A Study of the Book of

Jesus and Me Ephesians

Build discussion Chapter 1

Objectives
1. To review the wonderful blessings God has provided in Christ
2. To understand what Paul desired the Ephesians to know
3. To notice the greatness of God's power toward those who believe
4. To consider the exalted position of Christ and His church

Summary

Like other letters from Paul, Ephesians divides fairly neatly between doctrine (chapters 1-3)
and practical advice (4-6). The last half details how our lives should change as a result of the great
things described in the first part.

Since it compresses large thoughts into such short space, Ephesians deserves a careful study. It
is highly suggested that it should be read slowly, digesting one paragraph at a time. Such study will
prove to be rewarding: Ephesians gives exuberant good news about the nature of the universe and
God's plan for believers. If you feel discouraged or wonder if God really cares or question whether the
Christian life is worth the effort, read the Ephesians. Paul wants his readers to grasp “how wide and
long and high and deep is the love of Christ”. He cranks up the volume to express that love and not one
mournful note sneaks in.

Outline

I. Ten Reasons to Give God Praise (3-14)

A. Because He blessed us with every spiritual blessing

B. Because He has chosen us
C. Because He has predestined and adopted us
D. Because He has redeemed us
E. Because He has forgiven us
F. Because He has lavished His grace on us
G. Because He made known the mystery of His will
H. Because He has provided and eternal inheritance
I. Because He has sealed us in Christ
J. Because He has guaranteed our inheritance

Two truths to remember:

1. since all ten blessings are implemented by Christ, they're all dependent on His
crucifixion and resurrection and,
2. since all ten blessings are initiated by God, they're all given to His glory.

Living Insights
 To stimulate creativity, many authors seek out a scenic setting. Yet some of the world's most
famous literature originated in, of all places, a prison cell. John Bunyan wrote his Pilgrim's Progress
there. Russian novelist Alexander Solzhenitsyn's vast output had its conception behind barbed wire, as
did his compatriot Dostoevski.

Parts of the Bible were written in prison as well. Ephesians represents one of Paul's prison
letters (along with Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon). Prison offers authors one precious
commodity: time to think and reflect. The book of Ephesians was written as a letter to the people of
Ephesus (hence the the title of the book) to give them a pep talk. Despite being imprisoned Paul
encouraged other people.

If you were imprisoned, what type of letters would you write?

II. Paul's First Prayer: For Their Enlightenment (15-23)

A. The reason for his prayer

1. Having heard of their:
a. Faith in the Lord Jesus
b. Love for all their saints
2. Resulting in his:
a. Unceasing thanks for them
b. Making mention of them in his prayers

B. The content of His prayer (17-23)

1. To whom addressed (17a)
a. The God of our Lord Jesus Christ
b. The Father of glory
2. That God would...
a. give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation (17b)
b. enlighten the eyes of their understanding (18a)
3. That they might know
a. the knowledge of God (17c)
b. the hope of His calling (18b)
c. the riches of the glorious inheritance in the saints (18c)
d. the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe (19a)

4. Regarding this power toward us who believe

a. it is according to working of God's mighty power in Christ (19b-20a)
b. the same mighty power which
1. raised Christ from the dead (20b)
2. seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places (20c-21)
3. put all things under His feet (22a)
4. gave Him to be head over all things to the church (22b)

References
Copeland, Mark. (2001). The epistle to the ephesians- a study guide with introductory comments,
summaries, outlines, and review questions. Retrieved from http://www.executableoutlines.com.
Date retrieved June 2, 2015.

International Bible Society. (1984). Holy Bible, New International Version. USA: Zondervan
Publishing House.

Swindoll, Charles. (2001). Becoming a people of grace. USA: Insight for Living.