Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of Ephesians. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. Stay strong. Grow in your faith in Christ. Live in the Spirit. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming…
Stacey
Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 1 of the book of Ephesians. Read it with the thought in mind that this is Paul’s instruction to new Gentile converts in Ephesus. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations…
Written during Paul’s 1st Roman imprisonment, 60-62 AD.
Ephesus was the home of magic. They were culturally steeped in the occult. See Acts 19:19.
Revelation 2:1-7 – cults flourish in Ephesus.
Ephesians deluded by importance of service.
Technology – 1st indoor toilets.
Temple of Artemis (one of the 7 Wonders of the World).
Timothy was their pastor.
Acts 19
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Paul had to pay rent for his prison cell.
Faithful = ever loyal to the Lord. What is it about you that makes you recognizable as “ever loyal to the Lord”?
Ephesians written during Paul’s 1st Roman imprisonment.
Some scholars believe this wasn’t written to the Ephesians, but circulated to all of the churches.
Ephesians is a “Welcome to the family” letter.
Chapters 1-3 teach doctrine, chapters 4-6 give life advice.
How well do you know the spiritual family you’ve been adopted into? What have you learned about that family? Do you feel like a welcome part of that family?
Chapter 1 – March 31, 2005
Ephesians is a letter of encouragement.
1:3-6 – my adoption proceedings
1:3 – We are blessed,
1:4 – chosen, accepted,
1:5 – adopted,
1:7 – redeemed and forgiven. (Believing God – Beth Moore)
1:11 – we were predestined to be in God’s family.
1:13 – we were sealed with the Holy Spirit (Marked as belonging to God).
1:20 – parents are under the protective umbrella of Christ. (See 5:22-25; 6:1) (Creative Correction – Lisa Whelchel)
• The book of Ephesians contains much teaching about what life in Christ is all about. What have you learned about how He wants you to live for Him from today’s study? Whether seasoned Christian or new convert, how will you accomplish what the Holy Spirit is teaching you about how you should live?
• What attributes of God do you see in this book?
• What verse of scripture seemed to be God speaking directly to you? What is He teaching you in these verses? How does He want you to respond?
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