephesians 1. Look back at your Scripture Worksheets and your marking of the declarative statements and 30
Lesson 3 exhortations from Ephesians 1. Using some of the key words written in the text, you will now consider a theme for each of the sections you studied in this chapter. It might help to write out several summary statements of each section, and then try to limit your statement to no more than five words, and list these statements here as well as on page 155 in the Appendix, in the sections for Ephesians 1 Summary Statements. Ephesians 1:1-2
Ephesians 1:3-10
Ephesians 1:11-14
Ephesians 1:15-23
3. The next part of the lesson is to ask God to show you the themes for Ephesians 1 based on the main points of each paragraph. Is there one theme that the separate paragraph themes would “fit” under? Sometimes you can take some of the key words from the paragraph themes and write those into a theme or title for the chapter. Pray and ask for help with this part of the lesson, and then read through these paragraph themes you listed to do this. Now list your title for Ephesians 1 here as well as on the Themes and Titles chart in the Appendix on page 155.
4. My prayer continues to be that these words in Ephesians, written so long ago would be very meaningful in your life today. Please close by praying Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:18-23 allowing these words to minister to your own spirit.
Day 4 – Ephesians 2, Comprehensive Chapter Study 1. Today the lesson will observe the Scripture Worksheets for Ephesians 2. Always begin with prayer for help. Remember to refer to the Appendix pages 149-153 for help with the inductive observation process. • Read Ephesians 2 paying attention to any key words that are repeated. Mark the key words in Ephesians 2. Write the key words for the chapter here.
2. As you read the chapter, you can also look for contrasts and comparisons that Paul used. Refer to Appendix pages 151 and 153, and then write the contrasts and comparisons here in the space provided, or mark your Scripture Worksheets in some way to show these. Contrasts (to show differences/opposites)
Comparisons (to show similarities and 31
Lesson 3 connections, using the words as or like)
3. Remember one way to understand the message of a book is to look at the different means that the author used to express truth. You will be looking at the following means of communication: declarative statement, instructions, exhortations, warnings, and admonitions. Declarative statements that teach truth to inform and equip those who follow after Christ are found in Ephesians 2:1-3 and 12. Read these verses and mark them in some way as declarative statements. Exhortations are personal messages to encourage and Ephesians 2 contains many exhortations. Read Ephesians 2:4-10, and 13-22 are examples of exhortations. As in Ephesians 1, Paul is telling Christians what God has done for them through Christ Jesus. These truths were written to encourage. Have these encouraged you in your faith? Mark these verses as exhortations. Paul tells his audience to remember something in Ephesians 2:11 and this is an example of an instruction. Mark this in some way. You will see more instructions later. 4. Look for terms of expression that help you understand time, with words like “now, then, later,” etc. and mark these in a consistent way. Another means of understanding language is to examine the way verbs are used in writing. A simple explanation of verbs is that they are words that express action or the state of being, and they relate the words communicated within a framework of time. Verbs communicate that something is happening at the moment, or has happened in the past, or will happen in the future. (The verbs in the preceding sentence are in italics.) Verbs can also announce that an event has already taken place and the results of that event are continuing at the present time. Please take the time to read Ephesians 2 looking for the different verb tenses that were used, noting in the left hand margin references to the future, the present, or the past. This can add another dimension to your study, not because you will be studying verbs, but this will help you see what God has done in the past, what He is doing in your life today, as well as show you what the future holds. 5. Mark words that express conclusion or show results or purpose with words like “for,” “for this reason,” “so that,” and “because.” Words that express conclusion are important to note because they show why the author wrote what he wrote and help you see the promises or consequences that will come. 6.
How has God encouraged your heart through this reading of Ephesians 2?
Continued on the next page.
How has God challenged your heart through this reading of Ephesians 2? 32
Lesson 3
Please quiet your spirit toward God and thank Him for what He is teaching you, and for the blessing of His Word.
Day 5 – Ephesians 2:1-3 1. Remember when you were asked to state a goal for taking this Bible study? Before you begin today’s lesson, remind yourself of your goal for working on these lessons and ask God to help you realize that desire through the time you will spend in the word today. Begin with these observation questions. • Closely examine the truths expressed in Ephesians 2, so that you might see the many blessings you have from God the Father in Christ Jesus. In Ephesians 2 the apostle Paul began by explaining a contrast between who the people of Ephesus used to be and who they had become in Christ. Paul referred to the unbeliever as being dead in Ephesians 2:1, and most biblical scholars believe that Paul meant that they used to be spiritually dead. How did Paul describe what it is like to be spiritually dead in Ephesians 2:1-3?
•
2.
Did you notice that Paul changed the pronouns he used in this paragraph? In Ephesians 2:1,2 he used the words you and your, but in Ephesians 2:3 Paul said all of us, our, and we. Paul wrote in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned and continue to fall short of God’s glory.” Some do not believe this, but would rather think that people are inherently good and not sinners in need of a Savior. According to Ephesians 2:3 what did each of us deserve, and why?
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage. 33
Lesson 3 Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
3900 paraptoma paraptomasin Ephesians 2:1 266 hamartia hamartiais Ephesians 2:1 543 apeitheia apeitheias Ephesians 2:2 1939 epithumia epithumiais Ephesians 2:3 4561 sarx sarkos Ephesians 2:3
Offenses ISV, trespasses NASB, transgressions, lapses, false steps, deviation from the right path Sin, offense, sinful. “Missing the mark,” short comings, either the comission or omission of sin. Disobedient, disbelief, obstinate and rebellious, unbelief
Ephesians 2:5 Romans 6:23 Ephesians 5:6,7
Lusts, a longing, especially for what is forbidden, to lust after
Ephesians 4:22 (desires)
Flesh, literally refers to the flesh of an animal. That part of us that has the natural propensity to sin.
Galatians 2:20
3. Paul opened Ephesians 2 with a declaration of the believer’s spiritual state before coming to Christ. Paul wrote similar truths to the new Christians in Colossae, Corinth, and Rome to exhort them in their faith. Read these references and record how each of Paul’s writings share the change that came to all who believe. a. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
b. Romans 5:8,9
c. Colossians 2:13,14
What do these passages say about the spiritual condition of those who do not believe in Jesus Christ?
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Lesson 3 4. Paul wrote instructions to the people in Galatia concerning the choices that would influence their lifestyle in Galatians 5:16-21. How were they told to relate to others and how were they to walk?
5. Paul also wrote to the Christians in Rome concerning their attitudes and lifestyle. Read Romans 2:4-11 and list what is expected of believers and what is promised to those who obey. a. The responsibility of the believer:
b. The promises to those who obey:
6. One time while Jesus was sharing about His coming death and the world’s judgment, He mentioned the ruler of this world. Compare the expression used in Ephesians 2:2 and what Jesus said in John 12:31.
7. Before you close for the day, please read the first paragraph of Ephesians 2 and then spend some time thanking God for the relationship He has provided through Jesus Christ. Praise God for His gracious plan of redemption that included you. Is there someone you could share your faith with? A missionary once shared about his burden for the lost, and asked the question, “How lost are the lost? Do you really believe in the coming judgment for the lost?” Some Christians do not share with others the joy of their salvation. Would you ask God who He would have you share your faith with before the end of this study of Ephesians?
Continued on the next page.
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Lesson 3 You might close by singing the beautiful hymn “Come Thou Fount.” I would like to provide an explanation of two of the words in this song that might not be familiar to you. The name Ebenezer was given by the prophet Samuel to the stone he erected in recognition of God’s help in defeating the Philistines, as recorded in 1 Samuel 7:12. The word fetter is an old English word for a chain or shackle for the feet to prevent escape.3 “Come Thou Fount” Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing, turn my heart to sing Thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet sung by flaming tongues above; praise the mount I’m fixed upon it, mount of Thy redeeming love. Here I raise my Ebenezer – hither by Thy help I’m come; and I hope by Thy good pleasure safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger wand’ring from the fold of God; He to rescue me from danger interposed His precious blood. O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let Thy goodness like a fetter bind my wand’ring heart to Thee. Prone to wander - Lord, I feel it - prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart - O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above. By Robert Robinson and John Wyeth
3
Clarence L. Barnhart and Robert K. Barnhart, editors, The World Book Dictionary, Chicago, World Book, Inc. 1985, p. 789. 36
Lesson 4
Lesson 4 – Ephesians 2:4-18 Introduction This week you will continue with Ephesians 2. Paul presented major doctrinal truths in Ephesians 2. Allow these words inspired by the Holy Spirit to inspire you. Allow the Lord to minister to your spirit through His precious word. Keep in mind a specific verse you could memorize this week from Ephesians 2 or from one of the cross-references you will look at in the study.
Day 1 - Ephesians 2:4-7 1. Today you will look at very important teaching concerning who you are as a follower of Jesus. Open in prayer thanking God for His provision and for His gift of grace that He lavished upon you. Now please read Ephesians 2:1-10 and consider these observation questions. • Notice the “little” conjunction that opened Ephesians 2:4. This showed the contrast that Paul made as the first three verses were contrasted with the verses that followed. Mark the word “but” and read the passage over again emphasizing this word and the great contrast that Paul made. How did Paul describe God in today’s passage?
2.
•
What did Paul say about your “position” as a believer in Ephesians 2:6?
•
What did Paul promise was coming for believers in Ephesians 2:7?
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
1656 eleos eleei Ephesians 2:4 4982 sozo sesosmenoi Ephesians 2:5 5544 chrestotes chrestoteti Ephesians 2:7
Mercy, compassion, (human or divine, especially active), tender
Titus 3:5
Save, deliver or protect, heal, preserve, do well, be (make) whole
Romans 5:9
Kindness, usefulness, moral excellence (in character or demeanor), gentleness, good (ness)
Romans 2:4
3. David wrote a prayer to God that declared truths about God’s nature. Read Psalm 86:5-17 and describe the way that God is presented in these verses.
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Lesson 4 The Hebrew word used for mercy in Psalm 86:5,13 was a very important word to the people of Israel. This word was associated with the covenant that God made with them through Abraham. When the people heard the Hebrew word checed they were to think about God’s lovingkindness toward them and remember His eternal covenant. The Hebrew people believed that because of God’s mercy, He looked upon them with compassion when they repented of their sin. Write out the phrases that used the word mercy in Psalm 86:5,13 and stop to ask God to help you remember these truths about His nature.
4. If asked which verse in the Bible tells of God’s love many believers would answer John 3:16. Write this verse out here and see how Jesus’ words provide a commentary for Paul’s statement of Ephesians 2:4.
5. When the apostle Paul wrote to Titus concerning his role as pastor to the church on the island of Crete, Paul reminded Titus about his salvation in Titus 3:3-7. Read what God did on behalf of believers and what is promised to all who believe.
6. Paul wrote in Titus 3:4, “in grace our Savior God appeared, His love for mankind to make clear.” Romans 2:4 says “Or do you think so little of the riches of His kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that it is God’s kindness that is leading you to repentance?” Please end your time in the word today by reflecting on what you have studied about God your Father and Jesus Christ your Savior. In moments of ingratitude, I want to think with gratitude of the blessing of my faith. I thank the Lord God for His plan of redemption. Jesus Christ left His glory to come to earth to suffer a dreadful death so that all who believe would be reconciled with God and have forgiveness of their sins. Christ paid the debt for the sin of the world through the offering of His own body as the atonement (the wrath-removing sacrifice). I love the song “My Savior’s Love” and I just thought of the words to this tribute to Jesus. If you know the words you might close by singing this as your own tribute as an act of worship before the Lord. Continued on the next page.
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Lesson 4 “My Savior’s Love” I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how He could love me, a sinner condemned, unclean. Chorus: How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful is my Savior’s love for me! He took my sins and my sorrows, He made them His very own; He bore the burden to Calv’ry and suffered and died alone. Chorus: By Charles H. Gabriel
Days 2 and 3 – Ephesians 2:8-10 1. Today’s theme will be salvation. Please open by reading Ephesians 2:1-10 as a prayer end your prayer with a plea for God’s wisdom. How amazing that we can ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit when we approach God’s word, so that we might truly be blessed with God’s truth and more equipped to share with others the wonder of our redemption. Now begin with these observation questions. • In today‘s passage, Paul stated very simply how Christians are saved. Please write that out here. How is it possible that you could be saved?
•
Paul made a contrast in Ephesians 2:8,9 concerning the source of the believer’s salvation. What did Paul contrast?
•
Remember that in the first century, the Greek people would pray to their pagan gods and goddesses asking for favor or grace. In Ephesians 2:1-10 Paul further defines the word grace so that the Ephesian people might understand their faith and their God, as He is the true God, the giver of grace. What did Paul tell the people of Ephesus that they had been given?
•
Paul used the word redemption three times in Ephesians as he described salvation. Redemption was a term associated with the ancient slave market. True redemption meant that someone who was enslaved or imprisoned had their freedom purchased and the individual was then set free. Some have estimated that around twenty percent of the world’s population was enslaved in the first century so when Paul used the word redemption, it had a significant meaning. To be redeemed was what many would yearn for, and yet very few would ever have this blessing. Turn back to Ephesians 1:7-14 and allow these words to minister to your spirit. How was our redemption possible?
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Lesson 4 •
What did Paul say about why we were created in Ephesians 2:10?
2. Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this lesson. Several of the key words in today’s passage were already studied in earlier lessons. Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
2936 ktizo ktizthentes Ephesians 2:10
Created, (through the idea of the proprietorship of the manufacturer) to fabricate, i.e. found (form originally): creator, make Works, toil (as an effort or occupation), by implication an act, deed, doing, labour
Colossians 1:23
2041 ergon ergon Ephesians 2:9
Romans 4:2
3. It was recorded in Luke 4:18,19 that Christ read a portion of Isaiah 61 as He began His earthly ministry. How did Christ explain His ministry and what He had been sent to do?
4. In the first century, the Hebrew people were hoping that their Messiah would redeem them from the oppression of the Roman Empire. God’s redemption was different than Israel had imagined. How was this redemption described to Jewish people in Hebrews 9:11-15 and Hebrews 10:10-13? Take the truths of Ephesians 1:13,14 and integrate these truths into your statement about redemption.
5. How is it possible that you have forgiveness in Christ Jesus? Read Hebrews 9:22 for a clear answer to that question. Write out the last part of this verse.
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Lesson 4 6. Christ spoke of His role in the forgiveness of sins with His disciples during His explanation of the communion service. Read Matthew 26:26-29 for further understanding of forgiveness. How did Christ describe the communion cup?
Who was this for and why?
7. Many have explained God’s plan of salvation through a series of verses in the book of Romans. As the roads designed and maintained by the Romans were used by Christians to spread the gospel, so these verses in Romans are called the “Romans Road” and have spread the gospel to many over the years. Look up these verses and write out the message Paul proclaimed concerning salvation: Truth concerning salvation: Romans 3:23,24
Romans 6:23
Romans 5:1
Romans 10:9,10
Romans 10:13
8. Please read Titus 2:11-14 for another description of the Christian’s salvation. Do not just read the words, but allow this awesome gift from God to penetrate your heart. What did Paul declare about the purpose of our salvation in the last half of Titus 2:14?
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Lesson 4 9. In Colossians 3:9-14 Paul gave instructions to the people of Colossae. How are believers to live and how is it possible for Christians to live in this way?
10. Read Ephesians 2:4-10 and focus on the gift God has given to you. Do you think that one of the “good works” you have been created for is to share your faith with someone this next week? Are you presented with opportunities to share your faith very often? Sometimes you might have missed the opportunity because you were not sure what to say. It is always appropriate to share “the hope that is within you” concerning your faith in Jesus Christ. One way to share your testimony is to share the following: 1. Who you were before you became a Christian.
2.
The circumstances that led you to receive Christ as your Savior.
3.
The difference it makes in your life today because you know Jesus Christ.
Close in prayer asking God to give you the opportunity to share your testimony with someone and then trust Him with the way in which He will lead you.
Days 4 and 5 – Ephesians 2:11-18 1. Paul taught important doctrinal truths in his letter to the people of Ephesus, and these truths were a great encouragement to the Ephesian Christians. Open with a prayer thanking God for this gift, and for the provision He made for you to have eternal salvation. Begin with these observation questions. • The phrase that Paul used in Ephesians 2:11 “the uncircumcision,” was used as a racial slur. This was an expression of contempt uttered by the Jewish people against the Gentiles. Paul wrote about the contrast of who they were before Christ and who they had become as His disciples. Write out the specific words Paul used to remind the Gentiles of who they were and who they had become.
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Lesson 4
2.
•
Paul mentioned the covenants of promise in Ephesians 2:12. Please read the first mention of the promises of God’s covenant in Genesis 17:1-8. (The entire chapter explained this more fully.) The covenant was extended through Isaac, the line of Israel and not Ishmael who fathered the (Arabic) Gentiles. What did God promise to Israel according to Genesis 17:1-8?
•
People living in the first century certainly knew of the barriers that existed between the Jew and the Gentile. The outer area of the temple in Jerusalem was made up of the court of the Gentiles, as well as the Court of the Jews. There were actual physical barriers that would exclude and separate. There were also divisions between women and men, as each worshipped in different areas. Further distinction also existed in worship between Jewish laymen and Jewish priests. The inner court of the temple had had a thick veil, which was the barrier between the high priest and what represented the glory of God in the Holy of Holies. Once a year the high priest went behind the veil to make atonement with God Almighty for himself and for the people. This temple veil was ripped from top to bottom when Jesus was crucified. Write Ephesians 2:14 here, circling the phrase that states what Christ accomplished.
•
Now please read Ephesians 2:14-18 and see what Paul proclaimed about Christ relating to you being able to have peace. What is said about Christ our (Prince of) peace?
•
What blessing do the Jew and Gentile have according to Ephesians 2:18?
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
4061 peritome peritomes Ephesians 2:11 1242 diatheke diathekon Ephesians 2:12
Circumcision, the rite, the condition, Galatians 5:6 or the people; from the word peritemno, to cut around Covenant, a disposition, a contract Hebrews 9:16-20 especially a devisory will, testament; a binding agreement or pledge 43
Lesson 4 3. The sign of God’s covenant with Israel was circumcision, and to the nation of Israel the two words covenant and circumcision could not be separated. The first references to circumcision and covenant in the Old Testament are found in Genesis 17. Please read these Scriptures and answer the “5 Ws and an H” questions relating to God’s covenant. a. Genesis 17:1-27
b. Jeremiah 31:31-33 (An important prophecy that was given to Israel.)
4. Now please read an important reference concerning circumcision from the New Testament. In Acts 15:1-31 the Jerusalem Council addressed the misunderstanding in the early church about circumcision. You might read this entire passage or Acts 15:1-6 and 2329 to see how the early church leaders dealt with the issue of circumcision.
5. Please read these New Testament references to circumcision and/or covenant and jot down notes that explain how this relates to the life of the believer. a. Romans 2:28,29
b. Colossians 2:9-11 Continued on the next page. 44
Lesson 4 c. Hebrews 13:20
6. Paul wrote that when the people of Ephesus were without Christ, they were excluded from citizenship in Israel. The one other place this same word was used in the New Testament is in Acts 22:26-29. Read this passage and think about how one acquired this citizenship and the rights that this carried. 7. Paul said that the Gentiles “had no hope and were in the world without God,” in Ephesians 2:12. The people of Israel had the hope of God’s covenant, but most Gentiles had neither knowledge of God, nor a relationship with Him. The Paul wrote, “but now, in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ,” in Ephesians 2:13. Christ came and tore down the wall of hostility between those who were different, making all mankind brothers and sisters in Him. Christ’s sacrifice also reconciled man to Almighty God. Paul explained this to the Galatians in Galatians 3:23-29. Write out Galatians 3:28 and meditate on this truth. (Galatians 3:28 is one of my favorite verses.)
8. In Ephesians 2:18, Paul made a significant declaration about the privilege of being a Christian. Read Hebrews 7:25 and integrate these two verses in your own words to make a statement about the blessing of being a follower of Jesus Christ. You might express your thoughts in the form of a poem or by drawing a picture. To God be the glory!
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Lesson 4 9. Members of cultic religions in the ancient world showed their allegiance to their religion by placing markings on their body. Slaves had their ears pierced to show that someone had purchased them. These distinctive marks provided an outward sign of their association. The Hebrews people who lived in obedience to God were to circumcise their infant sons and this sign of the covenant was a personal, private act between an individual and God. Please reflect back on the Scriptures you have read this week and quiet yourself before God meditating on the gift He has given you in your Savior, Christ Jesus. You might close by taking the time to pray through Ephesians 2:1-18 seeing how you might incorporate this pattern for the ACTS of prayer. Adoring God, Confessing and agreeing with God concerning His standard and His plan, Thanking God, and then by coming to Him in Supplication, concerning your concerns or the concerns of others. When I was a child our church used to sing the hymn “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” If you know this hymn you might close with this song. “Sweet Hour of Prayer” Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, that calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father’s throne make all my wants and wishes known: in seasons of distress and grief my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the tempter’s snare by Thy return, sweet hour of prayer. Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, Thy wings shall my petition bear to him whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless: and since He bids me seek His face, believe His Word, and trust His grace, I’ll cast on Him my ev’ry care, and wait for Thee, sweet hour of prayer. By William W. Walford and William B. Bradbury
Roman Road
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Lesson 5
Lesson 5 – Ephesians 2:19 – Ephesians 3:6 Introduction This week you will complete the study of Ephesians 2 and then start on Ephesians 3. For those believers who are not from the nation of Israel, the book of Ephesians is a great encouragement. What a blessing to be a part of God’s family, a member of His household. Keep in mind that there might be a verse from this week’s study that you could memorize as an encouragement to your own spirit. The Lord also wants us to hide His word in our hearts that we would be ready to share with someone else how we have been blessed by His truth.
Day 1 – Ephesians 2:19-22 1. I thank the Lord that I can rely on the message that Paul shared with Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16,17. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the person who belongs to God may be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Please read the Ephesians passage you are focusing on this week, and open by praying that the Holy Spirit would anoint your time in the word. Begin with these observation questions. • Paul wrote to show the contrast between the people of Ephesus who were without Christ, and who they are in Christ. How did Paul describe believers in Ephesians 2:19-22?
•
2.
Paul illustrated his description of the church with a “picture” of a structure. Please take Paul’s ideas, and translate these into a simple picture to help you think through what Paul was teaching.
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
4847 sumpolites sumpolitai Ephesians 2:19
Fellow citizens, a native of the same town, re-religionist (fellow Christian)
This is the only place this word is used in the New Testament, so it is called a hapax legomen. 47
Lesson 5 Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
3609 oikeios oikeioi Ephesians 2:19
Members of (God’s) household, domestic, a relative, adherent, this uses the root of the word for household
Used three times in the New Testament. Galatians 6:10 1 Timothy 5:8
3485 naos naon Ephesians 2:21
Sanctuary, temple NASB, shrine
1 Corinthians 3:16,17
3. Please read Acts 10 and Acts 11:1-18 and ask God to encourage you through the study of this passage. Cornelius’ vision:
Peter’s vision:
The results of Peter’s teaching:
Put into your own words Acts 10:34b,35 and meditate on this testimony that Peter spoke.
4. The Hebrew priest came before God on behalf of himself and the people of Israel. Read Hebrews 7:25-28 for more insight into Christ’s role as your Priest and Savior. How was Christ described in this passage?
5. In Ephesians 4 Paul wrote in more detail about the role of the church in the life of the Christian, and so a later lesson will focus on that important theme. Please read 1 Peter 2:5-10 to see what the apostle Peter wrote about the privilege of being one of Christ’s followers and the responsibility that goes with this privilege.
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Lesson 5 6. End today with another time of quiet reflection on the Scriptures we have read concerning Christ Jesus and what He has done on our behalf. You might pray through the Scripture you studied today, expressing your thanksgiving unto the Lord. Many themes have been covered in this passage, is there a single concept God has put on your heart this week that you need to bring before Him?
Day 2 – Review of Ephesians 2 1. The focus of today’s lesson will be to review Ephesians 2. Start by praying and asking God for His help with this, thanking Him because you know that He will help you. • Please read through Ephesians 2 again and think about the truths proclaimed in the phrases where you find the key words from Ephesians 2. List the key words here.
2. The goal will now be to reflect back on the message of Ephesians 2. Look at your Scripture Worksheets and the declarative statements, instruction, and exhortations from Ephesians 2. Using some of the key words that were used in the text, think about a theme for each of the sections you studied in this chapter. Try to limit this theme to no more than five words, and list these here as well as on page 155 of the Appendix, in the section for Chapter 2 Summary Statements. Ephesians 2:1-10
Ephesians 2:11-13
Ephesians 2:14-18
Ephesians 2:19-22
3. Now stop and ask God to show you the theme for Ephesians 2 based on the main points of each paragraph. Look to see a theme that the paragraph themes “fit” under. Sometimes you can take some of the key words from the paragraph themes and write those into a theme or title for the chapter. You might be thinking, “It is too hard, I cannot do that.” Pray and ask for the help of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus called the Holy Spirit the Spirit of truth when He declared that this One from God would help all who ask. Pray about this part of the lesson, and then read through these paragraph themes you listed in Question 2 to do this. Write your title here and on the Themes and Titles chart in the Appendix on page 155 in the column on the right.
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Lesson 5 4. Paul directed the people of Ephesus to remember who they were without Christ in Ephesians 2:11. Would you spend some time remembering who you were without Christ? Perhaps you could pray thanking God for who you are as a believer in Christ and for the role Christ has in your life. Is there someone with whom you should share concerning what you have learned since you started studying Ephesians? These first two chapters are quite full of very significant doctrine. Would you ask God with whom He would have you share? Is there a verse from this chapter that you should commit to memory that would help you remember who you are in Christ? Pray and ask for God’s leading and wisdom concerning this.
Day 3 – Ephesians 3, Comprehensive Chapter Study 1. Today the lesson will observe the Scripture Worksheets for Ephesians 3. Always begin with prayer asking for help. • Read Ephesians 3 paying attention to any key words that are repeated. Remember to refer to the Appendix pages 149-153 for help with the inductive observation process. Mark the key words in Ephesians 3. Now is the time to list what is being taught concerning the key words of Ephesians 3, by writing a list of what is being stated about the key word every time Paul used the word. You can place these lists directly on the Scripture Worksheets in the right hand margin under the heading of the key word or place your lists on a separate sheet of paper. What are the five key words in Ephesians 3?
2. As you read the chapter, you can also look for the contrasts and comparisons that Paul used. Refer to Appendix pages 151 and 153, and then write the contrasts and comparisons here or mark your Scripture Worksheets in some way to show these. Contrasts (to show differences/opposites)
Comparisons (to show similarities and connections, using the words as or like)
3. Remember one way to understand the message of a book is to look at the different means that the author used to express truth. You will be looking at the following means of communication: declarative statement, instructions, exhortations, warnings, and admonitions. Declarative statements (that teach truth to inform and equip those who follow after Christ) are found in Ephesians 3:1-3,7,8, and 14. Read these verses and mark them in some way as declarative statements. 50
Lesson 5 Exhortations are personal messages to encourage and Ephesians 3 contains many exhortations. Read Ephesians 3:4-6,9-12, and 15-21 are examples of exhortations. As in Ephesians 1, Paul is telling Christians what God has done for them through Christ Jesus. These truths were written to encourage. Mark these verses as exhortations. Paul shared an instruction with his in Ephesians 3:13. Mark this instruction in some way. You will see more instructions later. As you go through the rest of Ephesians, you will look at the others ways that Paul communicated God’s message to the church and to you. 4. Look for terms of expression that help you understand time, with words like “now, then, later,” etc. and mark these in a consistent way. Another means of understanding language is to examine the way verbs are used in writing. A simple explanation of verbs is that they are words that express action or the state of being, and they relate the words communicated within a framework of time. Verbs communicate that something is happening at the moment, or has happened in the past, or will happen in the future. (The verbs in the preceding sentence are in italics.) Verbs can also announce that an event has already taken place and the results of that event are continuing at the present time. Please take the time to read Ephesians 3 looking for the different verb tenses that were used, noting in the left hand margin references to the future, the present, or the past. This can add another dimension to your study, not because you will be studying verbs, but this will help you see what God has done in the past, what He is doing in your life today, as well as show you what the future holds. 5. Mark words that express conclusion or show results or purpose with words like “for,” “for this reason,” “so that,” and “because.” Words that express conclusion are important to note because they show why the author wrote what he wrote and help you see the promises or consequences that will come. 6.
How has God encouraged your heart through this reading of Ephesians 3?
How has God challenged your heart through this reading of Ephesians 3?
Will you quiet your spirit toward God and thank Him for what He is teaching you, and for the blessing of His Word?
Days 4 and 5 – Ephesians 3:1-6 1. As you begin the study of Ephesians 3, pray that the Holy Spirit would help you with this time in the word asking that you would be open with what God has for you. Begin with these observation questions.
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Lesson 5
2.
•
Do not miss the phrase Paul used to open this chapter. To understand what Paul was referring to here you need to look back at the last paragraph of Ephesians 2! What was the reason Paul was a prisoner of Christ Jesus?
•
How did Paul describe his responsibility and how was that made known to him?
•
What did Paul say about Gentiles in Ephesians 3:6?
Please examine this word study for one of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
3622 oikonomia oikonomian Ephesians 1:10 Ephesians 3:2
Administering, stewardship NASB, dispensation KJV. Administration (of a household or estate), on behalf of a “religious” community.
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
3. Paul began the book of Ephesians by describing himself as an apostle, and he began Ephesians 3:1 with another description of himself. How did Paul use this expression and what does it mean? Look at these other Scriptures for more explanation. Description of Paul’s position: Ephesians 4:1
2 Timothy 1:8
Philemon 10-13
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Why was Paul in this position?
Lesson 5 4. Through a series of circumstances and opposition Paul was imprisoned. How did Paul become a prisoner? Please trace the circumstances that led to Paul’s imprisonment. The event: Acts 23:12-15
Who came against Paul?
The results of persecution:
Acts 23:23-35
Acts 24:1-3,24-27
Acts 25:10-12
Acts 26:32-Acts 27:1
Acts 28:14-16
5. Please read the following passages in Philippians to see Paul’s attitude concerning his circumstances. a. Philippians 1:12-14
b. Philippians 1:21-26
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Lesson 5 6. Paul’s testimony that was shared with the Gentile believers in Galatians 1:11-24. How does this passage compare and/or contrast with what Paul shared in Ephesians 3?
7. In Ephesians 3:1-6 Paul explained his role among the Gentiles. Please close today’s lesson by reading his defense and testimony before the Roman ruler Agrippa in Acts 26:119. According to this passage, what purpose did God have in converting Paul?
Please close by reading the apostle James’ words to the persecuted church in James 1:2-5. Considering what James said, think about how it is possible to have Paul’s attitude in the midst of hardship.
What tends to get in your way of having peace and contentment when you experience disappointment? What can you learn from Paul concerning this? How is it possible to change your response to problems?
Close in prayer by thanking the Lord for His faithfulness.
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Lesson 6
Lesson 6 – Ephesians 3:7 - Ephesians 4 Introduction In this week’s lesson will learn of Paul’s commitment to the Lord on behalf of the Gentiles. The lesson will seek further insight into Paul’s heart through the prayer he recorded in Ephesians 3. The week’s lesson will also study Ephesians 4. Have you continued with a commitment to Scripture memorization? Psalm 119:11 was written as a prayer to the Lord and says “Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.” Ask the Lord to help you hide God’s precious word in your heart to strengthen your walk with Him.
Day 1 – Ephesians 3:7-13 1. As you proceed in Ephesians 3, open by praying that you would not “do the lesson” on your own, but ask the Holy Spirit to guide you so that the Scriptures you read today will minister to your spirit. Begin by reading today’s verses and then consider these observation questions. • How did Paul describe himself in today’s paragraph and why?
•
In Ephesians 3:9 Paul mentioned a secret. Paul repeated this word a number of times in the book of Ephesians, translated as secret in the ISV and as mystery in the NASB and KJV. While Christianity centers on faith in Christ Jesus, other religions of the first century were sometimes referred to as mystery cults, and their members often took vows of silence concerning their beliefs. Members of these cults were looking for deliverance, salvation, and redemption from ignorance and from fate. These cult association members also pleaded to receive grace from their gods. Some cults claimed to offer their members immortality. Considering what you read in Ephesians 3, what do you learn about this secret?
•
Now read Ephesians 3:13 and note Paul’s instruction to the readers. How would Paul’s life have been a source of discouragement to the people of Ephesus? Why was Paul asking the Ephesians to not become discouraged?
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Lesson 6 2.
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
3466 musterion musterion Ephesians 3:9
Secret ISV, mystery NASB and KJV. In first century Greek literature this word carried the idea of silence that was imposed by initiation into religious rites. Church, a calling out, a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both), assembly
1 Corinthians 2:7
1577 ekklesia ekklesias Ephesians 3:10
Ephesians 5:27
3. One means of determining the definition of a word is to read other passages where the same word is used. Please look at the way Paul used the Greek word musterion in Scripture. What was the secret? Ephesians 6:19
How was the secret revealed?
What was the secret? Romans 16:25,26
How was the secret revealed?
4. Paul included a unique description of himself in Ephesians 3:8. Read these passages where Paul shared about his background and his goals as a believer. a. Philippians 3:1-4
b. 2 Corinthians 3:1-6
5. Please examine the phrase from Ephesians 3:8, the immeasurable wealth of Christ, translated in the NASB as the unfathomable riches of Christ. How is the immeasurable wealth of God or Christ described in these Scriptures? a. Job 5:8-16 (In Job 5:9 the word unsearchable is the same Greek word used in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament.)
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Lesson 6 b. Romans 2:1-4 (riches)
6. Have there been times in your life when you were not comfortable praying? You knew that you should, but for some reason you did not pray. During those times quieting yourself before God and focusing on Him would help that part of your spirit that is reluctant. Paul wrote in Romans 8:26 that “the Spirit also helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit Himself intercedes with groans too deep for words.” In Ephesians 3:12 Paul wrote that we have boldness and confident access. Look at what the book of Hebrews declared about this. How is it possible for a believer to have boldness and what is the responsibility of the believer? a. Hebrews 4:14-16
b. Hebrews 10:19-22
7. What were the troubles that Paul had on behalf of others? How could these troubles be their glory and be used by the Lord so that others might see Christ through Paul’s life? a. 2 Corinthians 4:7-12
b. 2 Corinthians 12:7-12
8. Who did the Lord use to reveal His “secret” to you personally? Was there one person or perhaps a number of individuals who planted seeds of truth before you made the decision to ask Jesus to be your Savior? Reflect back of those people that God used in your life to impact you for all eternity and thank Him for their faithfulness. If they are still living, could you express your thankfulness to them? Who is it that God would want you to share with, to plant a seed of truth regarding the message of the gospel? Will you honor God by sharing His love for you with another person? Pray and ask for opportunity to share with someone.
Days 2 and 3 – Ephesians 3:14-21 1. In the next two days you will study Ephesians 3:14-21, which includes Paul’s prayer for the people of Ephesus. Please read through this passage and when you read the prayer, personalize the words for yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand these truths 57
Lesson 6 that were intended to encourage you as a believer. Now begin with the observation questions. • How does Paul worship or assign worth to God in this paragraph?
•
It is recorded in the Bible that during some specific times of prayer individuals bowed on their knees before God as an expression of sincerity and humility. The words of Paul’s prayer of intercession have been recorded for you. What could you learn from Paul’s prayer and apply that to our own life?
What did Paul ask for in his prayer?
2. 58
Why could Paul ask this of God?
What would be the results of Paul’s answered prayer?
•
In Ephesians 3:18 Paul prayed that they “will be able to understand…” and then in Ephesians 3:19, he said that the love of Christ goes “far beyond knowledge.” Meditate on these two verses to see the Holy Spirit’s message. What did Paul say was “wide, long, high, and deep?” How would you explain this to someone who is not familiar with Jesus Christ?
•
In Ephesians 3:21 Paul asked that the people of Ephesus would be “filled with all the fullness of God.” Go back to Ephesians 1:22,23 to see what Paul wrote there about this word fullness. Read also in John 1:14-18 where this word was used. What was the blessing that came with the fullness John recorded in John 1:16?
•
Look at the word power used in this passage, first as a part of Paul’s request, (3:16) and then in the ending, Paul’s doxology, (3:20). What does Paul claim about power in Ephesians 3:20 and how is that power possible?
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Lesson 6 Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
2901 krataioo krataiothenai Ephesians 3:16
Strength, to empower, increase in vigor
Used four times in the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 16:13 Luke 1:80
1411 dunamis dunamei Ephesians 3:16 4492 rhizoo errhizomenoi Ephesians 3:17 2311 themelioo tethemeliomenoi Ephesians 3:17 26 agape agape Ephesians 3:17, 19
Power, force, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle)
Ephesians 1:19,21
Rooted, to become stable
Used twice in the New Testament. Colossians 2:7
Grounded, to lay a basis for, erect, consolidate, lay the foundation; firmly established Love, benevolence, affection, feast of charity. Often defined as an unconditional sacrificial love that wants the best for the other person.
Colossians 1:23
1391 doxa doxa Ephesians 3:21
Glory, dignity, honor, praise, worship. Also to give a correct estimate of something or of someone. When we glorify God we are ascribing worth to Him, and expressing who He is.
Ephesians 1:15 John 3:16 Ephesians 1:14 Colossians 1:27
3. Paul asked that the people would have strength in their inner being. In 2 Corinthians 4:16 Paul wrote, “even if our outer man is wearing out, our inner man is being renewed day by day.” Read 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 to see Paul’s message concerning this renewing of the inner man. How is it possible to be renewed?
According to this passage in 2 Corinthians, what perspective do believers need so that they will not be discouraged when suffering?
4. In another passage of Scripture, Paul wrote of the relationship between the indwelling of Christ and the strengthening of the Holy Spirit. Read Romans 8:5-17 for an additional explanation of Paul’s writing in Ephesians 3:16,17. Look at the contrasts Paul made here. 59
Lesson 6 What does it mean to live by the flesh?
What does it mean to live by the Spirit?
5. Paul used a form of the word fullness in Ephesians 5. Read Ephesians 5:18-21 and consider what responsibility you must assume concerning being “filled with all the fullness of God.”
6. There are several ways to interpret Ephesians 3:20,21. Please read the Scripture passages below and summarize what was taught and consider what this can mean in your life. a. Acts 2:41-47
b. 2 Corinthians 9:8-15
7. Do you remember a time when in your own flesh you felt weak, but in your faith you were strengthened and empowered? Remembering that time in your life would be an encouragement to your own heart, and perhaps God would want you to share with someone else, that you might give Him glory for His provision. Do you know someone now who is struggling and feeling weak in their flesh? Would you pray for that person to be strengthened in their inner being and empowered through God’s Spirit? This week you have looked at Paul’s life and what God called him to do as an apostle. Take some time to think about Paul’s attitude toward God and his Savior Christ Jesus. After studying Paul’s life, how does his life encourage you?
Please close by reading Paul’s benediction in Romans 16:25-27 that was written to the church in Rome. The literal meaning of the word benediction is “good words.” Allow Paul’s good words to encourage your heart.
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Lesson 6
Day 4 – Review of Ephesians 3 1. The focus of today’s lesson will be to review Ephesians 3. Start by praying and asking God for His help with this review. I praise God knowing that He will help us as we study His word. • Please read through Ephesians 3 again and write out the phrases using the key words from Ephesians 3. Stop to meditate on the truths proclaimed in these phrases.
2. The goal will now be to reflect back on the message of Ephesians 3. Look back at your Scripture Worksheets and your marking of the declarative statements, the instruction, and the exhortations from Ephesians 3. Using some of the key words in the text, think of a theme for each of the sections you studied in this chapter. Try to limit this theme to no more than five words, and list these here as well as on page 155 of the Appendix, in the section for Chapter 3 Summary Statements. Ephesians 3:1-6
Ephesians 3:7-13
Ephesians 3:14-21
3. The next part of the lesson is to ask God to show you the theme for Ephesians 3 based on the main points of each paragraph. Is there one theme that the paragraph themes would “fit” under? Sometimes you can take some of the key words from the paragraph themes and write those into a theme or title for the chapter. Pray and ask for God’s help and then read through these paragraph themes you listed above. Now list your title for Ephesians 3 here as well as on the Themes and Titles chart in the Appendix on page 155 in the column on the right.
4. Stop and meditate on the Scripture you have studied and the sovereignty of God. Will you tell God that you will trust Him with whatever circumstances He allows or with whatever He brings into your life? At the close of today, spend some time worshipping God and expressing adoration to Him for His plan and purpose for you and for the truths He has revealed through His holy word this week. 61
Lesson 6
Day 5 – Ephesians 4, Comprehensive Chapter Study 1. Today the lesson will observe the Scripture Worksheets for Ephesians Chapter 4. Begin with prayer asking for help and then read the entire chapter paying attention to the key words that are repeated. Remember to refer to the Appendix pages 149-153 for help with the inductive observation process. • Mark the key words in Ephesians 4. Write these key words here.
2. As you read Ephesians 4, look for contrasts and comparisons that were used. Refer to the Appendix pages 151 and 153 and then write these here in the space provided, or mark your Scripture Worksheets in some way to show these. Contrasts (to show differences/opposites)
Comparisons (to show similarities and connections, using the words as or like)
3. Now look at how Paul communicated his message in Ephesians 4. First read Ephesians 4:8-10,18-20, and 22-24 as mark these as declarative statements. In the last section, Paul referred to a time in the past when the Ephesians had been given instructions, but Ephesians 4:22-24 were written as fact. Some of Paul’s message in Ephesians 4 was written as an encouragement to his Christian audience. Read Ephesians 4:4-7,11-16, and 21 and mark these as exhortations. The Bible communicates with instructions and these can be found with the help of several clues. Instructions were generally written as commands, where the author tells the recipient or recipients to “do something.” Sometimes in a narrative passage of Scripture someone is given an instruction. Some of the verbs or words that express action were written in the imperative mood, which means that they are statements written as commands to be followed by those hearing the words or receiving the book or letter. These imperatives were generally written in the second person, addressing the recipients as “you or your” or sometimes the “you” is understood but not actually stated in the sentence. In the Koine Greek that was used for the New Testament, the verbs written in the imperative mood are easy to differentiate, because the imperative mood has a different ending than other verb forms. However, even when you do not know the Greek word that was used, you can tell when a verb is in the imperative form by the intent of the sentence. Some instructions are written with the word “let” introducing the command as in Ephesians 4:25. Read the following verses to see the instructions in Ephesians 4: Ephesians 4:1-3, 17, and 25-32. Mark these verses or phrases in some way. 62
Lesson 6 4. Look for terms of expression that help you understand time, with words like “now, then, later,” etc. and mark these in a consistent way. Another means of understanding language is to examine the way verbs are used in writing. A simple explanation of verbs is that they are words that express action or the state of being, and they relate the words communicated within a frame of time. Verbs communicate that something is happening at the moment, or has happened in the past, or will happen in the future. (The verbs in the preceding sentence are in italics.) Verbs can also announce that an event has already taken place and the results of that event are continuing at the present time. Would you take the time to read Ephesians 4 looking for the different verb tenses that were used, noting in the left hand margin references to the future, the present, or the past. This can add another dimension to your study, not because you will be studying verbs, but this will help you see what God has done in the past, what He is doing in your life today, as well as show you what the future holds. 5. Mark words that express conclusion or show results or purpose with words like “for,” “for this reason,” “so that,” and “because.” Words that express conclusion are important to note because they show why the author wrote what he wrote and help you see the promises or consequences that will come. 6. Did you notice that the direction that Paul took with his teaching in Ephesians 4 is different from the first three chapters? When I am studying a book inductively I ask the Lord to remind me of what I have learned as I go through the book. The spiritual disciplines of silence and solitude can really offer a powerful dimension to your life. Instead of working with the radio or music in the background, I often do housework in silence, and think about the book of the Bible I am studying. Try this in this next week. Ask the Lord to help you make the doctrinal truths about your faith penetrate your spirit. Ask the Lord to help you see the significance of the instructions that Paul gave to his audience. Ask God to help you see that there are eternal principles in these truths that He longs for you to incorporate in your life. If you know the hymn “Blest Be the Tie” you might close by singing these words in a quiet time of worship. “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love! The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. Before our Father’s throne we pour our ardent prayers; our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares. We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear; and often for each other flows the sympathizing tear. When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain; but we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again. By John Fawcett and Hans G. Naegeli
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Lesson 7
Lesson 7 – Ephesians 4:1-16 Introduction This week you will take a close look at Ephesians 4:1-16. As you study, my prayer is that you will be able to see the eternal principles written for you and be able to make personal application of these truths. You are now beginning the second half of the book of Ephesians! If finishing is sometimes difficult, remember to keep asking God to help you want to continue, that you might have a desire to be in His precious word every day. I believe that God will always answer that prayer.
Days 1 and 2 – Ephesians 4:1-6 1. Please open in prayer by praying Ephesians 3:16-19, making these verses your own personal prayer, specifically naming and thereby confessing those areas where you have perhaps allowed your own personal weakness to control you rather than allowing the strength and power of God to be made known in your life. Pray that God “would kindle afresh the flame,” (2 Timothy 1:6) of your faith as you study this passage. Now please consider these observation questions. • How did Paul identify himself in Ephesians 4:1? •
In studying a book of the Bible, one can sometimes be so focused on individual verses, paragraphs, and chapters that the student can miss how these verses, paragraphs, and chapters relate to one another and fit in with the entire book. Any time the word therefore is used, you should go back to the preceding paragraph to see what the concluding statement is based upon. So please read Ephesians 3:14 through 4:6 and then write out the instruction that opened Ephesians 4. What was shared about how the believers in Ephesus were to do this?
•
According to Ephesians 4:3, how were the believers to maintain the unity of the Spirit?
•
Look back to see how Paul used the same word calling in Ephesians 1:18. Briefly summarize how Paul used the words called and calling in Ephesians 4:1-4.
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Lesson 7 •
2.
A key word in this paragraph is the word one. According to Ephesians 4:4-6, what are the seven elements that express the foundation of the Christian faith?
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
3870 parakaleo parakalo Ephesians 4:1
Encourage, to call near, to invite, involve, beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, exhort (-ation), entreat, pray. A form of this word was used to describe the Holy Spirit in John 14:26.
Ephesians 6:22 (encourage ISV, comfort NASB) Hebrews 3:13
516 axios axios Ephesians 4:1 5012 tapeinophrosune tapeinophrosunes Ephesians 4:2 4236 praiotes prautetos Ephesians 4:2
Worthy, appropriately, after a godly sort, worthily
Philippians 1:27
Humility, humiliation of mind, modesty, humbleness and humility of mind, lowliness of mind
Philippians 2:3
Gentleness, by implication humility, meekness
Galatians 6:1
3115 makrothumia
Patience, longsuffering, fortitude, forbearance
1 Timothy 1:16
Accept ISV, to hold oneself up against, put up with, bear with, endure, forbear, suffer, showing forbearance
Colossians 3:13 (put up with ISV, bearing with NASB)
makrothumias Ephesians 4:2 430 anechomai anechomenoi Ephesians 4:2
3. Paul wrote a contrast in Colossians that contains similar instructions for believers. Record these and circle the words that are also in Ephesians 4:1-6. Put aside (from Colossians 3:8,9):
Put on (from Colossians 3:12-15):
4. Look at the first quality in Paul’s Ephesians 4:2,3 list and the last instruction in verse 2. One word used to define the word grace is acceptance, as that is God’s attitude toward us. God looks at people with mercy and compassion, and even in the midst of our sin, He longs to extend mercy toward us. Read 1 Peter 5:5 to see what was recorded about a humble person 66
Lesson 7 and what is the consequence of not being humble. How can the instructions to the people in Ephesus help you with obedience to God’s standard?
5. Some believe the words of Ephesians 4:4,5 were perhaps used as a portion of an early Christian hymn that called believers to acknowledge what they had in common, rather than the differences that existed between them. You will find explanations for each of these statements in other Scripture. As you gather this evidence, think about how you might share these truths with the person the Holy Spirit has placed on your heart earlier in this study. How can you share your faith with that person this week? Will you pray for an opportunity? Christianity: One body:
Scriptural evidence: 1 Corinthians 12:12 Ephesians 4:16
One Spirit:
1 Corinthians 12:13
One hope:
Ephesians 1:13,14,18 Colossians 1:27
One Lord:
Matthew 7:21-23
One faith:
Jude 3
One baptism:
1 Corinthians 12:13
One God and Father of all:
1 Corinthians 8:5,6
Christianity:
Scriptural evidence: 67
Lesson 7 Who is above all:
Romans 11:33-36
Who is through Hebrews 1:1-3 all: Who is in all:
John 17:21
6. Sometimes when you are trying to learn something or make a change, it is helpful to think about the opposite of what is being studied. What attitudes would be different from the qualities Paul told the Ephesians to live? Think about times in the past when you witnessed someone or even when you yourself had not lived in a way that was worthy, but rather in a way that was opposed to these godly qualities. Walking in a way that is worthy What attitude or action would be the shows these qualities: opposite of these qualities? Humility Gentleness Patience Accepting one another in love Maintaining the unity of the Spirit What prevents you from having these Christ-like attitudes?
What practical steps can you take to live in a way that is worthy?
Close by meditating on God’s faithfulness and provision to empower Christians “to live in a way that is worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” Believers are to follow the standard of Ephesians 4:2 and 3. What do you need to do about this?
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Lesson 7
Day 3 – Ephesians 4:7-10 1. When you read today’s passage did Ephesians 4:7 remind you of Paul’s message in Ephesians 3:8? Open by praying that the Holy Spirit would help you as you study these verses, and then take the time to read Ephesians 3:7-21 and Ephesians 4:1-10. Begin with these observation questions. • Look at how Paul used the word grace in Ephesians 4:7. Read again Ephesians 3:2 and Ephesians 3:7,8 to see how Paul used this word regarding his ministry with the Ephesian people. How did Paul expand his teaching on grace in Ephesians 4:7?
•
Read aloud Paul’s list from Ephesians 4:4-6 and emphasize how he used the word one. How did Paul use the word one in Ephesians 4:7?
•
After Jesus was resurrected, Luke 24:27 tells us that He explained the Hebrew Scriptures that pointed to Himself to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. The early Christian church taught how the sacred writings of their forefathers were fulfilled in Jesus. Paul quoted Psalm 68:18 in Ephesians 4:8. The early church interpreted Psalm 68:18 as an explanation of Christ’s incarnation on earth and His time “in the grave” before His resurrection. Did you mark the pronoun “He” in today’s passage as Christ? What does this passage say about Christ?
For those of you who are puzzled by this passage, it might help to read 1 Peter 3:1822 as another commentary of this time in Christ’s life. 2.
Please examine these word studies for two of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
1431 dorea edothe Ephesians 4:7 Ephesians 2:8,3:7 1390 doma domata Ephesians 4:8
Gift, a gratuity; from 1435 doron, a present, a sacrifice, gift, offering
Acts 2:38
Gifts, a present; from the base of 1325 didomi to give
Matthew 7:11
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Lesson 7 3. After Christ ascended to heaven, what gifts were given to the Christian believers? Look at Christ’s promises, God’s provision, and then the fulfillment of these promises. The Lord’s promises and provision for The fulfillment of the promises His followers (John 7:39; 14:16,26; 16:13): (Acts 2:1-4; Acts 2:32-36; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7):
4. John 3:13-15 is referred to as a commentary on Ephesians 4:7-10. Read this passage for more insight into Paul’s writing. What Christ said about Himself:
What gift did Christ promise?
5. Many have puzzled over the paragraph you will study today and biblical scholars interpret this passage in different ways. Paul quoted from Psalm 68:18 in Ephesians 4:8, although the wording of the last phrase is different. Sometimes when Old Testament Scripture was quoted in the New Testament, the author or spokesperson might have quoted the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scripture, abbreviated by the letters LXX. If the Septuagint was quoted the wording might be different from the Old Testament that is a translation of the Hebrew sacred writings. Sometimes the reference being quoted might be a quotation from the Hebrew Targum, a commentary of the sacred writings that was read in the worship services of the Hebrew people. The Targum read, “Thou hast given gifts to men.” Psalm 68:18 “Thou hast ascended on high, Thou hast led captives Thy captives; Thou hast received gifts among men, Even among the rebellious also, that the LORD God may dwell there,” NASB.
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Lesson 7 In Psalm 68 the Lord is triumphant after a victory over Israel’s enemies, who would be considered as captives. How could this Psalm be understood as prophecy concerning Jesus Christ?
6. One interpretation of Ephesians 4:8 relates to the use of Psalm 68 in the Jewish tradition. It was a Psalm read at the Hebrew celebration of Pentecost. G. B. Caird contends that it was then carried over by the Christian church as a part of their Pentecost celebration, where they also recognized the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first day of Pentecost following Christ’s ascension.4 Another portion that is debated has to do with the expression that “He also had gone down into the lower parts of the earth.” Many interpret this as the incarnation of Christ, His coming to earth in the form of a man. The Jewish people believed there were seven heavens, and God Almighty was in the highest heaven. According to Paul’s writing in Ephesians, where is Christ now?
Jesus Christ said that His leaving earth would be an advantage to His followers. What did Christ promise His followers in John 16:7?
Please meditate on what you have studied today. Close by reading Paul’s message in Colossians 1:13-22 concerning God’s provision and Christ’s role in the life of the believer. Allow these words to be your own words as you close in prayer.
Days 4 and 5 – Ephesians 4:11-16 1. Open in prayer by inviting the Holy Spirit to help you with the focus on the next part of the lesson. As a Christian, you are a member of Christ’s body, the church, so please do not miss what God is teaching through the book of Ephesians concerning the church. Now open with these observation questions. • One of the key words in the book of Ephesians is the word church. However, Paul also used other words and phrases to describe the church without actually using the word church. The “church” of the Hebrew people at the time of Paul’s writing was called an “assembly,” the Greek word sunagoge. The people of Israel who lived outside of Jerusalem “gathered together” in synagogues to worship. As you read through Ephesians 1, 2, and 3 and then through Ephesians 4, look for any specific references to the Christian church that came together to worship God. Mark the words or phrases that represent the Christian church in the same way that you marked
4
Frank Gaebelein and J.D. Douglas, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 11, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1978, p. 58. 71
Lesson 7 the word church. Keep in mind what you have studied in the first six lessons and then record what is being taught concerning the church in these portions of Ephesians.
2. 72
•
According to Ephesians 4:11-16, God made provision for the church that it might be equipped to exist as He intended. Paul listed the four spiritual gifts or offices of the church in Ephesians 4:11. What are these gifts?
•
Why were these gifts given to the church according to Ephesians 4:12?
•
How did Paul describe God’s plan for the church in Ephesians 4:13,14?
•
What is the goal of speaking the truth in love according to Ephesians 4:15?
•
What is Christ’s role in the church according to Ephesians 4:15,16?
•
What is promised to the church when “each individual part does its job”?
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Lesson 7 Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
5486 charisma charisma Romans 1:11
Gift, a (divine) gratuity, i.e. deliverance from danger or passion, a (spiritual) endowment, i.e. religious qualification, or miraculous faculty. This is the word used for spiritual gifts, but it is not in Ephesians. Apostle, a delegate, a messenger, specifically an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ, one who is sent Prophet, the prophetic rank or work, the office or gift of a prophet. Someone who proclaims God’s truth; derived from 4396 prophetes, a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker, a poet Evangelist, a preacher of the gospel. Someone who declares the “good news.”
1 Timothy 4:14
652 apostolos apostolous Ephesians 4:11 4394 propheteia prophetas Ephesians 4:11
2099 euangelistes euangelistas Ephesians 4:11
Acts 15:2,4,6
Ephesians 2:20 Ephesians 3:5 2 Timothy 4:5
4166 poimen poimenas Ephesians 4:11
Pastor, a shepherd; applied spiritually to Christ, also the pastor of a flock
1 Peter 2:25; 5:2
1320 didaskalos didaskalous Ephesians 4:11
Teacher, an instructor, master, (also used for) doctor
1 Timothy 2:7
3. Ephesians 4:11 lists the “offices of the church” that Christ gifted to some individuals. Paul wrote concerning spiritual gifts in several other places and gave a general reason for the giving of spiritual gifts. Please read Romans 12:1-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 looking for the “reason” for the giving of spiritual gifts. a. Romans 12:1-8 b. 1 Corinthians 12:1-31
4. Christians read the record of Acts 2:42-47 as a model of the early church. In reading these verses, what do you see as the attitude of those who were Christ’s disciples?
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Lesson 7 5. Look ahead to Paul’s instruction to the church in Ephesians 6:18-20 and also read 1 Thessalonians 5:12,13. What do these passages say to you as a member of the body of Christ? a. Ephesians 6:18-20
b. 1 Thessalonians 5:12,13
6. In the past two days you have looked at some of what has been written in the New Testament about the body of Christ, the church. As you went through this lesson, has the Holy Spirit convicted you of something in your life that you need to change so that you can be more sensitive to the goals of the church? The Holy Spirit has shown us truth upon truth to counsel, comfort, teach, and guide you in the way you need to be counseled, comforted, taught, and guided! In his book Invitation to a Journey, M. Robert Mulholland Jr. wrote that our journey as a Christian is to always be in the “process of becoming conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.” Paul wrote concerning the church to help you understand your role within the body of Christ. Do not let this part of the lesson become an academic exercise where you simply fill in the space that has been provided with Scripture. Please take some time to read again Ephesians 4:1-16 and ask the Lord what you need to pay attention to that will help you mature and “grow up completely into the one who is the head, that is, into Christ.”
You could close by singing a song that expresses your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ as an act of worship. Let your song show God your adoration and thankfulness for Christ’s sacrifice on your behalf. I have included the hymn, “The Church’s one Foundation.” End your time by offering up a prayer concerning your role in the church as a member of the body of Christ. “The Church’s One Foundation” The church’s one Foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord; she is His new creation, by water and the word; from heaven He came and sought her to be His holy bride; with His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died. Elect from every nation, yet one o’er all the earth; her charter of salvation, one Lord, one faith, one birth; one holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food, and to one hope she presses, with every grace endued. By Samuel J. Stone and Samuel S. Wesley
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Lesson 8
Lesson 8 – Ephesians 4:17-32 Introduction In Ephesians 4:17-32 Paul continued to instruct the Ephesian believers concerning their lifestyle choices. As you study this week, perhaps there is a specific verse that God would have you memorize, that you would claim personally as God’s message to you. Prepare your heart for some very practical instruction from the Lord regarding living “in a way that is worthy of the calling to which you have been called,” Ephesians 4:1.
Day 1 – Ephesians 4:17-24 1. Begin by reading today’s passage of Ephesians. Ask the Holy Spirit for insight that you might be willing to receive the teaching that the Lord has for you in this passage. Open with these observation questions. • What command did Paul give his readers at the opening of today’s passage? •
Paul used a number of contrasts in Ephesians 4. One of these contrasts centers on the word live in the ISV, translated as walk in the NASB. How is the Christian to live and how does the Gentile live according to Ephesians 4:17-21? a. How the Christian is to live:
b. How the Gentile lives:
2. 5
•
In Ephesians 1-3 Paul urged the Ephesian people to remember who they were before coming to a faith in Christ. Read again Ephesians 2:2,11-13 and consider Paul’s teaching in these two passages. Before accepting Christ as your Savior, what was the consequence of your former way?
•
Did the people of Ephesus actually listen to Christ and hear Him teach? Most biblical scholars believe that Paul meant that when someone teaches the truth about Jesus Christ, Christ Himself is present in the message.5 Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Gaebelein and Douglas, Ibid., p. 62. 75
Lesson 8 Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
4043 peripateo peripateo Ephesians 4:17 Ephesians 4:1
Live ISV, walk NASB, to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary, devoted one), go be occupied with Strip off ISV, lay aside NASB, to put away, (literally or figuratively), cast off, lay apart (aside, down), put away
Romans 8:1-4
659 apotithemi apothesmai Ephesians 4:22 Ephesians 4:25 5351 phtheiro phtheiromenon Ephesians 4:22 539 apate apates Ephesians 4:22
Hebrews 12:1
Ruined ISV, corrupted KJV, lead astray NASB
2 Corinthians 11:3
Deceptive ISV, deceit NASB, delusion, deceitful or deceitfulness, deceivable or deceiving
Colossians 2:8
1939 epithumia epithumias Ephesians 4:22
Desires ISV, lusts NASB, a longing (especially for what is forbidden), concupiscence
1 Peter 2:11
Hebrews 3:13
3. Based on Ephesians 4:17-24, what is Paul’s attitude toward the people in Ephesus in this portion of the letter, and what evidence would you give to support your statement?
What authority did Paul have in this early church? (You might go back and read Ephesians 1:1, Ephesians 3:1,2 and Ephesians 4:11-16 to answer this question.)
4. To examine Ephesians 4:22-24 please go back to Ephesians 4:17, the beginning of this passage and read through 4:24. Paul gave three imperatives to the Ephesians, commanding them to follow this teaching, as it is the teaching of Jesus Christ. What were the believers taught?
Why were they to obey these commands?
5. Now you will look at the phrase “the old man,” in the ISV or “the old self” in the NASB. Notice in Ephesians 4:24 Paul used the phrase “the new man” or “the new self.” The literal translation is the word that is generally translated as man, but Paul’s imperative is not 76
Lesson 8 exclusive to men, it applies to all believers. Paul also wrote about the old self and the new self in other Scriptures. Read these references and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding concerning this. How is the “old man” or “self” described? Romans 6:4-14
How is the “new man” or “self” described? Romans 6:4-14
Colossians 3:5-9
Colossians 3:10,11
6. In Ephesians 4:17-24, Paul used the contrast of the old and the new, with the instruction that believers should “be renewed in the spirit of your mind,” Ephesians 4:23. This is actually the only place in the entire New Testament where the word ananeoo is used for renew. The word was used to designate renovation or reform. Read Ephesians 4:23 again and paraphrase or put into your own words this verse by explaining what Paul meant with this statement.
What is the practical application of this in your own life?
7. Paul used a similar word in the imperative command of Romans 12:1,2. While this used a different Greek word for renew, all believers who choose to honor God with their lives can certainly apply this message. Read Romans 12:1,2 regarding the renewing of your mind. Christians are “to be and/or not to be:”
Why Christians are to renew their minds:
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Lesson 8 8. Please end today’s study by looking at Ephesians 4:24, and the third instruction Paul proclaimed to the believers in Ephesus. Read Ephesians 2:10 for a reminder of your creation and think about these verses as they relate to your faith in Christ. Please read Genesis 1:27 as well. How were you created?
Why were you created?
9. One other place in Scripture Paul writes about the doctrine of “the old and the new,” so please read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 to see another explanation of this. Please take some time to read again Ephesians 4:22-24 and meditate on these verses. Is there a deceptive device that has had an influence on the spirit of your mind?
How can you be obedient to the Lord God Almighty? Please pray and ask God to help you with this step of faith and close in prayer by personalizing this passage of Scripture within your own spirit.
Days 2 and 3 – Ephesians 4:25-28 1. Paul wrote very significant doctrine in Ephesians 1-3, and Paul then focused on the practical dimension of the Christian faith in the last chapters of Ephesians. These next two days will take a closer look at Ephesians 4:25-28. Open in prayer and ask the Lord for help that you would not grow weary as you study the word. Pray that you would be diligent and eager to learn what God would have you learn, and that you would also be willing to apply these truths to your own life. Begin with these observation questions. • Generally, when a passage is introduced with the word “therefore,” you should read the paragraph that preceded it in order to determine the reason you are given a command or the way you are enabled to obey such a statement. So, before reading verses 25-27, please read the paragraph that you studied earlier to remind yourself of Paul’s teaching and especially the three instructions of Ephesians 4:22-24, and then read to the end of the chapter. Can you explain why Paul opened verse 25 with the word therefore?
•
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In reading Ephesians 4:25 you see another contrast written by Paul. What is the instruction that Paul wrote in this verse and why did he give this instruction?
Lesson 8 •
Paul quoted from the Old Testament in Ephesians 4:25 and 26. Read the words of the Lord spoken to the people of Israel through the prophet Zechariah in Zechariah 8:1417. Read Psalm 4:4 to see David’s trust in God and write out these words. a. Ephesians 4:25b (taken from Zechariah 8:14-17):
b. Ephesians 4:26a (taken from Psalm 4:4):
•
Look back at the message of Ephesians 4:15. What was promised to believers when they followed this instruction?
•
When does it seem easier to not speak the truth? Will you make a commitment to speak the truth in love?
•
Write out the instructions of Ephesians 4:26b,27 in your own words and think about how you would explain these simple truths to someone. a. Ephesians 4:26b
b. Ephesians 4:27
•
2.
Now read Ephesians 4:28 and think about the specific instruction regarding stealing that was given. Historical records have revealed that stealing was common in the culture of Ephesus. What impact would obedience to this command have upon a community?
Please examine this word study for a key word in today’s passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
5117 topos topon Ephesians 4:27
Opportunity to work ISV, an opportunity NASB, place, KJV; a spot, (generally a space, but limited by occupancy, locality)
2 Corinthians 2:14
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Lesson 8 3. Paul continues with his teaching about the church and how believers are to live in community with others. Please read Ephesians 4:11-16 and then Ephesians 4:25 and meditate on these truths. How would obedience to Ephesians 4:25 benefit the church?
Are there times in your life when you have not spoken the truth in love? What is the challenge the Lord would have for you concerning being truthful?
4. Think about the effect that the emotion of anger has upon you. How does anger affect your emotions, your physical body, and your spirit? Your spirit is that part of you that relates to the Lord God.
Read Psalm 4 that Paul quoted in Ephesians 4:26. The Hebrew word for tremble is ragaz, which Strong’s Concordance defines as “to quiver or tremble with violent emotion, especially anger or fear.” Now read Ephesians 4:25-32 and think about why Paul quoted Psalm 4 here. How do these two passages relate to one another?
5. Please take the time to consider these Scripture references that describe the work of the devil. Meditate on how you are to respond to this teaching. How is Satan described and what are you to do? Luke 4:1-13 Acts 10:38 Ephesians 6:11 2 Timothy 2:26 James 4:7,8 1 Peter 5:8,9
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Lesson 8 How would you summarize the way in which Satan works according to the Scriptures you just studied?
Paul said that Christians are not to “give the devil any opportunity to work.” The word Paul used for the phrase “opportunity to work” is frequently used in the New Testament to simply designate a location or place. One interpretation of Ephesians 4:27 is that allowing sin in your life will let the devil have “room to move.”6 In the context of Ephesians 4, what did Paul say about Satan working?
6. When God gave the people of Israel the Ten Commandments, He included a commandment about stealing. Exodus 20:15 simply says, “Thou shall not steal.” Christ said that He came to fulfill the Law, which was what the people called God’s commandments. Jesus was asked “What is the greatest commandment?” and He answered by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5, “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Christ then added that the second commandment is to “love your neighbor as yourself,” in Matthew 22:37-39. When you love the Lord our God you want to honor Him and be obedient to His word. Loving God will also give you the desire to follow the imperatives and instructions given in the New Testament, which would include “the thief must no longer steal,” Ephesians 4:28. If you received this instruction as a child you can be thankful that that pattern was established in you. If this is a struggle for you, ask God for His help with this temptation to sin. He is faithful and will keep you from sinning. 7.
Are you a truthful person? Or do you struggle with speaking the truth at all times?
Do you daily deal with your anger so that you do not carry that anger with you from day to day? Or do you struggle with the emotion of anger and have a hard time letting go of offenses? Have you allowed the devil to have a place in your spirit? Can you think of a time in your recent past when you were angry and you gave the devil a place or an opportunity to work? Continued on the next page.
6
Ibid., p. 64. 81
Lesson 8 Can you claim a time recently where you stood firm against the enemy and allowed Christ to win a victory?
In Ephesians 6, you will study how Christians are to equip themselves for spiritual battles. End your time by reading Ephesians 6:10-18, making this your prayer unto God, asking God to help you recognize the battles that come into your life that you might continue to grow in your commitment to Him. Thank the Lord that He has given us everything we need here and now for life and godliness. Join with me in singing this hymn that acknowledges the power and majesty of our God. “A Mighty Fortress” A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe, his craft and pow’r are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal. Did we in our own strength confide our striving would be losing, were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He – Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same, and He must win the battle. By Martin Luther
Day 4 – Ephesians 4:29-32 1. In John 16:8, Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin, righteousness, and the coming judgment. Ask the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart for today’s lesson that you would be open to the teaching and conviction of the Holy Spirit. Begin with these observation questions. • Today you will complete the last portion of Ephesians 4, however start by reading Ephesians 4:25-32. Paul instructs the Christians of Ephesus concerning how they were to relate to one another. What did Paul say in today’s verses about relating to others? a. What are Christians to eliminate from their life and why?
b. How are Christians to be and why?
•
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In the midst of Paul’s teaching he reminded the believers about the Holy Spirit. What did Paul’s comment in Ephesians 4:30 teach you about the Holy Spirit?
Lesson 8 2.
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
4088 pikria pikria Ephesians 4:31 2372 thumos thumos Ephesians 4:31 3709 orge orge Ephesians 4:31 2906 krauge krauge Ephesians 4:31 988 blasphemia blasphemia Ephesians 4:31 2549 kakia kakia Ephesians 4:31
Bitterness ISV, acridity, (especially poison)
Hebrews 12:15
Wrath ISV, passion, as if breathing hard, fierceness, indignation
Revelation 19:15 (fury, ISV)
Anger ISV, desire, (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), violent passion, indignation, vengeance Quarreling ISV, an outcry (in notification, tumult, or grief), clamor, cry Slander ISV, vilification (especially against God), evil speaking, railing
Ephesians 5:6 (wrath, ISV)
Hatred ISV, badness, depravity, malignity, or trouble, evil, naughtiness, wickedness
Acts 23:9 Revelation 13:6 Titus 3:3 (malice)
3. The word grace is a key word in the book of Ephesians. God has extended grace to you and you are to “give grace to those who hear you,” Ephesians 4:29. What extends grace according to Paul?
How can you extend grace (favor or acceptance) to someone this week that would result in him or her being built up? Is there someone you can think of who has a need that you might encourage with good words?
Will you ask God to help you remember someone you could encourage with good words? In our flesh it is easy to tear someone down. I was counseled once to pray for a person who had spoken against me. I had an issue with this individual, but rather than speak against that person I prayed for an opportunity to speak the truth in love. Praying for this person kept my heart from turning bitter. 4. The Bible teaches about the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Read Ephesians 1:13,14 and consider your relationship to the Holy Spirit. What does Paul say concerning the impact a believer’s actions have upon the Holy Spirit?
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Lesson 8 Please stop to meditate on this concept. Can you think of the last time you grieved the Holy Spirit because of the words that came forth from your mouth? Come before the Lord to ask Him to help you strip away the old self so that you might be clothed with the new. Read Ephesians 4:24 for a reminder of your creation. How were you created?
Why is it hard to live in the way that you were created?
5. Paul concluded Ephesians 4 with one more reminder of the way Christians are to live. In Paul’s list of vices, do any of these words represent an attitude that you hold that is especially difficult for you to strip off? What do you need to do about this? Please stop and pray asking the Lord to search your heart and reveal to you any sinful attitude that is held in your spirit that you are not aware of. How can you deal with this sinful behavior or attitude?
Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:1-3 concerning the lifestyle of Christians. Those qualities will be promoted through obedience to the instructions of Ephesians 4:25-32. If the attitude of your heart is to be truly humble, gentle, patient, and accepting of others, and you are striving for unity and peace, will you continue to speak falsehood to others? Will you continue to sin when you are angry? Will you continue to give the devil an opportunity to work in your life? Will you continue to steal from others? Will you continue to allow filthy talk to come from your mouth? Will you continue to allow bitterness to be a part of your spirit? Will you continue to allow wrath to influence the way you communicate? Will you continue to allow anger to influence your decisions? Will you continue to allow quarreling to be the pattern for your relationships? Will you continue to allow slander to be a habit that you foster in your spirit? Will you continue to hold hatred toward others? Continued on the next page.
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Lesson 8 Paul ended Ephesians 4 with positive instructions! The word kind is used to describe someone who is useful, and willing to meet the needs of other people. Individuals with that attitude in the church would certainly be a blessing to others. God desires you to speak the truth in love as an act of kindness. Pray that God would help you see where you can be more useful and more compassionate within the community where He has placed you. End by reading Matthew 6:9-15 and meditate on what Jesus taught about forgiveness in this portion of His Sermon of the Mount. Pray that God would show you if there is anyone you have not forgiven so that you might confess that before the Lord. The power of God is manifested to believers when they trust God Almighty to help them say the words, “I forgive________ for _________.” That prayer honors the Lord and restores your relationship with Him, truly strengthening your inner spirit to bring you freedom. When I attended a class on forgiveness, we were challenged to ask God if there was anyone we had not forgiven from an offense in the past. We were asked to prayerfully write out the name and the offense of those we had not forgiven. For some in the class this took hours, for others a shorter period of time. We then went through the list, prayerfully confessing our forgiveness for each offense. I was surprised by the list I was given by the Lord. I am still thankful for the time spent getting right with God in this way. I thank God that I have been forgiven of my sins, and have been reconciled with the God of creation. I thank God that He strengthens us to do what is righteous that He would be honored by our thoughts and our actions.
Day 5 – Review of Ephesians 4 1. The focus of today’s lesson will be to review Ephesians 4. Start by praying and asking God for His help with this, thanking Him for His faithfulness. • Please read through Ephesians 4 and write out the phrases that use the key words from Ephesians 4 and note the truths proclaimed in these phrases.
2. Now reflect back on the message of Ephesians 4. Look at your Scripture Worksheets the declarative statements, instructions, and exhortations from Ephesians 4. Using some of the key words in the text, think of a theme for each of the sections you studied in this chapter. Try to limit this theme to no more than five words, and list these here as well as on page 155 of the Appendix, in the section for Chapter 4 Summary Statements. Ephesians 4:1-6
Ephesians 4:7-8
Continued on the next page. 85
Lesson 8 Ephesians 4:9-16
Ephesians 4:17-24
Ephesians 4:25-32
3. Now ask God to show you the theme for Ephesians 4 based on the main points of each paragraph. Is there one theme that each of the paragraph themes would “fit” under? Sometimes you can take some of the key words from the paragraph themes and write those into a theme or title for the chapter. Pray and ask for God’s help and then read through these paragraph themes that you listed above. Place your title for Ephesians 4 here as well as on the Themes and Titles chart in the Appendix on page 155 in the column on the right.
4. Stop and meditate on the Scripture you have studied and on God who has provided all you need to be obedient to His word. Of all the instructions in Ephesians 4 will you ask God which one is the hardest for you to obey and then ask Him why. Your prayer might also include a plea for His wisdom to know what you might do about this. You might write out your commitment to Him here and close by rejoicing in His power and His faithfulness to strengthen you whenever you are weak, to comfort you when you mourn, and for His mercy that extends grace to you at all times.
As you close, spend some time worshipping God and expressing adoration to Him for His plan and purpose for you. Thank the Lord for the truths He has revealed through His holy word this week.
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Lesson 9
Lesson 9 – Ephesians 5:1-20 Introduction Now you will begin Ephesians 5. Keep in mind what you have studied in the past weeks to help you see this letter of Paul in its entirety. Paul opened the chapter with a clear and powerful imperative, “So be imitators of God,” and then wrote in Ephesians 5:21 that as a believer you are to “submit yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.” Keep seeking God’s wisdom as you proceed with this study, you will be blessed by what God has for you. The psalmist David’s said that he hid God’s word in his heart that he might not sin against Him. Is that the desire of your heart? Ask God to reveal His truth to your spirit as you continue.
Day 1 – Ephesians 5, Comprehensive Chapter Study 1. Today you will observe the Scripture Worksheets for Ephesians Chapter 5. Begin by praying for the help of the Holy Spirit as you start a new chapter. • Read Ephesians 5, paying attention to the key words that are repeated. Mark the key words in Ephesians 5 in a consistent way. List these words here.
2. As you read Ephesians 5, you can also look for the contrasts and comparisons that Paul used. Write these here in the space provided or mark your Scripture Worksheets in some way to show these contrasts and comparisons. Contrasts (to show differences/opposites)
Comparisons (to show similarities and connections, using the words as or like)
3. Paul incorporated a number of methods to communicate in Ephesians 5. Paul mixes declarative statements with instructions, exhortations, and warnings in this chapter. Read the chapter looking at the following verses that are instructions: Ephesians 5:1a,2,3,4b,7,8c,10,11,15-18,22,24b,25,28a,31, and 33. Mark these instructions in some way. Now read the declarative statements in the chapter. These include the following: Ephesians 5:4a,8a,9,12,13,23,24a,26,27,28b,29,30 and 32. These statements declare truths that support the instructions and exhortations that Paul wrote. Ephesians 5 also includes some exhortations, words to encourage and call someone to obedience. Read Ephesians 5:8b,14, and 19-21 and mark these as exhortations. Another important means of communication from God, Christ, the prophets, or apostles was the issuing of warnings, which were usually followed by a recompense or consequence for the sin that would follow someone’s sinful attitude or actions. Warning 87
Lesson 9 statements address behaviors that would lead to a problem or consequence. Ephesians 5:5,6 are warning statements. Mark these verses in some way as warnings. 4. Look for terms of expression that help you understand time, with words like “now, then, later,” etc. and mark these in a consistent way. Another means of understanding language is to examine the way verbs are used in writing. A simple explanation of verbs is that they are words that express action or the state of being, and they relate the words communicated within a frame of time. Verbs communicate that something is happening at the moment, or has happened in the past, or will happen in the future. Verbs can also announce that an event has already taken place and the results of that event are continuing at the present time. Would you take the time to read Ephesians 5 looking for the different verb tenses that were used, noting in the left hand margin references to the future, the present, or the past. This can add another dimension to your study, not because you will be studying verbs, but this will help you see what God has done in the past, what He is doing in your life today, as well as show you what the future holds. 5. Mark words that express conclusion or show results or purpose with words like “for,” “for this reason,” “so that,” and “because.” Words that express conclusion are important to note because they show why the author wrote what he wrote and help you see the promises or consequences that will come. 6. Reciting to one another psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs builds one’s faith. To sing a song proclaiming God’s nature is a blessing. Look at the hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” and reflect on what this hymn teaches about God and our Savior Jesus Christ. “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” Joyful, joyful we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, hail Thee as the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the dark of doubt away; giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day! Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest, well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! Thou the Father Christ our Brother – All who live in love are Thine; teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine. By Henry Van Dyke and Ludwig Van Beethoven
Close in prayer thanking God for His love for you and thanking Christ for the sacrifice that He made on your behalf.
Day 2 – Ephesians 5:1-5 1. Please open today’s time in the word in prayer. Ask God for insight so that you will not miss His encouragement to you as well as His challenge as you spend time in the word. • As you observed Ephesians 5 yesterday did you see how this chapter relates to Ephesians 1 through 4? Paul opened Chapter 5 with the word so in the ISV, or therefore in the NASB and KJV. This was the hint as to how this new chapter connected with “what came before,” and requires you to go back to what came before this sentence. Paul described who the Ephesians were before coming to Christ and what it meant to be in Christ. Paul exhorted the believers in their walk, what they were to strip off and how they were to clothe themselves, giving specific examples of attitudes that reflected a godly lifestyle. Paul used the imperative form of a “to be” 88
Lesson 9 verb when he wrote, “So be imitators of God, as His dear children.” Bible translators many years ago determined the chapter divisions, paragraph divisions, and verse numbers based on the context of each passage, as well as the grammatical structure of the text, because the original Greek did not have chapter or verse numbers. What is the basis for Paul’s commands of Ephesians 5:1,2?
•
In Ephesians 5:2, Paul reminded his audience of Christ’s love. How does Paul explain this love and how does this love relate to God?
•
Paul continued to present Christians with the choices they must make as followers of Christ. Looking at Ephesians 5:1-5, how are Christians to live and how are they not to live?
How are Christians to live?
2.
How are Christians NOT to live?
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
3402 mimetes mimetai Ephesians 5:1
Imitators ISV, followers. The word mimos is the word from which the English word mimic was taken.
1 Corinthians 11:1
4205 pornos porneia Ephesians 5:3,5 169 akathartos akatharsia Ephesians 5:3,5 4124 pleonexia pleonekia Ephesians 5:3,5
Immoral, a male prostitute, fornicator, a debauchee
1 Corinthians 5:9-13
Impure ISV, morally lewd or specifically demonic, foul, unclean. The word katharos means pure. Greedy ISV, covetous NASB, holding, desiring more, eager for gain
2 Corinthians 6:17
1 Thessalonians 2:14
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
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Lesson 9 Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
1496 eidololatres eidololatres Ephesians 5:5 2169 eucharistia eucharistia Ephesians 5:4
Idolater ISV, an image worshipper. From 1497 eidolon by implication a heathen god, or the worship of such. Thanksgiving, gratitude, grateful language to God, as an act of worship, giving thanks. This is where the word eucharist comes from, used in the church as Holy Communion, giving thanks for one’s salvation while remembering Christ’s sacrifice.
1 Corinthians 5: 9-11 Philippians 4:6
3. The author of the book of Hebrews described in detail what Paul taught in Ephesians 5:2. Please read these passages in Hebrews for additional information on this: Hebrews 7:26 through Hebrews 8:6, Hebrews 9:14, and Hebrews 10:9-14. What was taught about Christ in these passages?
What did Christ accomplish for those who believe in Him?
4. Please read in Exodus 29:18 the instruction God gave for the nation of Israel concerning their sacrifice. What did God say that this sacrifice was?
5. In Ephesians 5:5 Paul wrote “you know very well…” about who does or who does not have “an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Read what Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:3-5 about your inheritance. How would you explain this inheritance to someone?
The apostle John wrote in his first epistle about the distinction between one who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and one who has not. Read 1 John 3:1-10 from the ISV. “See what kind of love the Father has given us: We are actually called God’s children! And that’s what we are. For this reason the world doesn’t recognize us, because it didn’t recognize him either. Dear friends, now we are God’s children, but what we will be like hasn’t been revealed yet. We know that when Christ is revealed we will be like him, because we will see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him keeps himself pure, just as 90
Lesson 9 he is pure. Everyone who lives in sin also practices disobedience. In fact, sin is disobedience. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and there isn’t any sin in him. No one who remains in him goes on sinning. The one who goes on sinning hasn’t seen him or known him. Little children, don’t let anyone deceive you. The person who practices righteousness is righteous, just as he is righteous. The person who practices sin belongs to the evil one, because the Devil has been sinning since the beginning. The reason that the Son of God was revealed was to destroy the works of the Devil. No one who has been born from God practices sin, because God’s seed remains in him. He is not able to go on sinning, because he has been born from God. This is how God’s children and the Devil’s children are distinguished. No person who fails to practice righteousness and to love his brother is from God.” Does this passage from 1 John help you understand what Paul wrote? Please meditate on the issue of who has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. How would you explain this to someone else? Would you take some time to think about this and jot out your thoughts here?
6. Ephesians 5:2 says that we are to live in love. What would God have you do to share love with someone today? How could you share love with someone sometime this next week? Would you be willing to share and not expect anything in return? What qualities of God or of Jesus Christ do you need to imitate that you have not yet made a pattern for your life? If you are unsure how to answer that question, pray David’s prayer of Psalm 139:23, 24 “Search me O God and know my heart, try me and know my anxious thoughts, and see if there be any hurtful way in me and lead me in the everlasting way.” That is a prayer that God will always answer for His dear children. He will reveal the very essence of your heart. Ask for the Holy Spirit to help you with this, since Christ’s sacrifice made it possible for you to change.
Day 3 - Ephesians 5:6-14 1. Today the lesson will focus on Ephesians 5:6-14. Begin in prayer asking God to anoint your time in His word, that you would be influenced by what you study, and that you would accept the words of the text to be living and active and able to penetrate your spirit. Please start with these observation questions.
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Lesson 9
2.
•
Paul began the next paragraph with a warning concerning deception. Read back to Ephesians 5:4 and then through 5:7. How would you describe what is the opposite of meaningless words, (in the ISV or empty words in NASB) in regards to your faith?
•
Now look at another contrast that Paul made. Read Ephesians 5:8-14 and jot down the two words that are contrasted in this passage as well as what Paul said about these themes.
•
Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:7, “So do not be partners with them.” The same Greek word for partners was also used in Ephesians 3:6 translated as fellow sharers in the ISV, and as fellow partakers in the NASB. How did Paul use this word in Ephesians 5:7?
•
In both Ephesians 5:11 and 13 Paul used the word expose as part of his contrast. What are they to expose and what happens when something is exposed?
•
The words in Ephesians 5:14 are considered to be a portion of an early Christian hymn. Several of the phrases used also appear in the book of Isaiah. Reading the verse in the original Greek reveals that there is a rhythm to the word order. Look at the Scriptures to see commentary on the words of this hymn. Wake up, O sleeper! Romans 13:11 Arise from the dead
Ephesians 2:1,2
And Christ will shine on you.
Luke 1:78,79, Ephesians 5:8,9
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
538 apatao apatato Ephesians 5:6
Deceive, to cheat, to delude
Used three times in the New Testament. James 1:26
1651 elegcho elegchete Ephesians 5:11
Expose ISV, rebuke NASB, admonish, convict, convince, tell a fault, reprove
Titus 1:9,13
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Lesson 9 3. The Bible has much to say about deception. Please read these verses to add to your understanding about Paul’s warning. How can you be deceived? What are you to do about this? How can you recognize deception? a. 2 Timothy 3:13,14 b. 1 John 2:16 c. 1 John 3:6-8
d. 2 John 7-10
4. In Ephesians 5:9 Paul used the phrase the fruit of the light. Read Galatians 5:22,23 and then after reading Ephesians 5:9 in its context, put these three verses in your own words.
5.
The apostle John wrote about light in his Gospel. Please record what he added to this.
How was Jesus described in John 1:4,5, John 3:16-21, and John 8:12?
What is declared about the followers of Christ in these verses?
6. The phrase “determine what pleases the Lord,” is found in Ephesians 5:10 and Paul wrote another contrast, “have nothing to do with the unfruitful works of darkness,” in Ephesians 5:11. Please turn to Proverbs 16:1-9 and answer the questions that follow. 93
Lesson 9 What displeases the Lord? What pleases the Lord? What are the promises made to you when you please the Lord?
7. In Ephesians 5:12 Paul addressed the pattern of talking about other people’s sins and what that means to a Christian. The enemy might have used a scheme to convince you that discussing a sinful behavior is not wrong nor does it cause any harm. Would you allow the Holy Spirit to counsel you concerning this declaration of Paul’s? How did Paul describe this attitude in Ephesians 5:12-14?
8. Are you open to the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin and righteousness and the coming judgment? Paul shared several themes that can challenge your spirit. Considering all that Paul has taught in Ephesians up unto this point, can you think of a time when you allowed meaningless words to deceive you?
Paul referred to God’s wrath coming “on those who are disobedient.” God’s judgment will come to all who do not accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. Actually God’s judgment is even at the present time, as unbelievers are separated from God and not a part of His family. Please ask God who He would want you to share your faith with. Could you explain to this person what you have received from God and your relationship with Him? If you move over this quickly, you will miss the blessing God has for you in your obedience to Him. With whom should you share your faith? Please read Ephesians 5:8-14 and when you come to the last verse, perhaps you could sing the hymn as if it were a message for you personally. To close your study for the day, please meditate on what it means to be a child of light. Do you start every day asking the Holy Spirit for insight and guidance for your day? Do you yearn to see things in the light as God sees them? Do you allow the fruit of the light to characterize your life? Close in prayer concerning today’s lesson, praising, confessing, thanking and petitioning the Lord as He leads you.
Days 4 and 5 – Ephesians 5:15-20 1. As you begin to study this next portion of Ephesians, please stop and thank God for all that you have been able to learn as you have gone through this book. Several weeks ago I mentioned M. Robert Mulholland’s definition for the term spiritual formation, “being in the process of becoming conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.” Will you 94
Lesson 9 commit to that process for yourself, no matter what it takes? Even when you grow weary, will you continue to honor God in this way? Open in prayer and then consider these observation questions. • Read Ephesians 5:15-20 and list the commands written in this section as well as the reasons for the command and/or the consequences of the behavior. The commands given in Ephesians 5:15-20:
Reasons to obey, and/or the consequences or results of the behavior given for this command:
•
One of the commands in this paragraph concerns the area of wisdom. A different form of the word was used in three places in Paul’s epistle, Ephesians 1:8, 17, and 3:10. Read these verses and think about how God fits into this choice that we can make to be wise and not unwise.
•
Paul was writing to a church that had been involved in heathen religious practices, influenced by the Greek system of worshiping gods and goddesses. Do you agree with Paul that the days are evil? If you agree that the days are evil, what are you called to do and how will you do that?
•
Paul said that Christians are to “understand what the Lord’s will is.” How can you know the Lord’s will? This is a BIG question, however, Paul clearly taught concerning this in Romans 12:2. If you have never memorized this verse, now might be the perfect time to do so, as it is key to the spiritual formation of every believer. Write out the verse here and underline the teaching concerning God’s will.
•
Ephesians 5:18 leads into another area of the lifestyle of the Ephesians that was a concern to the apostle Paul. Paul first stated a command and then gave a consequence for such behavior. Paul then followed with yet another command and then he stated the results of such behavior. Write the message of Ephesians 5:18. Stop ________________________which leads to _________________________ Instead keep on ____________________________________________________ 95
Lesson 9 •
In the early church the phrase one another was used within the church, describing how the believers were to live in obedience to Christ for the sake of others. How did Paul use the expression in these verses? Ephesians 4:2 Ephesians 4:25 Ephesians 4:32
2.
Ephesians 5:21
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
1805 exagorazo exagoraze Ephesians 5:16
Make the best use of time, making the most of, NASB, redeem KJV, to buy up, i.e. ransom, to rescue from loss
Used four times in the New Testament. Colossians 4:5,6
4137 pleroo plerousthe Ephesians 5:18 2980 laleo lalountes Ephesians 5:19 5568 psalmos psallontes Ephesians 5:19
Filled, to make replete, to cram a net, to level up a hollow, to furnish
Colossians 1:9, 2:10
Recite ISV, speaking NASB, to talk, i.e. utter words, preach, say preach, talk, tell, utter Psalms, a set piece of music, i.e. a sacred ode (accompanied with the voice, harp or other instrument; a psalm) Hymns, a religious ode, (one of the Psalms)
Colossians 4:2-4
5215 humnos humnois Ephesians 5:19 4152 pneumatikos pneumatikais Ephesians 5:19 5603 oide odais Ephesians 5:19
Spiritual, non-carnal, (humanly) ethereal as opposed to gross, or (demonically) a spirit, divinely supernatural, regenerate, religious Songs, a chant, or ode, (the general term for any song sung)
Colossians 3:16
Used twice in the New Testament. Colossians 3:16 Ephesians 6:12
Colossians 3:16
3. One’s interpretation of a biblical text is influenced by how the translators interpreted the text. The words used to translate impact our understanding of Scripture. In translating Scripture from the original language to English, different approaches can be taken which can influence the interpretation. In Ephesians 5:18-21, the ISV has translated a series of participles (verbal adjectives) in a unique way. These participles describe the main teaching of the paragraph and follow the phrase “keep on being filled with the Spirit.” Depending on the context of the passage, participles can be translated in over a dozen ways. Typically the participle takes an “ing” ending, as the verb speak, would become speaking. What follows is Ephesians 5:19,20 with the participle identified in bold font. Compare the key phrases from the ISV and the NASB translations. 96
Lesson 9 Ephesians 5:19,20 in the ISV Then you will recite to one another psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
Ephesians 5:19,20 in the NASB speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
You will sing
singing and
and make music to the Lord with your hearts. You will always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
And you will submit yourselves to one another out of reverence for Christ.
and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Look at the word the ISV used to introduce this section. Notice that that word is not used in the NASB. This word serves as a term of conclusion in the passage. In Ephesians 5:18 you will find the main verb, fill is in the present tense. In the Koine Greek of the New Testament, the tense of a verb is concerned with the kind of action being performed, which contrasts with the English language that focuses on the time of the action. The other distinction of Greek verbs is the mood, the relation of the action to reality. The verb fill is in the imperative mood that indicates that the action has potential, dependent upon the exercise of the individual’s will. The imperative mood is given as a command. Another element of the Greek verbal system is the voice of the verb. In 5:18, Paul used the passive voice for the verb fill recognizing that the subject (the Christian) is being acted upon, rather than the active voice where the subject is doing the acting. The ISV translated this verb fill as “keep on being filled,” and in its context, “keep on being filled with the Spirit.” It might also be translated, “continually allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with the essence of His Spirit.” Do you want to honor God with your life and do you choose to be obedient to His word? Will you be obedient to this command? Maybe your answer is, “Sometimes I am obedient, but not with all areas of my life.” Will you determine in your will to be obedient to God?
To obey the imperative of Ephesians 5:18, you must know the essence or nature of the Holy Spirit. Please take the time to read John 14 and 16 to see how Jesus Christ described the Holy Spirit. As you read, write down how the influence of the Holy Spirit can affect your behavior in the body of Christ.
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Lesson 9 4. Read Ephesians 5:15-20 and notice again the contrasts given. The pagan religions of the first century encouraged getting drunk for a variety of reasons. Drinking wine was a part of their religious celebration and festivity. Drinking was also viewed as a means of communion with their gods and they believed that an overdose of wine would bring about ecstatic knowledge. Considering this cultural information, what was the message Paul shared with the people in this passage?
5. It seemed that some of the Ephesian people were allowing alcohol to control them. Maybe alcohol is not a problem for you personally, but is there something else in your life that you allow to control you? Maybe a specific sin controls you, like pride or anger or fear. Maybe your past controls you because of painful circumstances and unforgiveness. Quiet your heart before God and ask if there is something that controls you besides the Holy Spirit. Will you soften your heart toward God and allow the Holy Spirit to control your life?
6. Now look at 1 Samuel 16:12-23 to see the impact that music had upon Saul. How does this confirm and expand the teaching of Ephesians 5:18-20?
7. There is a message for believers here as it relates to worship. Do you worship God daily in a quiet time before Him? Do you long to worship God Almighty within the body of Christ on a regular basis? What prevents you from bowing before God and worshipping Him daily?
Please think about a plan for how you can “keep on being filled with the Spirit.” Spend some time in prayer, asking God to strengthen your inner being, that you might be faithful to Him. You might close with singing or reciting the words to this song, “Blessed Assurance.” “Blessed Assurance” Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a fore-taste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Refrain: Perfect submission, all is a rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest; watching and waiting, looking above, filled with His goodness, lost in His love. Refrain: By Fanny Crosby and Phoebe P. Knapp 98
Lesson 10
Lesson 10 – Ephesians 5:21-33 Introduction This week you will complete Ephesians 5. This Scripture contains a verse that is often taken out of its context and many struggle with the message of Ephesians 5:22. You will look at the concept of submission, the relationship of husband to wife, and the relationship of Christ to the church as these relate to the command “keep on being filled with the Spirit.” Be thinking about a verse you might memorize as you move through the lesson, perhaps a truth that would encourage you in your faith, and then think who you might share this verse with as a means of encouraging them.
Days 1 and 2 – Ephesians 5:21-24 1. Paul ended Ephesians 5:21 with the phrase, “in the fear of Christ.” The word translated as fear, has the sense of godly fear or reverence. Open today’s time in the word by prayerfully expressing your reverence for Christ, exalting His name and thanking God that you have been reconciled through His precious Son, Jesus. Now please focus on these observation questions. • As a review, read the command in Ephesians 5:18 and the promises that followed. Record the promises from Ephesians 5:19-21 as translated by the ISV.
•
Based on Ephesians 5:18-21, how are you to submit yourself to one another? What is to be your motivation to submit and how is it possible to submit?
•
How was the word submit used in Ephesians 5:22?
•
How is the husband described in to today’s passage? What is asked of the Christian wife?
•
To whom did Paul relate the husband’s role?
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Lesson 10
2.
•
After reading Ephesians 5:22 in its context, (looking at what came before and what follows) how will it be possible to follow these commands?
•
What does Paul declare about Christ in this passage?
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
5293 hupotasso hupotassomenoi Ephesians 5:21 Ephesians 5:24
Submit, to subordinate, to obey, be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto)
Hebrews 12:9
5401 phobos phobo Ephesians 5:21
Fear, alarm or fright, be afraid + terror; interpreted as godly fear or reverence
Philippians 2:12
2776 kephale kephale Ephesians 5:23
Head, from kapto (in the sense of seizing); as the divine is superior to humanity
1 Corinthians 11:3
Romans 8:6-8
3. The word used for submit (or be subject to) in Ephesians 5:21was the participle form of the verb, which can not stand alone, so this word submit was also connected to the main verb of Ephesians 5:18. How would a commitment to the command “keep on being filled with the Spirit” help one be willing to submit to one another in the fear of Christ?
4. Ephesians 5:22 opens a portion of the epistle that addresses specific relationships, that continues into Ephesians 6. Ephesians 5:22-33 must be considered in its entirety, although the study will focus on one verse at a time. Some would like to think that this instruction to wives does not really mean what it is saying. There is no verb in 5:22 and the words submit yourselves in the ISV or be subject in the NASB have been added to clarify the intent of the passage. So then Ephesians 5:22 relies on the verb of a previous verse, and while it reflects the participle (verbal word that describes), it draws you back to the main verb of the passage, the word fill, in 5:18. Read 5:21 and 5:22 together without punctuation and without the two words (submit yourselves ISV, or be subject to NASB) that have been added for clarity. Now please consider the following teaching from Ephesians 5:22-33. 100
Lesson 10 Instructions for wives:
Instructions for husbands: How is Christ your example?
5. Paul’s instructions to the Ephesians were not isolated statements that no other church received. Look at God’s heart regarding the submission of a wife to her husband. What is the instruction concerning submission? Colossians 3:18
How or why are wives to submit, or what will be the result of this submission?
Titus 2:3-5 1 Peter 3:1-6
6. Paul discussed “order” within God’s sovereignty, in his letter to Corinth. Read 1 Corinthians 11:1-3 and 8-12 and draw a simple chart or diagram that shows the order God established, based on this passage.
7. If a woman is in a relationship where her spouse is not walking with the Lord or he is not a follower of Christ, how does the instruction of today’s passage apply? Read in Acts about the response of the disciples in the early church to demands by those who had authority over them. What were they commanded to do? Acts 4:18-20
How did the disciples respond?
Acts 5:27-29
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Lesson 10 8. Now please read the command that Christ gave His disciples before His ascension, in Matthew 28:18-20 and record what Christ commanded His disciples to do.
Does this instruction apply only to those women who have loving, gentle, and godly husbands? What then is a Christian wife to do when her husband is not supportive of her Christian faith? It might be you who are in this situation, or your friend or daughter or mother. What biblical counsel could you give concerning this?
9. In Philippians 2, Paul taught about how Christians are to relate to one another in the body of Christ. Philippians 2:1-5 is followed by what is called the Kenosis passage, taken from the Greek word used for emptying, as it is a picture of the “self-emptying” of Jesus Christ. Please read the ISV translation of Philippians 2:6-11 given below, which has been translated poetically as it was a hymn of the early church. 6. In God’s own form existed he, and shared with God equality, deemed nothing needed grasping. 7. Instead, poured out in emptiness, a servant’s form did he possess, a mortal man becoming. In human form he chose to be, 8. And lived in all humility, death on a cross obeying. 9. Now lifted up by God to heaven, a name above all others given, this matchless name possessing. 10. And so, when Jesus’ name is called, the knees of everyone will fall, where’er they are residing. 11. Then every tongue in one accord, will say that Jesus Christ is Lord, while God the Father praising. Based on Paul’s message in Philippians 2:1-11, what are you directed to do as a follower of Christ?
10. To be obedient to the commands of this passage will require dependence upon God and the choice to “keep on being filled with the Spirit.” God has provided the plan so that homes will be nurturing sanctuaries of peace. When a decision needs to be made in our home, I have followed this process and been delighted by God’s grace and His faithfulness. 1. Pray, asking God for His wisdom, claiming James 1:5, and James 3:17,18. 2. Humbly give input into the decision-making process and let go so that my husband can make the decision. 3. Pray for God’s grace and peace, surrendering my own will and choosing to live by Romans 12:1,2. 4. Pray, proclaiming my trust in God no matter the decision that is made. Continued on the next page.
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Lesson 10 5. Pray for acceptance of my husband’s decision and praise God for His timing, His leading, and His strengthening in all circumstances. When a tender hearted man is confronted with this passage, the challenge can seem overwhelming. God promised He would not give us more than we can bear, no matter what the instruction He has given to His children. That means it is possible for a man to love his wife as Christ loves the church. Certainly this is not possible on one’s own strength. Just as it is hard for a woman to submit to her husband, it is hard for a man to love his wife as Christ loved the church. If you have struggled with this passage of Scripture in the past, please ask the Lord God to soften your spirit regarding this, and then trust Him to do that, He will. Paul wrote that believers are “to submit to one another in the fear of Christ.” Close today by humbling yourself before God and praying for His help with this issue of submission and with your relationship with your spouse if you are married.
Days 3 and 4 – Ephesians 5:25-33 1. Open your time in the next two days by praying that you would be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to fill your spirit as you study. When you begin, take the time to read Ephesians 5:15-33, not just the verses being studied in the next two days. It might help you to read these verses out loud, as the more of your senses you use in the learning process the more likely you are to remember what you are studying. Now begin with these observation questions. • Notice as you read in Ephesians 5:2 and 5:25-33 what Christ has done for the church. What did Christ do on behalf of the church and why?
7
•
According to Ephesians 5:29-33 what is God’s intention for marriage and why is this the case?
•
Now look at Genesis 2:24 and then Ephesians 5:32. Some sources believe that when Paul used the phrase “this is a great secret,” the truths of Genesis 2:24 were realized when Christ came to “win His bride, the church, by giving Himself for her on the cross.”7 Paul addressed marriage in Ephesians 5:21-33 and Paul also taught about the church, the body of Christ. Man and wife are united and become ________ _________. Christ draws His followers to Himself, and the church becomes ________ with Him.
Ibid., p. 78. 103
Lesson 10 2.
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
37 hagiazo hagiase Ephesians 5:26 2511 katharizo katharisas Ephesians 5:26 3067 loutron loutron Ephesians 5:26 1741 endoxos endoxon Ephesians 5:27
Holy, to make holy, purify, consecrate, (mentally) to venerate, hallow, sanctify
Hebrews 10:10
Cleansing, to cleanse, (make) clean, purge, purify
Hebrews 9:14
Washing, a bath, baptism
Used twice in the New Testament. Titus 3:5
Glory, splendid, noble, glorious, honorable
Used four times in the New Testament. Luke 13:17
4696 spilos spilon Ephesians 5:27 4512 rhutis rutia Ephesians 5:27 1625 ektrepho ektrephei Ephesians 5:29 2282 thalpo thalpei Ephesians 5:29
Spot, a stain or blemish, defect, disgrace
Used twice in the New Testament 2 Peter 2:13
Wrinkle, a fold (as drawing together) a wrinkle (especially on the face)
Hapax legomen.
Feeds ISV, nourishes NASB, to rear up to maturity, bring up
Used twice in the New Testament. Ephesians 6:4
Takes care of ISV, cherishes NASB, akin to thallo, to warm, to foster
Used twice in the New Testament. 1 Thessalonians 2:7
5399 phobeo phobetai Ephesians 5:33
Respect, to be in awe of, i.e. revere, fear (exceedingly), reverence
Ephesians 5:21 (A similar form of the same word.)
3. Ephesians 5:24 says, “Indeed, just as the church is submissive to Christ, so wives must be submissive to their husbands in everything.” Glance back at the definition of the word submission, as this was actually the same word used in 5:21. Now reflect on Ephesians 5:22-24. Why should the church be submissive to Christ? What authority does Christ have? Matthew 28:18-20
4. Read about Jesus Christ’s last evening before His arrest and crucifixion in Matthew 26:38. What does this say about Christ’s submission to God’s will?
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Lesson 10 Now read Hebrews 5:7-9 and record the evidence of Christ’s attitude and the result of His suffering. Please meditate on these verses and ask God to help you be obedient to His will. 5.
Read Hebrews 10:5-18 and summarize what Christ did on your behalf.
6. Remember the commandment Christ gave to His followers in Matthew 22:37-39 concerning their relationship with God and others. How does that commandment agree with Ephesians 5:28?
7. The New Testament teaches about the spiritual gifts that are given to edify the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:27 says, “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.” Read in Genesis 2:21-25 about the creation of woman and the establishment of marriage. Paul is giving an analogy in Ephesians 5:30,31, and the phrase from Ephesians 5:30 adds to the tone of intimacy that was shared concerning marriage so the church might have a better understanding of God’s plan. In the Old Testament, Israel is called the wife of God. God accused Israel of being an adulteress wife, in fact of becoming a bold-faced harlot, in Ezekiel 16:30,32. Considering this, how would the body of Christ not become an adulteress or live in disobedience to God?
8.
Please look at what Paul taught on this topic in 1 Corinthians 6:15-17.
How are you one with the Lord?
What do you have to do for this to happen?
What did Paul say in 1 Corinthians 6:15-17 about sexual immorality?
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Lesson 10 9. Throughout this epistle, Paul used the Greek word agape. God’s love for us is described as this self-sacrificing, unconditional love. Believers are commanded to love others with this love. Once again in Ephesians 5:33 a husband is told to love his wife, and this time Paul said, “as he loves himself.” Paul explained this in Ephesians 5:28,29, but for review, please jot down how a man is to do this according to these verses.
Remember the explanation of how Christians are to order their life, using the acronym JOY? These initials stand for Jesus, Others, and You. This used to be taught to children, to help them be less self absorbed or self centered. How can this simple standard become a part of one’s thinking? Paul ended this section with a clear command for wives. Ephesians 5:33 could be considered a summary statement of what Paul taught in 5:21-32. Look back at the definition of the verb in this phrase and consider what a wife is to do. How is it possible to be obedient to this command? This becomes a faith issue, trusting God in His sovereignty and especially in His timing. If a Christian woman is married to an unbeliever or to someone who is not walking with the Lord, it can become difficult to respect them. You must come to a point of surrendering to God, asking Him to help you respect the role God has given a man as the head in his marriage and in the family. The wife is to respect the responsibility God has asked men to assume in that role. What is the wife directed to do in this concluding verse?
Most would probably agree that it is easier for a woman to consider herself in the role of the bride of Christ, than it would for a man. Remember Paul opened Ephesians 4 with a call to be humble, gentle, patient, and loving, and then Paul closed the chapter with the command to “be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another just as God has forgiven you in Christ.” As there was no gender distinction in these imperatives, these are for all to follow. As you entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ and asked Him to be your Savior, you became a member of His body, the church. God’s standard in the body is for mutual submission. God would have each believer extend God’s grace to one another, while maintaining God’s order within marriage, in homes and within churches, as “He gifted some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, and still others to be pastors and teachers,” Ephesians 4:11. End this portion of the lesson by quieting yourself before God concerning the truths you have looked at this week. Ask God to fulfill His word in your heart, that you might be changed, a willing vessel before Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill you with His precious Holy Spirit. Some are puzzled as to why wives are not told to love their husbands in this Ephesians passage. However, in Ephesians 4, Christians are told to accept one another in love, and to be compassionate toward one another. The great commandment, according to Christ is that we are to love the Lord God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all of our mind. When married women have that attitude toward the Lord God Almighty, they Continued on the next page.
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Lesson 10 will love their husbands, as an expression of submission and obedience. When a married man loves the Lord his God with all his heart, mind, soul and strength, he will choose to love his wife, as Christ loves the church. The tradition of the Greco-Roman culture of the first century was patriarchal in nature, stemming from the teaching of Aristotle, and spread through the leadership of Alexander the Great. This was accepted as a means of bringing their society stability. Read back through Ephesians 5:15-33 and note where the teaching of Paul would have been very different from the teaching of the culture in which the Ephesians lived. Do you see how Paul’s teaching was to clarify for the people the sovereignty of God as seen in His purpose and plan for marriage and the church? Ask God to help you apply His truths to your life.
Day 5 – Review of Ephesians 5 1. The focus of today’s lesson will be to review Ephesians 5. Please open by praying and asking God for His help with this and praising God for His faithfulness and provision for your life. • Please read through Ephesians 5 again and write out the phrases using the key words from Ephesians 5 and note the truths proclaimed in these phrases.
2. The goal will now be to reflect back on the message of Ephesians 5. Look back at your Scripture Worksheets and the declarative statements, instructions, exhortations, and warnings from Ephesians 5. Using some of the key words in the text, think of a theme for each of the sections you studied in this chapter. Try to limit this theme to no more than five words, and list these here as well as on page 155 of the Appendix, in the section for Chapter 5 Summary Statements. Ephesians 5:1-5
Ephesians 5:6-14
Ephesians 5:15-24
Ephesians 5:25-33
3. The next part of the lesson is to ask God to show you the theme for Ephesians 5 based on the main points of each paragraph. Is there one theme that the paragraph themes would “fit” under? Sometimes you can take some of the key words from the paragraph themes and write those into a theme or title for the chapter. Pray and ask for God’s help and then read through these paragraph themes you listed above. Now list your title for 107
Lesson 10 Ephesians 5 on the Themes and Titles chart in the Appendix on page 155 in the column on the right. 4. Stop and meditate on the Scripture you have studied and on God who has provided all you need to be obedient to His word. Of all the instructions in Ephesians 5 will you ask God which one is the hardest for you to obey and then ask Him why? Ask for His wisdom to know what you might do about this. Write out your commitment to Him here.
Please close by rejoicing in God’s power and His faithfulness to strengthen you whenever you are weak, to comfort you when you mourn. Thank the Lord for His mercy that extends grace to you at all times. At the close of today, spend some time worshipping God and expressing adoration to Him for His plan and purpose for you and for the truths He has revealed through His holy word this week. I praise God that no matter what He asks me to do He has made it possible for me to live a life of obedience. God has cleansed me with the precious blood of Christ. I thank You Lord that through Jesus’ sacrifice You have made me “Whiter Than Snow.” “Whiter Than Snow” Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; I want Thee forever to live in my soul. Break down every idol, cast down every foe; now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Refrain: Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow – now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Lord Jesus, look down from thy throne in the skies and help me to make a complete sacrifice. I give up myself and whatever I know, now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Refrain: Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat, I wait, blessed Lord, at Thy crucified feet; by faith, for my cleansing, I see Thy blood flow, now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Refrain: Lord Jesus, Thou seest I patiently wait, come now, and within me a new heart create; to those who have sought Thee, Thou never saidst “No,” now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Refrain: By James Nicholson and William G. Fischer
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Lesson 11
Lesson 11 – Ephesians 6:1-20 Introduction This week you will begin to study Ephesians 6. Paul wrote instructions for husbands and wives in Ephesians 5 and he continued specific instructions in Ephesians 6, directed toward children and parents and then slaves and masters. Ephesians 6:10 opens with the word finally, as the clue that he is close to completing his letter! As you proceed this week, ask God which verse He would have you memorize. Ask the Lord God what He would have you do with the specific truths that touch your spirit each day. Do not let the format of the lessons, or the “task” of going through this process get in the way of the living word speaking forth its truth to your spirit.
Day 1 – Ephesians 6, Comprehensive Chapter Study 1. This day the lesson will spend time observing the Scripture Worksheet for Ephesians Chapter 6, following the process of Comprehensive Chapter Study. Begin with prayer for help from the Holy Spirit and then read the entire chapter. • Read Ephesians 6, paying attention to any key words that are repeated. Mark these words and then list the key words here.
2. As you read the chapter, you can also look for contrasts and comparisons that were used. Write these contrasts and comparisons here in the space provided, or mark your Scripture Worksheets in some way to show these. Contrasts (to show differences/opposites)
Comparisons (to show similarities and connections, using the words as or like)
3. I would ask you to think about Paul’s pattern for writing as you look at the way he communicated in Ephesians 6. In this concluding chapter Paul wrote instructions and gave the reasons why believers should be obedient to these commandments (declarative statements). Paul also wrote exhortations to call his audience to obedience as he offered a personal message of truth as an encouragement to believers. These three are intermingled in Ephesians 6. Ephesians 6 contains several instructions. Read Ephesians 6:1,2a,4-7,9a,b,10,11, 13a,b,14a,17a,b,18, and 19a and mark these as instructions. Read Ephesians 6:2b,3,9c,d,12,17c,19b,c, and 20 and mark these as declarative statements. Look at the truths taught in these statements. 109
Lesson 11 Ephesians 6 contains a number of exhortations. Read Ephesians 6:8,13,14b,c-16, and 1-24 and mark these as exhortations. We can learn from Paul as we think about our own pattern of communication. Some are critical and when they are frustrated they freely offer admonitions and warnings, forgetting that all people need exhortation. The example in Paul’s writings should inspire us as believers to encourage others as we speak the truth in love. 4. Look for terms of expression that help you understand time, with words like “now, then, later,” etc. and mark these in a consistent way. Another means of understanding language is to examine the way verbs are used in writing. A simple explanation of verbs is that they are words that express action or the state of being, and they relate the words communicated within a frame of time. Verbs communicate that something is happening at the moment, or has happened in the past, or will happen in the future. Verbs can also announce that an event has already taken place and the results of that event are continuing at the present time. Would you take the time to read Ephesians 6 looking for the different verb tenses that were used, noting in the left hand margin references to the future, the present, or the past. This can add another dimension to your study, not because you will be studying verbs, but this will help you see what God has done in the past, what He is doing in your life today, as well as show you what the future holds. 5. Mark words that express conclusion or show results or purpose with words like “for,” “for this reason,” “so that,” and “because.” Words that express conclusion are important to note because they show why the author wrote what he wrote and help you see the promises or consequences that will come. 6.
How has God encouraged your heart through your time in Ephesians 6?
How has God challenged you through your time in Ephesians 6?
Quiet your spirit toward the Lord God and thank Him for what He is teaching you and for the blessing of His Word.
Day 2 – Ephesians 6:1-4 1. Open in prayer thanking God for the gift of your salvation and that He made it possible for you to be His dear child. What a privilege to be in relationship with God from the moment you received Jesus Christ knowing that this relationship will extend through all eternity! Today the lesson will examine Ephesians 6:1-4, where Paul gave instructions to children and parents. Several places in the epistle Paul quoted from the Old Testament, and while the old covenant of sacrifices was obsolete because of God’s eternal covenant through 110
Lesson 11 Jesus Christ, Paul taught that God’s standard for behavior was still to be obeyed. Ephesians 6:1-4 has two references to the Old Testament, first to one of the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20:12, and then to the standard of training and instruction for the Hebrew people that was recorded in Deuteronomy 6:6-9. These instructions were the standard for the Jewish people, however some Gentiles also lived by God’s laws. Acts 10 recorded for us the conversion of the Roman (Gentile) Cornelius, who was described as “a devout man who feared God along with everyone in his home. He gave many gifts to the poor among the people and always prayed to God,” Acts 10:1. When someone was devout and feared God, they were obedient to His commandments. The Holy Spirit also led Paul to pass this godly standard along to the Gentile Christians, and this obedience to God was a radical call away from their past lifestyle. Please begin by focusing on these observation questions. • What are the instructions that were given to children in Ephesians 6:1-3? Children are to:
2.
Why are they given this instruction?
•
Paul quoted from Exodus 20:12 in Ephesians 6:2. What is the promise God made to children who obey their parents?
•
What were the instructions that Paul gave to fathers in Ephesians 6:4?
•
Read Ephesians 6:1-4 again and think about what a Christian home is to look like.
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
5219 hupakouo hupakouete Ephesians 6:1,5
Obey, to bear under as a subordinate, to listen attentively, to heed to conform to a command or authority, be obedient to
Hebrews 11:8
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Lesson 11 Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
1342 dikaios dikaion Ephesians 6:1 5091 timao tima Ephesians 6:2 1860 epaggelia epaggelia Ephesians 6:2 3949 parorgizo parorgizete Ephesians 6:4
Right, equitable (in character or act), by implication innocent, holy, just, meet, right (eous) Honor, to prize, i.e. fix a valuation upon; by implication to revere, value
2 Timothy 4:7,8
Promise, an announcement for information, assent or pledge, a divine assurance of good, message Angry, to anger alongside, i.e. enrage, provoke to wrath
1 John 2:25
1625 ektrepho ektrephete Ephesians 6:4
Bring up, to rear up to maturity, i.e. to cherish or train, nourish
Used twice in the New Testament. Ephesians 5:29
3809 paideia paideia Ephesians 6:4
Training ISV, discipline NASB, nurture KJV, tutorage, education, correction, chastening
Hebrews 12:5,7,8,11
3559 nouthesia nouthesia Ephesians 6:4
Instruction ISV and NASB, admonition KJV, calling attention to, i.e. mild rebuke or warning; some biblical counselors use this word as the foundation for their counseling.
Used three times in the New Testament. Titus 3:10
John 12:26
Used twice in the New Testament. Romans 10:19
1 Corinthians 10:11
3. Paul ended Ephesians 5 with his teaching directed toward husbands and wives. Paul builds on the premise that the husband as head of the household demonstrates an unconditional love for his wife and that the wife is submitting to and respecting her husband. With this in mind, read Ephesians 6:1-4 again and think about the responsibility that is given to parents. It is never good biblical interpretation to “add” to Scripture what is not in the text, however, think about Paul’s teaching and the task of raising children and do not miss what is implied in Paul’s instructions. Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9,13-18 and Proverbs 22:6 and then incorporate this Old Testament teaching on parenting into Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:1-4 and reflect on what a Christian home is to look like. A home with godly standards:
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Lesson 11 4. Now please read Colossians 3:20,21 for another reference to the responsibility of children and parents. What is the result of fathers exasperating their children?
Either a father or a mother can cause their children to be angry, resentful, or embittered. I asked some parents how they have made their children angry. Here are some of their answers. Will you be honest with yourself and the Lord to see if any of these behaviors describe you? Have any of these actions caused your children to become resentful? • showing partiality among children • being self-centered and unloving • not being gentle, but being harsh • not spending time with your children • not listening to your children when they speak • not trying to understand your children • not allowing your children to be who God created them to be • being controlling and not trusting • doing for your children what would be appropriate for them to do themselves What should you do if you have gotten into the habit of causing your child to feel resentment toward you? Is it acceptable to answer that this is “just the way you are” or that you were treated that way yourself when you were growing up, so that is what you know? Spend some time praying about your relationship with your children especially if you are a parent with children still in your home. It is never too late to surrender your role as a parent to God Almighty and ask for His help with this responsibility. It is never too late to talk with your children and model God’s grace and forgiveness concerning the past. It is never too late to model humility before your children and confess your sin and ask for forgiveness. Do you need to do that?
5. It seems easier for some children to obey than for others. Some are by nature more compliant while others are labeled as “strong willed” and have a much harder time obeying. Certainly the ideal is when the parents and the children in a family all determine to honor God and obey Him. Not all Christian parents follow the Lord’s instructions concerning their role as parent. Some parents will ignore the disobedient behavior of a child or allow them to continue to be disobedient and not train and instruct them. If you are a parent, perhaps you need to commit to training and instruction for yourself concerning your role as a parent. There are many quality Christian books available that offer godly wisdom and counsel concerning the responsibility of raising children in a way that honors the Lord. Maybe you need the support of another believer to pray for you in this area. You might pray about asking someone that is older in their faith to disciple you. Continued on the next page.
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Lesson 11 What is the area you are the most concerned about regarding your role as a parent? Ask the Lord to help you with that area of weakness or vulnerability. Will you make a commitment to the role God has entrusted you with as a parent? Do you share your faith with your children? Do you share the wonder and majesty of God, admitting that it is all right not to have all the answers, but no matter the circumstances you will trust in God? Did you ever bring your child before the church and publicly dedicate your child unto the Lord? That involves making a declaration of your surrendering your child to the Lord as well as demonstrating your faith in God to help you in your role as a parent, and acknowledging the community of the church and their role in training your child in the way he or she should go. Dedication also involved acknowledging the community of the church and their role in training your child in the way he or she should go. Close in a time of prayer of dedication of your role as a parent or grandparent and ask for God’s help with this responsibility.
Day 3 – Ephesians 6:5-9 1. Begin today by praying a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s truth that was proclaimed by Paul in Galatians 3:28, “A person is no longer a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a male or a female. For all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” Today’s lesson will examine Ephesians 6:5-9. Begin with these observation questions. • Slavery was common in the Roman Empire of the first century. The church did not demand that slavery no longer be practiced, but the message of the gospel called believers to be kind and loving to one another, and the church was to live in mutual submission with one another. Read today’s passage and then address these questions concerning slaves. Instructions for slaves in Ephesians 6:5-8:
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With what attitude is this to be done?
•
What was the reminder Paul gave of what awaits the slave in the future?
•
What instructions were given for masters and why were they to follow these instructions according to Ephesians 6:9?
Lesson 11 2.
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
5401 phobos phobou Ephesians 6:5 572 haplotes haploteti Ephesians 6:5 1398 douleuo douleuontes Ephesians 6:7 2962 kurios kurioi Ephesians 6:9
Fear, alarm or fright, be afraid + exceedingly, terror, reverence
Ephesians 5:21
Sincerity, without self seeking, generosity, bountifulness, liberal, singleness; sincere Serve, render service, to be a slave to (involuntarily or voluntarily), be in bondage Master, supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller, God, Lord, Sir
2 Corinthians 11:3
4382 prosopolepsia
Favoritism ISV, partiality NASB; respecter of persons
Used four times in the New Testament. James 2:1
prosopolempsia Ephesians 6:9
1 Thessalonians 1:9 Colossians 4:1
Romans 2:9-11
3. Read Paul’s teaching about slaves and masters in Colossians 3:22-25, noting the similarities and differences between the passages in Ephesians and Colossians.
4. What did Paul mean by the statement in Ephesians 6:9, that masters were to treat their slaves “the same way”?
5. Did you notice the contrast Paul makes in 6:5 and in 6:9? Read these two verses to understand the teaching of the Holy Spirit concerning the relationship slaves and masters were to have with one another. You see in this paragraph how Christianity cut across the lines of authority that the first century culture established. Please read Peter’s teaching on this topic in 1 Peter 2:16-25. Keep in mind that at the time both Peter and Paul wrote, there was not one Christian ruler or king on the face of the earth, and there would not be a Christian leader until Constantine several centuries later. What were the Christians or servants to do?
What finds favor with God?
How is Christ your example?
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Lesson 11 6. The book of Philemon is short in words but contains a very powerful message. If you can, please take the time to read Paul’s letter to Philemon about Onesimus, the run away slave who then became a Christian. As you read Philemon, think about Paul’s attitude toward Onesimus and Philemon, and do not miss Paul’s commendation of Philemon in verse 5.
7. Many people believe that the instructions for slaves and masters in the Bible can be applied to someone’s role in life as an employee or an employer. If you are employed, you might sometimes feel that you are enslaved by your job or career. How would you summarize this teaching for slaves and for masters in terms that could be directed to employers and employees? A summary of the instructions for masters or employers:
A summary of the instructions for slaves or employees:
How do you think a slave in the church in Ephesus would have felt upon hearing this portion of the letter read?
Close your time today reflecting on Ephesians 6:5-9. What is the message God would have for you regarding this passage of Scripture? Ask the Lord to reveal to you His heart toward His word. Maybe the message is related to how you look at other people in the body of Christ, because perhaps you have shown favoritism or partiality within the church. Meditate on these verses and ask God for His heart toward others, and for a way of showing that acceptance toward someone this week.
Days 4 and 5 – Ephesians 6:10-13 1. In the next two days you will study Ephesians 6:10-13. Maybe the Lord would have you memorize some of the verses in Ephesians 6. Open in prayer thanking God for the privilege of being able to study His holy word so that you can grow in your faith. Now start with these observation questions. • What were the Ephesians directed to do in Ephesians 6:10?
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Lesson 11 •
What would help the believers follow God’s commands and why were these instructions important?
The commands: Ephesians 6:11
Why was it important to obey these commands?
Ephesians 6:13
2.
•
Now read Ephesians 6:12 and list what Paul says about the nature of the struggle.
•
What is the promise Paul made in Ephesians 6:13b?
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
1743 endunamoo endunamousthe Ephesians 6:10 2479 ischus ischous Ephesians 6:10 2904 Greek kratei Ephesians 6:10 1746 enduo endusasthe Ephesians 6:11 2476 histemi stenai Ephesians 6:11 1228 diabolos diabolou Ephesians 6:11 3180 methodeia methodeias Ephesians 6:11
Strong, to empower, enable, (increase in) strength (-en), be (make) strong
Philippians 4:13
Strength ISV, power KJV, forcefulness, ability
Ephesians 1:19
Mighty ISV, power, vigor, (great), dominion, might (-ily)
Ephesians 1:19
Put on, (in the sense of sinking into a garment), to invest with clothing, array, have (put) on Stand, abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up
Ephesians 6:11,14
Devil, Satan, false accuser, slanderer, the deceiver
1 Peter 5:8
Strategies ISV, schemes NASB, wiles, KJV, method, trickery, craftiness, lie in wait
Used twice in the New Testament. Ephesians 4:14
Colossians 4:12
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Lesson 11 Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
4561 sarx sarka Ephesians 6:12
Human opponent ISV, flesh (as stripped of the skin), the meat of an animal (as food), the body as opposed to the soul or spirit Blood, lit. (of men or animals), used specifically (the atoning blood of Christ), bloodshed, kindred Authorities ISV, powers NASB, KJV, in the sense of ability, privilege, force, capacity Cosmic powers ISV, forces, NASB, a world-ruler, an epithet of Satan, ruler
In the original Greek, there are two words, translated as flesh and blood in NASB and KJV. Galatians 1:16 (both words together) Galatians 1:16 (both words together)
Spiritual forces, non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal, or demonically a spirit, supernatural Heavenly realm, above the sky, celestial, high (in) heaven
Ephesians 1:3,5:19
129 haima haima Ephesians 6:12 1849 exousia exousias Ephesians 6:12 2888 kosmokrator kosmokratoras Ephesians 6:12 4152 pneumatikos pneumatika Ephesians 6:12 2032 epouranios epouraniois Ephesians 6:12 4190 poneros poneros Ephesians 6:13,16
Evil, hurtful, evil, in effect or influence, in the plural - sinners, wicked
Ephesians 3:10 Hapax legomen.
Ephesians 1:3,20 Ephesians 5:16
3. Please read Colossians 2:13-15 to see what Christ accomplished for you as His follower. What did Christ do?
As a review, read Ephesians 1:21-23 and write out what Christ did according to this passage.
Because of what Jesus accomplished, what privilege do you have?
4. Remember in Ephesians 4:27 Paul wrote that believers were not to give the devil an opportunity to work. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul explained what Christians are to do so that this would not happen. Review these Scriptures that tell how the devil has worked, and think about your life and your own vulnerability. Do you need to confess that area of vulnerability before God? Is it time to get serious with that area of your life where you have given the devil an opportunity to work? Answer on the next page. 118
Lesson 11 Please summarize Satan’s scheme and his manner: Acts 10:38
Does this scheme reveal an area where you are vulnerable?
2 Corinthians 2:10,11
2 Timothy 2:24-26
5.
Look at these Scriptures to see what is taught about our enemy. a. Mark 4:15 b. John 10:10 c. Acts 5:3 d. 1 Corinthians 7:5 e. James 4:7 f. 1 Peter 5:8-10
Considering the Scriptures in these two days, what is your responsibility concerning the enemy?
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Lesson 11 6. If the goal for Christians is to stand firm, what would be the enemy’s goals according to today’s passage?
As you close your time of study, read through Ephesians 6:10-13, and meditate on the promise that is made to you as a believer through this passage, when Paul said, “you will be able to stand firm.” Thank the Lord for His provision for you, that you can be obedient to His word and stand on His truth and His power. Seek God’s wisdom, and the comfort and counsel of the Holy Spirit as you conclude your time in prayer, trusting God to help you be obedient to His word. Thank God for the gift of your salvation. Thank the Lord that He made it possible for you to be delivered from the domain of darkness and brought into His glorious light by the blood of Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord that He is greater than any scheme that the evil one brings your way. Ask God to equip you to stand firm in all that you do. I love the message of the song, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Allow these words to minister to your spirit today. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father! There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not - Thy compassions, they fail not: as Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be. Chorus: Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed Thy hand has provided – Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me! Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, sun moon, and stars in their courses above, join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Chorus: Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow – blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! Chorus: By Thomas O. Chisholm and William M. Runyan
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Lesson 12
Lesson 12 – Ephesians 6:14-24 Introduction This last lesson will focus on Ephesians 6:14-24 and while it is true that Christians can be at peace with God through Christ Jesus, Christians are at war with the enemy of their soul. After completing the study of the armor of God, you will complete the book, and then review Ephesians 6. At the end of the week you will look at Paul’s entire epistle to see his purpose for writing the book of Ephesians. Try to memorize a verse from the lesson this week. God’s word will strengthen your faith and equip you for anything that is ahead of you.
Days 1 and 2 – Ephesians 6:14-20 1. Open your time in the word by asking for the Holy Spirit’s help with the study of this important passage of Scripture. In a passage that exhorts believers to stand firm in their faith, know that the enemy would not want you to know what would make a difference when you are tempted. Praise the Lord that He is greater than the one who has come to tempt, deceive, accuse, and confuse you. Thank the Lord that He has provided all that you need to live in a way that honors Him. Begin with these observation questions. • As an introduction to the study of the armor of God, complete this chart based on Ephesians 6:14-17. The part of the armor:
•
What is associated with this part of the armor?
When the Bible teaches about prayer, you can learn how to pray more effectively, for yourself or for others. Paul mentions prayer several times in the book of Ephesians. What role does prayer have in taking a stand in the evil day? You might use the “5 Ws and an H” questions to help you analyze Paul’s teaching on prayer in Ephesians 6:18.
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Lesson 12
2.
•
What attitude is necessary for prayer when you are in a battle according to Ephesians 6:18?
•
Notice how the word armor was described and introduced in Ephesians 6:11 and 6:13. Draw a picture of a person wearing the whole armor in this space below. Label the various pieces with the quality they represent.
•
Is there sometimes a piece of the armor you do not incorporate in your life? Why is that so? Think of a time in the past and ask yourself when did this happen or during what circumstances?
Please examine these word studies for some of the key words in this passage.
Strong’s # and Transliteration:
Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
225 aletheia aletheia Ephesians 6:14 1343 dikaiosune diakaiosynes Ephesians 6:14
Truth, true, truly, verity. The true essence of a situation, made known; the opposite of falsehood, error. Righteousness, equity of character or act, justification; conformity to God’s standard.
Ephesians 4:24
Strong’s # and
Definition from Strong’s Concordance
Use of the word in other Scriptures:
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Ephesians 4:24
Lesson 12 Transliteration:
unless written in italics:
2098 euaggelion euaggeliou Ephesians 6:15
Gospel, a good message. The prefix for this word means good and the root is the word for message.
Romans 1:16
2375 thureos thureon Ephesians 6:16 4102 pistis pisteos Ephesians 6:16
Shield, a large shield (as door shaped); taken from thyra, the word for door.
Hapax legomen.
Faith, persuasion, credence, moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), in the N. T. reliance upon Christ for salvation, constancy in such profession, fidelity Helmet, encirclement of the head; kephale is the word for head
Ephesians 2:8
Salvation, defender, defense, rescue or safety, deliver, health, save, saving
Luke 3:6
Word, an utterance, a matter or topic of narration, command, or dispute, saying
Hebrews 1:3
4030 perikephalaia
perikephalaian Ephesians 6:17 4992 soterion soteriou Ephesians 6:17 4487 rhema rhema Ephesians 6:17
Used twice in the New Testament. 1 Thessalonians 5:8
3. The lesson will now look into references in the Old Testament where the armor of God is mentioned. This will help you understand the Ephesian passage. The chart will give the Old Testament reference and then some information from various historical sources that explain the armor used by the Roman soldiers of the first century. The armor of God: Old Testament Scripture: Ephesians 6:14 Isaiah 11:5
Historical information: In times of peace, the belt was to bind a flowing garment at the waist. In war, the belt was also used to hold the scabbard for one’s sword.
Ephesians 6:14
Isaiah 59:17
The breastplate covered the front and back of the soldier, from the neck to the thigh.
Ephesians 6:15
Isaiah 52:7
Without good shoes a soldier would never have been sent into battle, they were necessary for the long marches over rough terrain.
The armor of God: Old Testament Scripture:
Historical information: 123
Lesson 12 Ephesians 6:16
Psalm 3:3
Ephesians 6:17
Isaiah 59:17
Ephesians 6:17
Isaiah 49:2
The shield was a large, oblong or oval piece of wood or metal covered with leather to protect the soldier from arrows, which were sometimes tipped with a flaming substance. Soldiers often fought side-by-side forming a wall of shields. The helmet was made of bronze with leather attachments.
This is the offense against the enemy, not a spear that could be thrown a distance, but a short handled, double-edged sword.
Hosea 6:5
4. Military armor was mentioned in the Hebrew Book of Wisdom. It was written about the Lord, “He shall take His jealousy as a panoply (armor), and shall make the whole creation His weapons for vengeance on His enemies: He shall put on righteousness as a breastplate, and shall array Himself with judgment unfeigned as with a helmet; He shall take holiness as an invincible shield, and He shall sharpen stern wrath as a sword,” 5:17-20. Paul took the words of prophecy from Isaiah, Psalms, Hosea and the Septuagint where the armor and weapons are the Lord’s and then commanded Christians to arm themselves with this armor that God has now made available to His children. Paul proclaimed that God has provided what Christians need to stand firm. Please read these other references relating to this theme. What instructions did Paul give? Romans 13:12-14
What did Paul say about his own life? 2 Timothy 4:6,7
1 Thessalonians 5:4-8
2 Corinthians 6:1-10 (note 6:7)
5. Now read 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 for more teaching about the nature of spiritual warfare. This passage shows believers the responsibility we have concerning opposition. 124
Lesson 12 What are you able to destroy?
6.
How is this instruction to affect your life?
Please review how Paul prayed for the people of Ephesus.
What did Paul ask for the Ephesians?
What did he say would be the results of his prayers?
Ephesians 1:17-19
Ephesians 3:14-19
How did Paul ask the Ephesian people to pray for him in Ephesians 6:19,20?
Did Paul ever say that prayer might bring the results he mentioned? What was Paul’s attitude toward prayer based on his writing to the people of Ephesus? What do you learn about prayer from Paul in the book of Ephesians?
7. The new believers in Ephesus had come from a culture that believed in the Nike goddess of victory. They would ask her for help when they struggled. This picture (on the front of the Appendix) was taken near the market place in Ephesus, and was a reminder to the people of their goddess. Think about the impact of pagan people turning to the true and 125
Lesson 12 living God and leaving behind their past beliefs. Paul took words that had been written century’s earlier and declared God’s provision for them during any difficult time. You might not have prayed to a goddess for help, but have you used ordinary things of the world rather than God’s provision? Where have you put your trust? How do you interpret your responsibility as a Christian in regards to the commands of Ephesians 6:10-18?
Please allow the eternal principles of God’s word to penetrate your spirit by meditating on the passages you have studied. As you close will you think of a psalm or hymn or spiritual song that you could lift unto God as a testimony of your faith in Him? Enjoy your time with God Almighty, who chose you before the foundation of the world to be His dear child.
Day 3 – Ephesians 6:18-24 1. Thank God for the resources He has provided for you no matter what problem you face. You can pray as Paul did in Ephesians 3:16, that you would be strengthened in your inner being and also pray that you would be obedient to continue to allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with His nature and the essence of His being. Please read Ephesians 6:10-19 and meditate on these verses. Read them out loud as that will help you focus your mind on these instructions and exhortations, written to urge you to trust God and to follow after Him. The use of the imagery of armor drew the people of Ephesus to the sacred writings of the Hebrew people as well as to what they knew about military preparedness in the first century. They were to consider this armor as a means that God was urging them to employ in relationship to their own personal life. Now begin with these observation questions. • When you studied the life of Paul it was determined that he was an apostle, a teacher, and an evangelist. From today’s Scripture, what evidence do you see of Paul’s burden regarding his calling on behalf of all people, both those saved and those unsaved?
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•
Do you have a passion for the spiritual gift God has given you that you might edify the body of Christ and proclaim His truth? What is the evidence of your passion?
•
Maybe you are not certain about your spiritual gift. Often others see your gift before you understand the spiritual gift you have received. Perhaps you need to study the spiritual gifts if you are confused about them. This teaching is in Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Ephesians 4:11-16, and 1 Peter 4:10,11.
Lesson 12 •
Do you desire to serve in the area of your spiritual gift or do you perhaps struggle with the spiritual gift or gifts God has given you? The enemy will put obstacles in your life and attitudes that would keep you from serving in your gift as well as keep you from having a passion and joy while you serve. What can you do when you have lost that passion? Do you ask others to pray for you and the ministry involved with your gift? Maybe you do not have an accountability or prayer partner that you can ask for prayer. Would you ask God to reveal to you someone that you can meet with that you might be a support to one another?
2. Paul’s instruction to individuals in Ephesus included teaching about their role in the church. What is to be your role within the Christian church community in regards to spiritual warfare? Begin today by examining some examples of the people of Israel when their enemies came up against them. What were the circumstances? What does this passage say about God? Exodus 17:8-16
2 Chronicles 20:1-26
Based on what you have learned from Scripture, what are believers to do about the nature and schemes of our enemy?
3. In a passage of Paul’s letter to the people of Philippi he taught about prayer and referred to another military term in Philippians 4:6,7. The word used for guard in Koine Greek described a military sentinel who has the assignment of posting guard and marching around a fort that is in need of protection. Think about this command and the promise that was made for Christians. Answer on the next page.
The command:
Teaching concerning prayer:
The promise:
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4. Read Ephesians 6:21-24 and note the reasons Paul was sending Tychicus to the Ephesians. What impact did Paul believe Tychicus’ visit would have?
A Closer Look at Tychicus Look at the following cross references for additional information about Tychicus, answering the “5 Ws and an H” questions, as if you were writing a biographical sketch about him. Include how Tychicus served within the body of Christ. a. Acts 20:4 b. Colossians 4:7-9 c. Timothy 4:12 d. Titus 3:12
5. Paul concluded his letter mentioning three qualities seen in the life of the Christian, peace and love with faith. Consider how it is possible for you to have peach and love with faith. Christ came to earth as the prince of peace so we could have peace with God as well as have peace with one another in the body of Christ. Christ came to the earth as the suffering servant, the perfect sacrifice for our sins because God loved all in the world, and His perfect love is poured out in us that we might extend His love to others, whether friend or foe. All Christians must accept Christ in faith, trusting God for His provision and His faithfulness to His dear children. Peace and love with faith come from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul closed Ephesians with a promise of grace to those “who love the Lord Jesus Christ with sincerity.” Is that how your love for the Lord would be described? Is your love for Jesus sincere, imperishable, and unable to be corrupted? Remember the great commandment, we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Do you have that love for God and your Savior Christ Jesus? Continued on the next page.
If you struggle with loving the Lord, ask Him what gets in the way of your heart being one with His. Close in prayer before God focusing on your relationship with Him. Do you think of Jesus as your friend? I love the hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” look at the words and search your heart to see if this is your heart toward your precious Savior. 128
Lesson 12 “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer! Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in prayer. Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge – take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer; in His arms He’ll take and shield thee, thou will find a solace there. By Joseph Scriven and Charles C. Converse
Day 4 – Review of Ephesians 6 1. Today you will review Ephesians 6. Open in prayer asking God for His help with this review, thanking Him for the help He will give you. • Please read through Ephesians 6 again and write out the phrases using the key words from Ephesians 6 and note the truths proclaimed in these phrases.
2. Now reflect on the message of Ephesians 6. Look back at your Scripture Worksheets and your marking of the instructions, declarative statements, and exhortations, from the chapter. Using some of the key words in the text, think of a theme for each of the sections you studied in this chapter. List these themes here, as well as on page 155 of the Appendix, in the section for Chapter 6 Summary Statements. Ephesians 6:1-8
Ephesians 6:9
Ephesians 6:10-13
Ephesians 6:14-20
Ephesians 6:20-24
3. The next part of the lesson is to ask God to show you the theme for Ephesians 6 based on the main points of each paragraph. What is the one theme that the paragraph themes would “fit” under? Sometimes you can take some of the key words from the paragraph themes and write those into a theme or title for the chapter. Pray and ask for God’s help and then read through these paragraph themes you listed above. Now list your title for Ephesians 6 on the Themes and Titles chart in the Appendix on page 155 in the column on the right. 129
Lesson 12 4. Stop and meditate on the Scripture you have studied in the past twelve weeks, and the sovereignty of God. Close by praising God for His word and for His faithfulness. Spend some time worshipping God and expressing adoration to Him for His plan and purpose for you and for the truths He has revealed through His holy word this week. Most believers have heard the song, “It Is Well With My Soul,” written in the midst of tragedy by Horatio Spafford. You might sing these words as an affirmation of your faith in God. “It is Well with My Soul” When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll – Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul. Chorus: It is well, (it is well), with my soul, (with my soul), it is well, it is well, with my soul. Tho’ Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and hath shed His own blood for my soul. Chorus: And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll: The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, “Even so” – it is well with my soul. Chorus: By Horatio Spafford and Philip P. Bliss
Day 5 – Review of the Epistle to the Ephesians 1. Rejoice in what you have learned concerning your Father God, your Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Praise God for His faithfulness and for the help you are about to receive in this last day of study. • Take some time to apply truths concerning the armor of God in your life. Sometimes a good way to understand something is to think about what is the opposite of the concept you are studying. Please begin by listing the part of the armor, and what is associated with it. Then think about the scheme that the enemy has used against you. Think about from what each piece of the armor will protect you. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your remembrance times in the past when you or someone you know dealt with that issue. What arrows has the enemy aimed at you? How will the armor of God and His word make a difference the next time the flaming arrows of the evil one come your way? The armor and what is associated with it:
From what will this part of the armor protect you? Think of what is the opposite of the spiritual association.
What specific verses from Scripture can you proclaim when you are battling with the schemes of the enemy? Look in your concordance for help with this.
The armor and what it is associated with:
From what will this part of the armor protect you? Think of what is the opposite of the spiritual association.
What specific verses from Scripture can you proclaim when you are battling with the schemes of the enemy? Look in your concordance for help with this.
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When you are under attack, take a deep breath and start praying. Deep breathing that is felt in your abdomen will increase oxygen to your brain and help you think more clearly AND help you remember Scripture you have studied and memorized. 2. Look at what you have recorded on page 155 of the Appendix for the themes of each chapter and then write a statement to summarize the entire book. This will sum up the book of Ephesians in a “nutshell.” You are right, this is not an easy task, but God will help you with this. Doing this will help you understand the purpose for the book of Ephesians. This will be the overall message or theme of the book. Ask yourself how each chapter relates to the main theme of the book. Here are some guidelines for writing a book theme: • Use about five words or less, if possible • Use at least one word that is actually used in the book • The theme should be descriptive of what is in the book 3.
Based on the key words, declarative statements, instructions, exhortations, and warnings, and summary statements, what is the purpose for the book of Ephesians?
Inductive Bible study calls the student to meditate on the word and think about the book or passage in its entirety, in order to understand the purpose of the author. What is the theme of the book of Ephesians? Look at your chart on page 155 of the Appendix and give the book of Ephesians a title that would agree with the theme of each chapter. The title would usually contain one or more of the key words of the book. Write out your title for Ephesians here.
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Lesson 12 4. Considering what you have learned in the study of Ephesians, what is your role in the body of Christ?
5. All believers are susceptible to the schemes or intentions of the enemy. All who follow Christ are vulnerable in certain areas of their thinking. Putting on the armor of God involves applying God’s word and surrendering to Him whenever you face temptation. Remember how Christ responded when Satan tempted Him during His forty days of fasting in the wilderness? How can you make a habit of putting on the whole armor of God every day and allowing the armor to make a difference with the schemes of the enemy? Close this study by proclaiming some of the verses in God’s word that you listed in the right hand column on pages 130,131 as “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” “I thank you Lord that I have grown in my faith during this study of Ephesians. I thank You Lord that Your word is so clear concerning Your heart toward Your children. I thank You Lord that You have lavished Your grace upon me. I thank You too that Your word is so clear concerning Your standard for my life. Thank You Lord that You will strengthen me in my inner being, so that I can stand firm against whatever comes my way. In the precious name of Jesus my Savior, I pray, Amen” In Ephesians 5:18-22, Paul taught about the difference it would make in the life of the believer if they would continue to allow the Holy Spirit to fill them with His Spirit. We are told that we will then recite or speak psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to one another. Think about this as it applies to your own life. You might close by worshiping God with this hymn that proclaims His provision for His children. “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home! Under the shadow of Thy throne still may we dwell secure; sufficient is Thine arm alone, and our defense is sure. Before the hills in order stood, or earth received her frame, from everlasting Thou art God, to endless years the same. A thousand ages, in Thy sight, are like an evening gone; short as the watch that ends the night, before the rising sun. O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, be Thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home. Amen. By Isaac Watts, and William Croft
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Appendix
Nike, Greek Goddess of Victory, Ephesus, Turkey
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Ephesians Chapter 1
Scripture Worksheets Chapter 1 1
From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, to his
holy and faithful people in Ephesus who are in union with Christ Jesus. 2May grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be yours! 3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He
has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm, 4just as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in his presence. In love 5he predestined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, according to the pleasure of his will, 6so that we would praise his glorious grace that he gave us in the Beloved One. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our offenses, according to the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us, along with all wisdom and understanding, 9when he made known to us the secret of his will. This was according to his plan that he set forth in Christ 10to usher in the fullness of the times and to gather up all things in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth. 11
In Christ we were also chosen when we were predestined
according to the purpose of the one who does everything according to the intention of his will, 12so that we who had already fixed our hope on Christ might live for his praise and glory. 13You, too, have International Standard Version® 1.3
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heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed in him you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14
who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of
God's own possession, to his praise and glory. 15
Therefore, because I have heard about your faith in the Lord
Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I never stop giving thanks for you as I mention you in my prayers. 17I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father most glorious, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation through knowing Christ fully. 18Then, with the eyes of your hearts enlightened, you will know the hope of his calling, the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19and the unlimited greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his mighty strength, 20which he put to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realm. 21He is far above every ruler, authority, power, dominion, and every name that can be named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22God has put everything under his feet and has made him the head of everything for the good of the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills everything in every way.
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Ephesians Chapter 2 Chapter 2
1
You used to be dead because of your offenses and sins, 2 in
which you once lived according to the ways of this present world and according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now active in those who are disobedient. 3Indeed, all of us once behaved like them in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of our flesh and senses. By nature we deserved wrath, just like everyone else. 4But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love for us 5even when we were dead because of our offenses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6
raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavenly
realm in Christ Jesus, 7so that in the coming ages he might display the limitless riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8For by such grace you have been saved through faith. This does not come from you; it is the gift of God 9and not the result of works, lest anyone boast. 10For we are his masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared long ago to be our way of life. 11
So then, remember that at one time you were gentiles by birth
and were called “the uncircumcision” by what is called “the circumcision” made in the flesh by hands. 12At that time you were without Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise. You had no hope and were in the world without God. 13But now, in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. International Standard Version® 1.3
2
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For it is he who is our peace. In his flesh he made both
groups one by tearing down the wall of hostility that divided them. 15
He rendered the law inoperative, along with its commandments
and regulations, so that he might create in himself one new humanity from the two, thus making peace, 16and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, on which he killed the hostility. 17He came and proclaimed peace for you who were far away and for you who were near. 18For through him, both of us have access to the Father in one Spirit. 19
That is why you are no longer strangers and foreigners but
fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household, 20
having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises into a holy sanctuary in the Lord. 22You, too, are being built in him along with the others into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
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Ephesians Chapter 3 Chapter 3
1
For this reason I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the
sake of you gentiles. 2Surely you have heard about the responsibility of administering God's grace that was given to me on your behalf, 3and how this secret was made known to me through a revelation, just as I wrote about briefly in the past. 4By reading this, you will be able to grasp my understanding of the secret about Christ, 5which in previous generations was not made known to human beings as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets: 6The gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow sharers of what was promised in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7
4
I have become a servant of this gospel according to the gift of
God's grace that was given me by the working of his power. 8To me, the very least of all the saints, this grace was given so that I might proclaim to the gentiles the immeasurable wealth of Christ 9
and help everyone see how this secret, which was hidden for ages
in God who created all things, has been at work. 10He did this so that now, through the church, the wisdom of God in all its variety might be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realm 11in keeping with the eternal purpose that God carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord, 12in whom we have boldness and confident access through his faithfulness. 13So then, I ask you not to become discouraged because of my troubles on your behalf, which are your glory. International Standard Version® 1.3
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This is the reason I bow my knees before the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its name. 16I pray that he would give you, according to his glorious riches, strength in your inner being and power through his Spirit, 17and that Christ would make his home in your hearts through faith. Then, having been rooted and grounded in love, 18you will be able to understand, along with all the saints, what is wide, long, high, and deep— 19that is, you will know the love of Christ, which goes far beyond knowledge, and will be filled with all the fullness of God.17 20
3
Now to the one who can do infinitely more than all we can
ask or imagine according to the power that is working among us— 21
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all
generations, forever and ever! Amen.
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Ephesians Chapter 4 Chapter 4
1
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to live in a way
that is worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, along with patience, accepting one another in love. 3Do your best to maintain the unity of the Spirit by means of the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit. In the same way, you were called to the one hope of your calling. 5
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of
all, who is above all, through all, and in all. 7
Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the
measure of Christ's gift. 8That is why God says, “When he went up to the highest place he led captives into captivity and gave gifts to people.” 9
Now what does this “he went up” mean except that he also had
gone down into the lower parts of the earth? 10The one who went down is the same one who went up above all the heavens so that he might fill everything. 11And it is he who gifted some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, and still others to be pastors and teachers, 12to perfect the saints, to do the work of ministry, and to build up the body of Christ 13until all of us are united in the faith and in the full knowledge of God's Son, and until we attain mature adulthood and the full standard of development in Christ. 14Then we will no longer be little children, International Standard Version® 1.3
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tossed like waves and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, or by clever strategies that would lead us astray. 15
Instead, by speaking the truth in love, we will grow up
completely into the one who is the head, that is, into Christ, 16in whom the whole body is united and held together by every ligament with which it is supplied. As each individual part does its job, the body's growth is promoted so that it builds itself up in love.
10
17
Therefore, I tell you and insist on in the Lord not to live any
longer like the gentiles live, thinking worthless thoughts. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of their ignorance and hardness of heart. 19Since they have lost all sense of shame, they have abandoned themselves to sensuality and practice every kind of sexual perversion without restraint. 20However, that is not the way you came to know Christ. 21
Surely you have listened to him and have been taught by him,
since truth is in Jesus. 22Regarding your former way of life, you were taught to strip off your old man, which is being ruined by its deceptive desires, 23to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24and to clothe yourselves with the new man, which was created according to the likeness of God in righteousness and true holiness. 25
4
Therefore, stripping off falsehood, “let each of us speak the
truth to his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 142
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Ephesians Chapter 4
and do not give the devil an opportunity to work. 28The thief
must no longer steal but must work hard and do what is good with his own hands, so that he might have something to give to the needy. 29
Let no filthy talk come out of your mouths, but only what is
good for building up as the need may be. This way you will give grace to those who hear you. 30Do not grieve the Holy Spirit, by whom you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. 31
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, quarreling, and slander be put
away from you, along with all hatred. 32And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another just as God has forgiven you in Christ.
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Ephesians Chapter 5
Scripture Worksheets Chapter 5
1
So be imitators of God, as his dear children. 2Live in love as
Christ also loved us and gave himself for us as an offering and sacrifice, a fragrant aroma to God. 3Do not let sexual sin, impurity of any kind, or greed even be mentioned among you, as is proper for saints. 4Obscene, flippant, or vulgar talk is totally inappropriate. Instead, let there be thanksgiving. 5For you know very well that no immoral or impure person, or anyone who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6
Do not let anyone deceive you with meaningless words, for it
is because of these things that God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7So do not be partners with them. 8For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. 9For the fruit of the light consists of every form of goodness, righteousness, and truth. 10Determine what pleases the Lord, 11and have nothing to do with the unfruitful works of darkness. Instead, expose them for what they are. 12For it is shameful even to mention what is done by people in secret. 13But everything that is exposed to the light becomes visible, 14for everything that is visible is light. That is why it says, “Wake up, O sleeper! Arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’’ 15
So, then, be careful how you live. Do not be unwise but
wise, 16making the best use of time because the days are evil. 144
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Ephesians Chapter 5
Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will
is. 18Stop getting drunk with wine, which leads to wild living, but keep on being filled with the Spirit. 19Then you will recite to one another psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. You will sing and make music to the Lord with your hearts. 20You will always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21And you will submit yourselves to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 23
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands as to the Lord.
For the husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of
the church. It is he who is the Savior of the body. 24Indeed, just as the church is submissive to Christ, so wives must be submissive to their husbands in everything. 25
Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and
gave himself for it, 26so that he might make it holy by cleansing it, washing it with water and the word, 27and might present the church to himself in all its glory, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind, but holy and without fault. 28In the same way, husbands must love their wives as they love their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself. 29For no one has ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and tenderly cares for it, as Christ does the church. 30 31
For we are parts of his body—of his flesh and of his bones.
“That is why a man will leave his father and mother and be
united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32This is International Standard Version® 1.3
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a great secret, but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33But each individual man among you must love his wife as he loves himself; and may the wife fear her husband.
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Ephesians Chapter 6 Chapter 6
1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is the right
thing to do. 2”Honor your father and mother.” This is a very important commandment with a promise: 3“So that it may go well for you, and that you may have a long life on the earth.” 4
Fathers, do not make your children angry, but bring them up
in the training and instruction of the Lord. 5
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear, with trembling,
and along with sincerity, as when you obey Christ. 6Do not do this only while being watched in order to please them, but be like slaves of Christ who do God's will from the heart. 7Serve willingly, as if you were serving the Lord and not merely people. 8For you know that everyone will receive a reward from the Lord for whatever good he has done, whether he is a slave or free. 9
Masters, treat your slaves the same way. Do not threaten them,
for you know that both of you have the same Master in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. 10 11
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty strength.
Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand
firm against the devil's strategies. 12For our struggle is not against a human opponent, but against rulers, against authorities, against cosmic powers in the darkness around us, against evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realm. 13For this reason, take up the whole armor of God so that you may be able to take a stand in that evil
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day. And when you have done everything you could, you will be able to stand firm. 14
Stand firm, therefore, having fastened the belt of truth around
your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15
and having put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to
proclaim the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all of these, having taken up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one, 17also take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18
Pray in the Spirit at all times with every kind of prayer and
request there is. For the same reason be alert with every kind of effort and request for all the saints. 19Pray also for me, so that, when I open my mouth, the right words will be given to me. Then I will boldly make known the secret of the gospel, 20for whose sake I am an ambassador in chains, desiring to declare it as boldly as I should. 21
So that you may know what has happened to me and how I am
doing, Tychicus, our dear brother and a faithful minister in the Lord, will tell you everything. 22I am sending him to you for this very reason, so that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your hearts. 23May the brothers have peace and love, with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! 24May grace be with all who love the Lord Jesus Christ with sincerity!
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Appendix
Inductive Study Methodology
Inductive Study Methodology Definition: Using the Bible as the primary source of information and reading with a purpose by asking relevant questions, so that through complete observation, one can accurately interpret, determine eternal principles, and then apply Scripture to all circumstances of life. • • • •
God speaks through the prophets, recorded in Scripture God gave the word so that He might reveal Himself to us God speaks through Jesus, as He is the word who came in the flesh The Holy Spirit gives all believers the ability to understand the word of God
Four Components of the Inductive Study Methodology 1. Observation: Seeing what the text says, to gain facts and information The process of observation is foundational to inductive Bible study Asking the “5 Ws and an H” questions helps students focus on the obvious Who People
What Events
Where Place
When Time
Why Reason or purpose
How Means or method
2. Interpretation: Determining what the text means to gain understanding Looking for information and the correlation in the context of Scripture Context: Looking at the surrounding words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, chapters, and book in which something exists, occurs, or is placed. The author’s use of the repetition of ideas or thoughts will also help you discover meaning within the context. 3. Principlization: Determining what eternal truths are being taught? Stating the author’s propositions, arguments, narration, and illustrations as abiding timeless truths. 4. Application: Conviction as to how the truth applies personally, leads to transformation. Component of the Methodology
Holy Spirit’s Ministry
Man’s Response
Product of Component
Observation -Focus on the obvious
Illumination
Reasoning
Facts & Information
Interpretation -Done in light of context
Teaching
Evaluation
Understanding
Principlization -Focus on Learning
Conviction
Summarization
Eternal Principles
Application -Begins with individual
Guidance
Accountability
Transformation
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Step 1
Appendix
The Overview
Discovering the Context or the Big Picture Purpose: To identify the flow of thought that ties the book together and to identify the author's reason for writing A. Who is the Author: Ask Questions
B.
C.
D. E. F.
G.
• • • • •
Who is writing and what does he say about himself? What are his circumstances? Where is he and why is he there? When in his life is he writing? Why is he writing?
• • • • • •
Who is it written to? How is the recipient described? What does it say about the recipient? What is the relationship of the recipients to the author? Where is the recipient? Why is the author writing to the recipient?
• • •
Who are the other people mentioned and what does the text say about them? What do you learn about their relationship to the author or recipient? What is their relationship to the key message?
• •
Words generally repeated throughout the text When removed the text is left without meaning
• •
Teaching doctrinal truth that would inform and equip those who follow after Christ Historical narrative, sharing historical events or personal testimony
• •
A command or imperative statement, telling someone what they are to do Usually written in the second person such as you, your, or yourself; or introduced with the phrase “let us”
Who is or who are the Recipient/s: Ask Questions
Other People Mentioned: (Either specifically, or by generalization or implication)
Look for Key Words
Look for Declarative Statements Look for Instructions or Commands
Look for Exhortations •
H. I.
150
• •
A personal message from the author to encourage the recipients regarding their own situation, whether personally or within their church Show the uniqueness of the situation that led to the book being written Sometimes introduced with the word “you,” calling or urging obedience
• •
Confronting the behavior of the recipient that has not honored God To advise strongly, to reprove, or to call the recipients to repentance
• •
To put on guard or to put on notice concerning possible danger, evil, or harm To describe a just recompense or a possible consequence for behavior based on God’s prophecy concerning judgment
Look for Admonitions Look for Warnings
Appendix
Step 2
Inductive Study Methodology
Comprehensive Chapter Study
Observation Chapter by Chapter Purpose:
A.
Marking Key Words 1. 2. 3. 4.
B. C. D.
E. F.
To examine the details of the chapter, to see how the chapter details relate to the book Mark so your eye can see on the page the occurrence of the word This is typically done with colored pencils God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and their pronouns are always keywords The key words become a basis for developing a list of facts
Making lists of the key words by writing phrases and sentences Reasoning through the lists of information from the key words Contrasts - Reasoning from another perspective Comparisons of ideas or bodies of truth that the author used to teach. • Point out differences in words or phrases • Most contrasts are identified by the following words: but, however, or never the less
Comparisons
Dealing with ideas or bodies of truth that are similar to make some point • Identified by the words: like, as
Terms of Expression
Time - Helps us answer when something occurred or will occur • Look for words like: now, then, or later Conclusion or Results or Purpose • Look for words like: for, for this reason, so that, that, or because Verb Usage – Will tell if something has occurred in the past, will occur in the future, or is to be part of the present time
Step 3
Word Studies
Purpose: To deepen understanding of the text To clarify understanding of the text To determine the meaning of unknown or confusing words or sections of texts
A.
Pick a Word 1. 2. 3.
B.
Look at the key words in the text Look at the words with unclear meanings Look at the verbs and nouns in the text
Look up the definition in a word study tool Exhaustive concordances contain three sections 1. Alphabetical list of all words used in the text of Scripture that are then ordered in biblical occurrence 2. Dictionary of Hebrew words arranged numerically 3. Dictionary of Greek words arranged numerically Expository Dictionaries Vine’s Dictionary of the New Testament: keyed to the KJV Spiros Zodhiates. Complete Word Study Dictionary of the New Testament Complete Word Study Dictionary of the Old Testament
C.
Read the definition back into the text
Appendix
151
Inductive Study Methodology
Step 4
Appendix
Cross Referencing of Scripture
Purpose: To establish the context within the broader context of Scripture • • • •
Context always rules in all interpretations Amplify or clarify the understanding of the text Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture Scripture never contradicts Scripture
A.
How to determine Cross References: 1. Look up the word in a concordance 2. Look up the word in a topical Bible 3. Look up verses identified by marginal references
B.
Read the cross reference
C.
Evaluate the message in the light of the cross reference
Step 5
Determining Paragraph and Chapter Theme and Book Title
A.
Paragraph Analysis • Determine the paragraph theme. The editors of some translations of the Bible have each verse starting on a new line within each chapter. The NASB begins each new paragraph by printing the verse number in bold type. The NIV divided the chapters into paragraphs, as we know them, indenting at the beginning of each new paragraph. When you study the ancient languages of the Bible, there are differences in paragraph divisions from one manuscript to another. The words of Scripture were inspired, but years ago, editors added verse numbers, paragraph divisions, and the divisions made by chapter numbers.
B.
Developing each Chapter Theme and the Book Title • A collection of summary statements, one for each chapter and one for the entire book • These can be verified from key words, instructions, exhortations, admonitions, and warnings within the chapter 1. Use five words or less, with at least one actual word found in a chapter 2. Each chapter title should be distinctive from the other chapter titles 3. Each title should be descriptive of what is in the chapter 4. Place these themes on the Themes and Titles Chart
152
How?
Why?
What?
Author Recipient(s) Other people Key words Declarative Statements Instructions Exhortations Admonitions Warnings
A. B. C. D. E.
F. G. H. I.
Identify the flow of thoughts which ties it together
•
A. B. C. D. E. F.
•
Marking key words Making lists of facts Reasoning the lists Contrasts Comparisons Terms of expression of time, conclusion or results
Examine the details of the chapter Examine how the chapter details relate to the book
Comprehensive Chapter Studies
The Overview: Discovering the context or the big picture of the book • Identify the author’s reason for writing •
Step 2
Deepen the understanding of the text Clarify the understanding of the text
A. Pick a word B. Look up the definition in an exhaustive concordance or an expository dictionary C. Read the definition of the word back into the text
•
•
Word Studies
Step 3
Establish the context within the broader context of Scripture Amplify or clarify the text
•
•
B.
•
•
To determine the paragraph and chapter themes To determine the book title Summary statements for each paragraph, chapter, and the book From the key words, declarative statements instructions, exhortations, admonitions, and warnings Use five words or less Each chapter title should be distinctive from other chapters Descriptive of what is in the chapter Place each theme on the Themes and Titles Chart
Paragraph and Chapter Theme and Book Title
Step 5
A. Look up the word or A. phrase using: • a concordance • a topical Bible • • marginal references B. Read the cross reference C. Evaluate the message in the light of the cross reference •
•
•
Cross Referencing Scripture
Step 4
Inductive Study Methodology: Summary of the Process
Step 1
Inductive Study Methodology
Appendix
Themes and Titles Chart Themes and Summary Statements:
Titles:
BOOK
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
155
Appendix
Word Study Index Listed by English Word, “Strong’s Number,” and Page Number in Lesson Greek Words: A Accept 430 Administering 3622 Anger 3709 Angry 3949 Apostle 652 Authorities 1849 Authority 1849
66 52 83 112 16, 73 118 28
B Believed 4100 Bitterness 4088 Blessed 2128 Blessing 2129 Blood 129 Bring up 1625
20 83 17 17 118 112
C Calling 2821 Chose 1586 Church 1577 Circumcision 4061 Cleansing 2511 Cosmic powers 2888 Covenant 1242 Created 2936
28 17 56 43 104 118 43 40
D Deceive 538 Deceptive 539 Desires 1939 Devil 1228 Disobedient 543 Dominion 2963
92 76 76 117 34 28
E Encourage 3870 Evangelist 2099 Evil 4190 Expose 1651
66 73 118 92
F Faith 4102 Faithful 4103 Favoritism 4382 Fear 5401 Feeds 1625 Fellow citizens 4847 Filled 4137 Flesh 4561 Forgiveness 859 Fullness 4138
24, 123 16 115 100, 115 104 47 96 34 17 28
G Gentleness 4236 Gift 1431 Gifts 1390 Gift 5486 Giving thanks 2168 Glory 1391 Glory 1741 Gospel 2098 Grace 5485 Greedy 4124 Grounded 2311 Guarantee 728
66 69 69 73 24 21, 59 104 20, 123 17 89 59 21
H Hatred 2549 Head 2776 Heart 2588 Heaven 3722 Heavenly realm 2032 Helmet 4030 Holy 37 Holy people 40 Honor 5091 Hope 1680 Human opponent 4561 Humility 5012 Hymns 5215
83 100 28 17 17, 118 123 104 16 112 28 118 66 96
157
Appendix I Idolater 1496 Instruction 3559 Imitators 3402 Immoral 4205 Impure 169 K Kindness 5544 L Live 4043 Love 26 Lusts 1939
90 112 89 89 89 37 76 24, 59 34
M Make the best use of time 1805 Master 2962 Members of household 3609 Mercy 1656 Mighty 2479
96 115 48 37 117
O Obey 5219 Offenses 3900 Opportunity to work 5117
111 34 79
P Pastor 4166 Patience 3115 Peace 1515 Power 1411 Prayers 4335 Predestined 4309 Promise 1860 Prophet 4394 Psalms 5568 Put on 1746 Q Quarreling 2906 R Recite 2980 Redemption 629 Respect 5399 Revelation 602 Right 1342 Righteousness 1343 158
73 66 17 28, 59 24 20 112 73 96 117 83 96 17 104 24 112 122
Rooted 4492 Ruined 5351
59 76
S Salvation 4991 Salvation 4992 Sanctuary 3485 Save 4982 Secret 3466 Serve 1398 Shield 2375 Sin 266 Sincerity 572 Slander 988 Spiritual 4152 Spiritual forces 4152 Spot 4696 Songs 5603 Stand 2476 Strategies 3180 Strength 2479 Strength 2901 Strip off 659 Strong 1743 Submit 5293
20 123 48 37 56 115 123 34 115 83 96 118 104 96 117 117 28, 117 59 76 117 100
T Takes care of 2282 Teacher 1320 Thanksgiving 2169 Training 3809 Truth 225
104 73 26, 90 112 122
W Washing 3067 Wisdom 4678 Word 4487 Works 2041 Worthy 516 Wrath 2372 Wrinkle 4512
104 24 123 40 66 83 104
Hebrew Word: P Peace 7965
17
Appendix
Bibliography Carson, D.A., Douglas J. Moo, and Leon Morris. An Introduction to the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1992. Chafer, Lewis Sperry. The Ephesian Letter. Findlay, Ohio, Dunham Publishing Co., 1959. The Holy Bible, International Standard Version, Yorba Linda, Davidson Press, 1998. Foulkes, Francis. Ephesians, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Leicester, InterVarsity Press and Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, Co., 1989. Gaebelein, Frank E. and J.D. Douglas. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 11. Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1978. Mulholland, M. Robert Jr. Invitation to a Journey. Downer’s Grove, IL, InterVarsity Press, 1993. Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study New Testament. Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1991.
159
Sunergos Bible Studies Name of Study: Book Studies: Joshua and the Call to Live Victoriously by Faith The Book of Ruth The Life of David The Book of Nehemiah The Book of Esther Jonah The Sermon on the Mount The Gospel According to Mark The Epistle to the Romans Galatians and the Fruit of the Spirit Ephesians Philippians and the Call to Biblical Fellowship Colossians Titus and the Call to Biblical Discipleship Philemon (Learn the Inductive Bible Study methodology with this short study) James Topical Studies: Old Testament Worship for Followers of Christ Prayers of the Bible Women of the Word Discipleship Series Studies:
Number of Lessons: 10 4 12 8 5 10 14 22 23 10 12 12 9 9 2 11 8 12 12
The format of the Discipleship Series is different, as each lesson is like one day’s work in the other studies.
The Call to Following Jesus the Messiah The Call to Biblical Character – An In-depth Look at the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:10-12) The Call to Bear Fruit by the Power of the Spirit – An In-depth Look at Galatians 5:22, 23 The Call to Live Victoriously by Faith – An In-depth Look at Ephesians 6:10-20 The Call to Biblical Fellowship – An In-depth Look at the “One Another” Commands A Woman’s Call to Biblical Discipleship – An In-depth Look at Titus 2:3-5
10 11 12 10 12 16
All of these lessons are in-depth inductive Bible studies that encourage the students to examine Scripture through observation before seeking to interpret, while looking for eternal principles in the word that can be applied to their own life. While the studies encourage critical thinking, they also provide some “commentary” from a variety of conservative sources. The studies include instruction for studying inductively, and the work for each lesson has been divided into five days. All studies have been formatted with two options for completing the lessons. The student who has less time for study can complete the opening observation questions which cover the portion of Scripture or theme for the day, and then the student can move to the last question/s which might incorporate other Scriptures and as well as several application questions. The other option is for the student to complete the entire lesson for each day and that would generally take between 30 minutes to one hour. This option includes word studies and an in-depth look at the passage or theme for the day. Leader’s Guides are available for each study to provide resources for those interested in leading a study. Check the Sunergos Bible Studies’ website www.sunergosbible.org for availability, costs, and ordering options. New studies, leader’s guides, and other resources are available from the website. 11/01/2009
Book Summary The timeless truths of the book of Ephesians have encouraged and inspired believers in their faith. This indepth twelve-week study will challenge believers to examine their own relationship with the Lord and with others in the church. The lessons will equip students to be strong and mature in their walk and to live in unity with others in the faith. The study also offers a daily reflection in Scripture to end with a time of worship addressing the personal walk of those who follow after Christ. The study provides a number of options for completing the lessons. When a group is meeting weekly, each student will benefit from the review discussion suggested in the accompanying leader’s guide.
Author Profile JAN WELLS has been been married forty years, is the mother of two grown children, and is a grandmother of three grandchildren. A former English and history teacher, Jan has written twenty in-depth, inductive studies reflecting her passion for the Lord and His word. Incorporated in Jan’s writing are a commitment to the importance of the ministry of discipleship within the body of Christ and a sensitivity to the differences in the way people think and learn. Jan, the creator of Sunergos Bible Studies, has taught the Bible to adults for over twenty years in an interdenominational ministry. The author has an M.A. in Christian Ministry from Simpson University (C&MA) and is pursuing a PhD. in Biblical Studies from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (SBC). The studies have been used in a number of churches throughout the country and internationally, and because of their thoroughness, they have become valuable resources for many pastors and Bible teachers.
11/01/2009
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