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Studies in the letter to the EphesiansStudies in the letter to the Ephesians

January 1January 1stst, 2005, 2005

Lesson #1 Lesson #1

The Benefits of Being in The Benefits of Being in

ChristChrist

The Benefits of Being in The Benefits of Being in Christ Christ

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord

Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ

with every spiritual blessing in heavenly

places...”(Ephesians 1:3, ESV)

Memory Verse From Lesson #1


Paul, the writing apostle:“a Hebrew of the Hebrews” (Philippians 3:4b-6)Brought up at the feet of Gamaliel. (Acts 22:3) The chief of sinners. (2 Timothy 1:15)Paul was redeemed by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 1:7)

Paul knew about Christ:Paul saw Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:8)Paul talked with Christ. (Acts 9:4-6)He wanted to know only Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:2; Philippians 3:10)He preached Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:23)


The Benefits of Knowing Christ

Without Christ, there is no hope and no God in the world.

(Ephesians 2:12)

Without Christ, salvation is not possible. (John 3:16;

Romans 5:12-21)

A knowledge of Christ shows where you are able to live.

(John 14:2,3)

A knowledge of Christ leads to salvation. (John 3:1-21)


The Benefits of Being in Christ

Every spiritual blessing is found in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

You can be holy and without blame before Him.

(Ephesians 1:4)

You have redemption and forgiveness of sins. (Ephesians

1:7)

You have obtained an inheritance. (Ephesians 1:11)

You havethe seal of the Holy Spirit of promise.

(Ephesians 1:13)


How do you get into Christ?

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put

on Christ”(Galatians 3:27)

“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized

into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were

buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order

that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory

of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”(Romans 6:3-4)

All Scripture taken fromThe Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ro 6:3-4). Wheaton: Standard

Bible Society.




Next Week:Next Week:

What Being in Christ MeansWhat Being in Christ Means





Lesson #1 Lesson #1


ChristChrist Every spiritual blessing is found in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

You can be holy and without blame before Him. (Ephesians 1:4)

You have redemption and forgiveness of sins. (Ephesians 1:7)


You have the seal of the Holy Spirit of promise. (Ephesians 1:13)

The Benefits of Being in The Benefits of Being in ChristChrist




places...”

(Ephesians 1:3, ESV; emphasis mine)

Memory Verse For Lesson #1

Lesson #2 Lesson #2

What Being in Christ What Being in Christ

MeansMeans


“So then you are no longer strangers and

aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the

saints and members of the household of

God...”




Why would a person reject God?

Romans 1:21-22:

They want personal glory.

They are not thankful.

They are futile in their thoughts.

They have darkened hearts.

They changed the image of God.


Alive from certian spiritual death!

The Ephesians were dead in their tresspasses and sins.

(Ephesians 2:1)

They had once walked according to the world. (Ephesians

2:2)

Through God’s love, they had been saved. (Ephesians

2:4)


The Peace found in Christ

Christ brought them into peace with God. (Ephesians

2:14)

Christ brought forth the new covenant. (Ephesians 2:14)

Through peace, they had access to the Father.

(Ephesians 2:18)


The Household of God

Due to their salvation, they are citizens of the

household of God. (Ephesians 2:19)

Jesus Christ is the corner stone (Ephesians 2:10):

1 Peter 2:4-6

Acts 4:11-12

Psalms 118:22-24


What does being in Christ mean?

“...even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive

together with Christ...(Ephesians 2:5)

“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and

has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of holstility…”(Ephesians 2:14)

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are

fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household

of God…”(Ephesians 2:19)

All Scripture taken fromThe Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ro 6:3-4). Wheaton: Standard Bible

Society.





The Mystery of ChristThe Mystery of Christ





Lesson #1 Lesson #1











places...”



Lesson #2Lesson #2


MeansMeans“...even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive








Society.





God...”



Lesson #3Lesson #3


Important Background Important Background MaterialMaterial

The forgotten words of PeterThe forgotten words of Peter

“For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far offfor all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

(Acts 2:39, ESV; emphasis mine)

Note Ephesians 2:17


“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow

heirs, members of the same body, and

partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus

through the gospel.”




Paul and the Gentiles

Paul was a prisoner for the Gentiles. (Ephesians

3:1)

Paul was appointed a minister to the Gentiles. (Acts

9:15)


What does the word Gentile mean?

The word was used for nations. (Genesis 10:5, 20)

The word was to describe the heathen. (Psalm 2:1)

The word also described any nation that was not Israel.


The Mystery involved the Gentiles

The mystery was known to the apostles and prophets.

(Ephesians 3:5)

Paul confirms the mystery:

The Gentiles are fellow heirs.

The Gentiles are of the same body.

The Gentiles are partakers of his promise in Christ.


The Manifold Wisdom of God

Paul teaches the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of

Christ. (Ephesians 3:8)

The mystery was hidden sinc e the beginning. (Ephesians

3:9)

The wisdom of God will be made known through the

church. (Ephesians 3:10)


The Manifold Wisdom of God...(continued)

The eternal purpose was in Christ. (Ephesians 3:11)

This allows Paul and the Ephesians Christians (as well as

you and I) to have boldness and access with confidence

through our faith. (Ephesians 3:12)


Paul’s humble knees

Ephesians 3:14-21


The Mystery involves You

Paul confirms the mystery:

You are fellow heirs.

You are of the same body.

You are a partaker of his promise in Christ.





The Unity of the Strength in ChristThe Unity of the Strength in Christ





Lesson #1 Lesson #1











places...”



Lesson #2Lesson #2


MeansMeans“...even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive








Society.





God...”



Lesson #3Lesson #3


Paul tells the Gentiles that they are the mystery of

Christ. (Ephesians 3:6)

As a result, you are part of the mystery:

You are fellow heirs.

You are of the same body.

You are a partaker of his promise in Christ.








Lesson #4Lesson #4

The Unity of Strength in The Unity of Strength in

ChristChrist

The Unity of Strength in The Unity of Strength in ChristChrist

“...walk in a manner worthy of the calling to

which you have been called, with all

humility and gentleness, with patience,

bearing one another in love...”

(Ephesians 4:1b-2, ESV)



The Prisoner of the Lord

Paul was not ashamed of his bonds. (Ephesians 3:1;

4:1)

Theodoret comments:

“What the world counted ignominy, he counts

the highest honor, and he glories in his

bonds for Christ, more than a king in his

diadem.”


How are you walking?

Paul’s use of the word walk deals with your entire life.

The Christian walk is a worthy walk. (Ephesians 4:1)

A walk of humility

A walk of gentlness

A walk of patience

A walk of bearing one another in love.


How are you walking? (continued)

The Christian’s walk is also determined to keep the unity

of the spirit.

The unity of the walk is ingrained with peace. (Ephesians

4:3)

Could this be the peace that passes understanding of

Philippians 4:7)

Could this peace be a result of Christ’s work?

(Ephesians 2:14)


The Seven Ones of Unity

One Body

Ephesians 1:22-23

One Spirit

Ephesians 2:18

One Hope

Ephesians 1:18


The Seven Ones of Unity...(continued)

One Lord

1 Corinthians 1:13; 8:6

One faith

Jude 3

One baptism

Acts 2:38; 22:16


One God

Above all – shows the transcending power of God

Through all – show the immanence

In you all – shows the relationship of you and God

Note 1 Corinthians 8:6 and John 1:1-3

The Seven Ones of Unity...(continued)


Your Walk in Unity

Is your walk a worthy walk?

Are you using your peace to pursue unity?





The Strength of the New ManThe Strength of the New Man









places...”







God...”

















Lesson #5Lesson #5

The Strength of the New The Strength of the New

ManMan


“...to put off your old self, which belongs to

your former manner of life and is corrupt

through deceitful desires, and to be

renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put

on the new self, created after the likeness

of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

(Ephesians 4: 22-23, ESV)



Spiritual Fitness

Cross Training (Mark 8:34-38)

Paul fought and ran a race. (2 Timothy 4:7)

Paul disciplined himself. (1 Corinthians 9:24)

(Hebrews 12:1)


Training for Spiritual Fitness

How are you training for spiritual warfare?

Parents :

Are you training your children for their spiritual future?

(2 Timothy 1:5).

Are you on the one path? (Matthew 7:13, 14)


The Ephesians Strength Building Routine

Step #1 – Dead in trespasses and sin but made alive

(Ephesians 2:1-5)

Step #2 – Paul’s encouragement to walk worthy.

(Ephesians 4:1)

Step #3 – Paul’s encouragement not to walk as the

Gentiles. (Ephesians 4:17)

Step #4 – Follow the path in truth and Jesus. (Ephesians

4:21)

Step #5 – Clothed in the new garments of Christ.

(Ephesians 4:22-24)


Why did the Ephesians have strength?

The Ephesians were different because of what they left. (Ephesians 4:25-31)

Falsehood > Truth


Strength Built on Actions

The Ephesians were different because of their actions: (Ephesians 4:26-31)

Sinning through anger (verse 26)

Giving the devil no opportunity (verse 27)

Working with their hands for something to share (verse

28)

Words of encouragement and grace (verse 29)

Not grieving the Hold Spirit (verse 30)

Putting away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander

and malice. (verse 31)


Strength built on Actions ..continued

The Ephesians were different because of what they did (Ephesians 4:32).

Kindness to one another

Tenderhearted attitudes

Forgiving one another


“…and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised

him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places…”

(Ephesians 1:19-20, ESV)

The lives of the Ephesians Christians are

different because of who they came in

contact with – Jesus!


How is your life different?

Step #1 – Are you alive in Christ? (Ephesians 2:1-5)

Step #2 – Are you walking worthy? (Ephesians 4:1)

Step #3 – Have you gone back to your old ways?

(Ephesians 4:17)

Step #4 – Are you on the right path? (Ephesians 4:21)

Step #5 – Are you strong in the garment of Christ.

(Ephesians 4:22-24)





Walking in the ways of the EphesiansWalking in the ways of the Ephesians









places...”







God...”


























Lesson #6Lesson #6

Finding Strength in Finding Strength in

WalkingWalking

Finding Strength in WalkingFinding Strength in Walking

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved

children. And walk in love, as Christ loved

us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant

offering and sacrifice to God. “

(Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV; emphasis mine)



Walk in Love

They are motivated to walk in love because of Christ’s

sacrifice. (Ephesians 5:2)

To become an imitator they must put away fleshly

things. (Ephesians 5:3-6)


Walk as Children of Light

“Therefore do not associate with them; for at one time

you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found

in all that is good and right and true)”

(Ephesians 5:7-9, ESV)


Walk Circumspectly

To walk circumspectly means to walk carefully.

Why does Paul want them to walk wisely?

They can most the most of their time. (Ephesians 5:15-

16)

Wisdom is the principle thing. (Proverbs 4:7)

Wisdom is more valuable than gold. (Proverbs 16:16)

It will bring them into a different lifestyle. (Ephesians

5:18-21)


How can you walk the Ephesian walk?

#1#1 Strive to imitators of GodStrive to imitators of God

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Note 1 Corinthians 4:16


How can you walk the Ephesians walk?

#2#2 Remain in the light:Remain in the light:

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

(1 John 1:5-7, ESV)


#3#3 Make wisdom a priority:Make wisdom a priority:

Wisdom’s benefits are many (Proverbs 4:5-10)

Wisdom keeps you from evil. (Proverbs 5:1-2)

Wisdom changes life. (James 3:17)

How can you walk the Ephesians walk?





God’s Plan of ObedienceGod’s Plan of Obedience









places...”







God...”






























offering and sacrifice to God.”



Lesson #7Lesson #7

The Strength of MarriageThe Strength of Marriage


“This mystery is profound, and I am saying

that it refers to Christ and the church.

However, let each of you love his wife as

himself, and let the wife see that she

respects her husband.”

(Ephesians 5:32-33 ESV)



Tough Words

The words of this morning’s lessons may seem foolish

to the eyes of the world, but always remember 1

Corinthians 1:18-25.

Paul shows the Ephesians Christians that the marriage

relationship is similar to Christ’s relationship with the

church.


The Strength of Submission

Submission is the humble obedience to another’s

will.

The submission of the wife is as her submission

to the Lord:

Each person submits his or herself to God.

(James 4:7)

This submission is as a result of the head.

(Ephesians 5:23)


The Strength of Submission

The wife’s submission is as the church submits to

Christ:

“Now as the church submits to Christ, so also the

wives shoudl submit in everything to their husbands”

(Ephesians 5:24, ESV)


The Strength of Love

Husbands are to love their wives in the same manner that Christ loved the church. (Ephesians 2:25, 28)

Christ gave himself for the church. (Ephesians 5:25)

Christ made the church a priority. (Ephesians 5:25-27)

Christ did whatever it took to make the church glorious. (Ephesians 5:28, 29)


The Strength of Sacrifice

There is sacrifice in leaving father and mother and joining to become one flesh. (Ephesians 5:31)

The leaving and cleaving has to do with dependance upon each other.

Genesis 2:23-24


Paul proclaims the mystery of Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:32)

Marriage is strengthened by Christ and the church and the marriage can strengthen the church.

Love and respect take physical, emotional, mental and spiritual sacrifice.

So does following God. (Matthew10:37-39)

The Strength of Sacrifice





The Strength in ObedienceThe Strength in Obedience









places...”







God...”









































Lesson #8Lesson #8

The Strength of The Strength of

ObedienceObedience

The Strength of ObedienceThe Strength of Obedience

“…with a sincere heart, as you would

Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as

people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ,

doing the will of God from the heart,

rendering service with a good will as to the

Lord and not to man .”

(Ephesians 6:5b-7 ESV)



InterestingThoughts

“Christ was one child who knew more than his parents -

yet he obeyed them.”

“The Christian who claims the promises of God should also

obey the commands of God”

“The cost of obedience is nothing compared with the cost

of disobedience”


The Strength of Obedience in Children

God wants children to obey their parents.

(Deuteronomy 6:1-8)

Paul reminds the Ephesians of the ten

commandments and the prmoise within.

(Ephesians 6:2-3)


The Strength of Fathers

Paul encourages fathers to:

Bring children up in discipline,

And in instruction of the Lord.


The Strength of Workplace Obedience

Slave are to obey their masters with:

Real actions (Ephesians 6:6)

As servants of Christ (Ephesians 6:6)

Rendering service with good will (Ephesians 6:7)


Rewards of Obedience

The rewards of obedience are obvious:

The children can live long and prosper. (Ephesians 6:3)

The slaves reward will come. (Ephesians 6:8)


“A patient cannot accept the physician and, at the same time, reject his remedy”

“God’s laws last longer than those who break them.”

2 Thessalonians 1:8

Hebrews 5:9

Your Obedience





The Strength in BattleThe Strength in Battle









places...”







God...”


















































Lesson #8Lesson #8












Strength in the Armor

You cannot fight this battle alone. (Ephesians 6:10)

The strength to stand comes from the armor of God.

(Ephesians 6:11)

The armor is given by God. (Ephesians 6:11)


The Battle

The battle is against the power of the devil.

(Ephesians 6:11, 13)

He is crafty. (2 Corinthians 11:3)

He is a deciever. (2 Corinthians 11:14)

He is powerful. (Ephesians 2:2)

He is wicked. (1 John 2:13)


Seven Pieces of Armor

Lower Body:

Girded at the waist with truth. (Ephesians 6:14)

Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel.

(Ephesians 6:15)



Upper Body:

Breastplate of righteousness. (Ephesians 6:17)

Shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16)



The rewards of obedience are obvious:

The children can live long and prosper. (Ephesians 6:3)

The slaves reward will come. (Ephesians 6:8)


Head:

Helmet of salvation. (Ephesians 6:17)

Praying always in the Spirit. (Ephesians 6:18)



Weapon:

The sword of the Spirit. (Ephesian 6:17)



When the battle comes, a Christian needs the power and strength of the Lord found in the armor of God.

You cannot stand alone, but with God you can face anything:

Romans 8:31

Where is Your Strength in the Daily Battle



StrengtheniStrengthening the ng the ChurchChurchThe Strength of the Church Depends

on You!