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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?

EPHESIANS - LESSON TWO

INTRODUCTION:

After we have entered a saving relationship with God in Christ, what is next? By studying 1:15-23, we learn from Paul's prayer for the Ephesians, new Christians should be growing in spiritual perception. Let us notice in this study the character of this spiritual perception and make it ours.

I. PAUL'S PRAYER FOR THE EPHESIANS' SPIRITUAL PERCEPTION (1:15-23)

   A. Basis for Paul's thanksgiving for the Ephesians (v.15)

        1. The blessings connected with being in Christ (cf.v.3-14) - "for this cause".

        2. Heard of Ephesians' faith.

        3. Heard of Ephesians' love toward the saints.

   B. Thanks given always (v.16).

   C. Requests: (v.17-23).

       1. That God would give Ephesians spirit of wisdom and revelation (v.17-18a)

           a) Based upon knowledge of Himself.

           b) Have eyes of heart enlightened.

       2. Things Ephesians would know: (v.18b - 23).

           a) The hope of God's calling (v.18b).

           b) The riches of the glory of God's inheritance in the saints(v.18c).

           c) The exceeding greatness of God's power toward saints (v.19-23).

               (1) The power used in raising Christ from the dead (v.20a).

               (2) The power used in exalting Christ (v.20b-21).

               (3) The power used in subjecting all things to Christ (v.22a).

               (4) The power used to make Christ head over the church (v.22b-23).

                    (a) The church is His body (v.23a).

                    (b) The church is His fulness (v.23b).

QUESTIONS:

1. What two essentials in our spiritual life were found in the Ephesians?

a. How did Paul know about these qualities?

2. How regularly did Paul pray for the Ephesians?

3. Describe the character of the type of "spirit" Paul desired for the Ephesians:

4. Paul's priority for the Ephesians was for them to have a (an) (a) emotional experience (b) boring experience (c)     understanding experience.

5. What three main things did Paul want the Ephesians to know?

6. How were the Ephesians called?

7. What is connected with this calling?

8. What is the "inheritance in the saints" in verse 18?

9. What does Paul want saints to appreciate about this inheritance?

10. Define the word "power" , and how is it used in verses 19-23?

11. How great is God's power?

12. Christ is ______________ over _____ _________ to the ______________ .

13. The church is Christ's _________________ .

14. In what sense is the body of Christ the "fullness" of God?