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EPHESIANS - LESSON ONE

INTRODUCTION

How often do you thank God for the spiritual blessings you enjoy in Christ?  Can you name them one by one? Do you think you have spiritual blessings outside of  Christ? Has God really predestined you to either salvation or eternal damnation?  Ephesians one deals with these issues. May we apply ourselves in the study and come away with a greater appreciation for the salvation we have in Christ.

I. GREETINGS (v.1-2)

A. From Paul the apostle of Christ Jesus

B. To the saints and faithful in Ephesus

C. Grace and peace extended From God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ.

II. BLESSINGS WE HAVE IN CHRIST (v.3-14)

A. God who gives spiritual blessings is praised (v.3)

B. We are chosen (v.4)

C. Foreordained to Adoption (v.5)

D. Grace bestowed (v.6)

E. Redemption (v.7)

F. God's will revealed - mystery known (v.9)

G. We are made a heritage (v.11-12)

H. Sealed with Spirit of Promise (v.13-14)

QUESTIONS:

1. From the "greetings" in verses 1-2, write down what you know about:

(a) Paul:

(b) God the Father:

(c) Jesus:

(d) Christians:

2. For what kind of blessings does Paul want us to be praising God?

3. Where are these blessings be found?

4. What are the "heavenly places" ?

5. Write down the phrases that begin with "according to..." and from these summarize what this says of the scheme of     redemption:

6. Did God choose us as individuals , or as a class of people? (Explain.)

7. When did God make this choice?

8. What two characteristics did God desire us to have when we are before him?

9. Unto what did God foreordain those who are in Christ?

10. Who is "the beloved"?

11. What does the word "redemption" mean?

12. What is the relationship between redemption and forgiveness of sins?

13. To what degree has God extended grace toward us?

14. What two words are connected with this extended grace?

15. Why would God's will be called a "mystery"?

16. What is a "dispensation" ? (cf. Lk.16:2-4, I Cor. 9:17, Eph. 3:9)

17. What purpose does God have in mind for heaven and earth?

18. What is a "heritage" in verse 11? (KJV - "obtained an inheritance")

19. Who had before "hoped in Christ" ?

20. What people are addressed as "ye" in verse 13?

21. What two things had the Ephesians done before they were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise?

22. How are people "sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise"?

23. What is the "earnest" of our inheritance

24. What is "the redemption" in verse 14, if we have it in verse 7?