women in the word ephesians 1:1–23 · 2018-05-19 · women in the word ephesians 1:1–23 october...

Women in the Word Ephesians 1:1–23 October 15, 2015 1. Read Ephesians 1:3-14 which is written in the style of a thanksgiving psalm. Next, look back

at verses 1-2. Who is the sender and who is the recipient of this letter?

2. Read verses 3-6 and list the specific blessings that come to us from God the Father.

The name “Beloved” and the reference “in him” both refer to Jesus Christ. Read verses 7-12 and list the specific blessings that come to us from Jesus. Read verses 13-14 and list the specific blessings that come to us from the Holy Spirit.

3. If you are a follower of Jesus, then you have received the same blessings! Write a personal statement, including your name that describes what God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have already done for you in order to bless you. Stop now and say a prayer of thanks.

4. God choosing specific individuals and pre-determining specific events is described in Ephesians 1:4-5. Read Deuteronomy 7:6-8, John 6:70, John 15:16 and 2 Thessalonians 2:13 and briefly describe the consistent actions of God and Jesus toward men. Read Ephesians 1: 4-5 again and record for what purpose God chose His followers. What did He predestine for them? When did He make this choice? As modern women we struggle to find our identity and even scramble to earn it, but what does Paul help us to see about our true identity?

Women in the Word Ephesians 1:1-23 | October 15, 2015

5. In Ephesians 1:9-10 Paul describes a formerly mysterious plan of God now revealed. Read

Romans 12:4-5, Galatians 3:26-28 and Ephesians 3:6 in addition and describe God’s plan.

6. Paul repeats a phrase throughout this passage that reveals God’s purpose for blessing His followers. Read carefully Ephesians 1:6, 12 and 14 and record the phrase. Considering this phrase, what is God’s purpose in granting these blessings?

7. How do you define glory? List some things/people in our modern world that are glorified. Read Exodus 33:18-23 and 34:5-7. In response to Moses’ request to see God’s glory, what does God reveal about Himself that truly deserves glory? Read John 1:14-18 and describe how glory is revealed in Jesus Christ. Consider and write down specific things you can do to give God glory in your life.

8. Ephesians 1:13-14 describes the conversion experience. List the three events that occur in specific order. What words used to describe the work of the Holy Spirit in our conversion experience suggest permanence?

If the Holy Spirit is our guarantee/deposit of our inheritance, what do we learn about our value and worth to God and about the certainty of our inheritance?


9. Read Ephesians 1:15-23. Paul asks God to help the believers grasp the full meaning of what

three specific blessings in verses 18-19?

10. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 and Romans 8:38-39 and record the hope that is certain to

every follower of Jesus.

11. In Ephesians 1:18, who is the recipient of this inheritance? Read 1 Peter 2:9-10 for better understanding. How does knowing that you are a prized inheritance for God change your perception of your life?

12. Read carefully Ephesians 1:19-22 and describe all that God’s power has accomplished.

Have you ever felt powerless over a specific struggle with sin? How does knowing the extent of God’s power working in you change your view of “overpowering” sin?

13. After considering the generous spiritual blessings you have received and God’s purpose for

these blessings, write a personal mission statement that summarizes who you are and what you live for. Prayerfully commit to reorder your life in keeping with your identity in Christ.

14. Do you have a personal prayer request to share with your small group?

Women in the Word Ephesians 2 October 22, 2015 1. All believers are on a spiritual journey. How might you briefly describe the past, present and

future of your journey with God?

Read Ephesians 2:1-10. What are the past, present and future truths for all people who are journeying with God? Past - Present - Future - After reading these verses, use just one word to describe each area of your walk with God – past, present and future. You will have three words in all.

2. Read Ephesians 2:1-10 again and summarize all that you learn about salvation in these verses. What is your favorite verse in 2:1-10 and why?

Women in the Word Ephesians 2 | October 22, 2015

Page 2 3. Read Ephesians 2:11-12. What is the spiritual condition of Gentiles that are apart

from Christ?

What descriptive words does Paul use to define these Gentiles in verses 11 and 12? Read Romans 1:18-25 and explain the sinful choices made by the Gentiles that led them to forsake the one true God.

4. In Ephesians 2:12 we read that Israel had the privilege of covenantal promises from God. What can we learn about God’s plan for the Jews from Jeremiah 31:33-34? According to Jesus in Matthew 23:37-38, what sinful choices made by the Jews led them to abandon God’s plan for them?

All people in this world find themselves in what undeniable predicament? Read Romans 3:9-12.

5. Paul reminded the Gentiles of their separation from God in the former verses to celebrate their new position with God thanks to His goodness and grace. Read Ephesians 2:13. Why are these Gentiles who were far from God now brought near?

Read Romans 5:8-9 and explain what part your goodness and good works played in bringing you near to God.

Women in the Word Ephesians 2 | October 22, 2015

Page 3 6. Read Ephesians 2:14-18. Only the Jews had the prophets, the Law, the promises of God’s

presence and blessings and the distinct calling to be a nation that worshipped the one true God. How might these truths play into the hostility that existed between the Jews and the Gentiles? The Jews had accepted their divine blessings from God but not their divine mission. What was it? Read Isaiah 42:6, Isaiah 49:6 and Isaiah 62:1-2.

What did Christ accomplish regarding the Jewish/Gentile hostility and how did He do it according to Ephesians 2:14-18?

7. Read Ephesians 2:19-22. Paul closes his discussion by giving four metaphors to illustrate the unity of the body of Christ. Read each metaphor along with a verse that further explains it and record what you learn about this unity. Fellow Citizens (Philippians 3:20) God’s Household (Romans 8:14-16) A Holy Temple (1 Peter 2:4-5) A Dwelling Place (2 Corinthians 6:16) Read Ephesians 2:20 again. Why must Jesus Christ be the cornerstone of God’s household? Read 1 Peter 2:6, 9-10 for added insight. In what way have the apostles and prophets laid the foundation of God’s household? Read Ephesians 3:4-5 and 4:11-13 for added insight.

8. As you walk with God, who are the people He has placed alongside you to strengthen and bless the past, present and future of your spiritual journey?


Women in the Word Ephesians 3:1-21 October 29, 2015 1. Read Ephesians chapter 3. In which verse does Paul begin to pray for the Ephesians?

2. Verse one begins with, “For this reason ….” Look back at Ephesians 2:11-16 to find the reason Paul would have felt the urgency to pray for the believers in Ephesus. What problems can arise when uniting two very separate groups of people? What do the following verses tell us about unity in Christ? Galatians 3:27-29 Acts 15:7-9

3. The three-part mystery revealed by Paul in Ephesians 3:6 is a summary of Ephesians 2:11-22. List the three parts of the mystery from Ephesians 3:6. Think about and explain how each part would affect the Jewish believers as well as the Gentile believers.

4. Purpose and power are the two major themes running through Ephesians 3. Read Ephesians 3:7-13. What was God’s purpose in revealing this mystery to Paul? What does God require of us since He has revealed His mystery to us through the Scriptures?

Look at verses 7-8, along with 1 Timothy 1:12-14. What is Paul’s assessment of himself in these verses?

How do you think Paul’s honest assessment of himself would help him carry out his mission to take the gospel to a lost world?


Page 2 5. Because like Paul our purpose is to carry the gospel to the lost, it is important for us to

honestly assess ourselves in the light of God’s perfect righteousness. Using Paul’s example, write a brief self-assessment. Read Romans 8:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. How do these Scriptures give you hope?

6. In Ephesians 3:14-15, Paul returns to his initial purpose in Ephesians 3 which is to pray for the spiritual welfare of believers in Ephesus. What four things does Paul pray for the Ephesians in verses 16-19?

7. One of the things that Paul prays for is that Christ would dwell in the hearts of the believers

in Ephesus. In your own words describe what it means to have Christ dwell in your heart.

8. In verse 19, Paul prays that the Ephesians would know the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge. Look up the following portions of Scripture and record what each one tells us about Christ’s love for us. Romans 8:38-39 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 Ephesians 5:2 1 John 3:16 Explain why we must first understand Christ’s love for us before we can effectively love others.


Page 3 9. Paul’s final request is that the Ephesians would be filled with the fullness of God. Look up

the word “fullness” and write a definition that applies to the fullness of God.

What are some practical ways you can be filled with the fullness of God? 10. Paul ends Ephesians 3 with a doxology to God. A doxology is a group of words containing

an ascription of praise to God. What does Paul praise God for in verses 20-21?

Thinking back on what you know about Paul’s life, why would these specific praises to God be significant to Paul?

In light of what God is currently doing in your life, write a doxology to the Lord. 11. Which part of Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians in verses 14-21 is most significant to

you? Explain. 12. Throughout the New Testament, we see Paul praying for the spiritual welfare of other

believers and also writing letters to each of them to encourage them in their spiritual walk. Make a list of believers that you will commit to praying for over the next several weeks and, like Paul, write them a note to encourage them in their spiritual walk.


Women in the Word Ephesians 4:1-16 November 5, 2015 1. Read Ephesians 4:1-3. The opening phrase that includes “then” or “therefore” refers back to

the truths expressed in the first three chapters where Paul describes the character of the body of believers, which is the Church. Look back at Ephesians 1:4 and 2:19 and describe the new life that the Church is called to live. What is Paul asking them to maintain or keep in 4:3? How do the attributes in verse 4:2 contribute to unity? Read Ephesians 2:14-16 and note who has already created unity and peace.

2. Read Ephesians 4:4-6. Here Paul gives the foundation of our unity in Christ. Read and consider the doctrinal teachings from Galatians and Ephesians that describe these foundations of unity in Christ. One body – Ephesians 3:6 One spirit – Ephesians 1:13 One hope – Ephesians 1:18 One Lord – Ephesians 1:22-23 One faith – Galatians 2:16 One baptism – Galatians 3:27 One God – Galatians 3:26 Knowing these foundations of unity, how can you contribute to unity in the body of Christ?

3. Read Ephesians 4:7-13 where Paul transitions from the unity of the whole church to the uniqueness of individual believers. Read Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Peter 4:10 and explain what makes individuals distinct within the Church. What is the purpose for these distinctions?

Women in the Word Ephesians 4:1-16 | November 5, 2015

Page 2 4. Are you aware of your own spiritual gift? Share with the group a specific way you have been

able to use your gift to serve the Church. 5. According to Ephesians 4:7-8, who is the giver of the gift of grace?

6. Read Ephesians 4:11-12 carefully and note how the language about gifts changes. Christ gave to the Church people who were gifted in different ways. What different groups are listed in verse 11? What were these gifted people intended to accomplish according to verse 12? What would also be accomplished according to verse 13?

7. Read Ephesians 4:13-16, which describe evidence of spiritual growth and maturity. According to verse 13, who is the standard for maturity? Read Romans 8:29 and 2 Corinthians 3:18 and describe this level of maturity. How does God transform us to the image of Christ?

Women in the Word Ephesians 4:1-16 | November 5, 2015

Page 3 8. List some evidence of immaturity that is described in Ephesians 4:14.

What does this description suggest about these immature believers? What forces work in the spiritually immature to make them unstable?

9. Have you ever been tossed to and fro by false teaching? What impact did that have on your life? How were you brought back to the true teachings of God’s Word?

10. In contrast, Ephesians 4:15 describes moving toward maturity. What will the mature believer do if he is growing in Christ? Consider and share why it is important for love and truth to work together. Have you ever experienced truth without love or love without truth? What did you learn from that experience?

11. Ephesians 4:16 paints a beautiful picture of cooperation using the human body as an example. Use your own words to describe the cooperation that occurs among the members of God’s Church.


Women in the Word Ephesians 4:17–5:21 November 12, 2015 1. What groups or organizations are you a part of? How does your participation shape

your identity?

2. Read Ephesians 4:17-24. List the phrases Paul uses to describe the Gentiles (nonbelievers). What are some of the outcomes of living in these dark ways that you’ve either experienced or witnessed?

3. How does Paul describe the Christ-follower in Ephesians 4:23-24?

What else do we learn about our “new self” according to the following verses? 2 Corinthians 5:17 Galatians 2:20 Ephesians 2:10 Colossians 3:3 1 Peter 2:9-10 Take a moment to let the enormity of these blessings sink in. How might your life be affected if you meditate on these truths regularly?

Women in the Word Ephesians 4:17–5:21 | November 12, 2015

Page 2 4. Read Ephesians 4:25-32. Paul identifies some behaviors that are no longer fitting for the

believer and some that should be a part of the Christian’s life. Chart the behaviors we can expect in the lives of non-Christians (old life) and Christians (new life).

Old Life New Life Vs. 25 Vs. 26-27 Vs. 28 Vs. 29 Vs. 31-32 Using the above traits as a guideline, where have you seen true personal transformation as you have walked with Christ? What is one behavior you know you still need to allow God to transform? What steps can you take to begin that process of transformation today? Who can you share this plan with so they can check in with you and see how that process is going in the next few weeks?

5. Read Ephesians 5:1-2. In the middle of Paul’s instructions for holy living, he stops and reminds us of what Christ accomplished on our behalf. How could you explain the phrases “gave himself up for us” and “a fragrant offering” to someone unfamiliar with the Bible? What difference does this truth make in your everyday life?


Page 3 6. Read Ephesians 5:3-5 and 18-21 along with Psalm 28:7 and Psalm 106:1. How can

practicing thankfulness to God diminish the temptation toward the sins that Paul lists in Ephesians 5:3-5?

7. Read Ephesians 5:6-14. Note how Paul contrasts light and darkness in these verses. Record the number of times Paul uses the term “light” in these verses. Where does Paul say the “fruit of light” is found? After reading Jesus’ words in John 8:12 and Matthew 5:14-16, describe what it means to you to let your light shine before others.

8. Read Ephesians 5:15-17 along with 5:6,10 and 4:23. List the ways we can guard our minds and live an obedient life. Why is our thinking such an integral part of living a life of obedience to God? Assuming you will get pushback at some time for living according to biblical truth, what verse from today’s lesson will you hold on to for encouragement and to remember the benefits of our new life in Christ? What specifically about this verse makes it encouraging to you?


Women in the Word Ephesians 5:21–6:24 November 19, 2015 1. Why do you think the word “submission” carries such a bad connotation in our world?

Read Philippians 2:1-8. What are some of the godly outcomes of a submissive spirit that the world often overlooks? What did Christ’s submission to His Father accomplish for us?

2. Last week we looked at Paul’s encouraging words describing the lifestyle of an obedient Christian. Read Ephesians 5:19-21. What is Paul’s view of submission and why? As Paul is describing the joyful and unified behavior of the Church in these verses, he also gives an admonition about submission. How are these things connected? Also read Ephesians 4:1-3.

3. Paul is about to explain the importance of submission in personal daily relationships. Why do you think he feels the need to look closely at submission outside of the church walls?

4. Read Ephesians 5:22-24 as Paul begins to address specific individual’s responsibilities of submission. List everything that you learn about a wife’s responsibility to submit to her husband. What do you learn about the relationship between Jesus and the Church in these verses?

How can a wife’s submission to her husband actually be a divine opportunity when you consider how you answered the last question?


Page 2 5. Read these verses on God’s design for submission and share your insights.

1 Corinthians 11:3 Colossians 3:18-20 Titus 2:4-5 1 Peter 3:1-2

6. Read Ephesians 5:25-30 to realize the huge responsibility that God gives husbands in their relationship with their wives. Sum up this responsibility in one word. What makes this a higher love than any worldly love?

Record all of the results of Christ’s love for the Church from these verses. How might these acts of Christ’s love for the Church illustrate the love of a husband for his wife?

7. Read Ephesians 5:31-33 along with Genesis 2:20-24. Who instituted marriage and the importance of commitment and devotion in this sacred union? Write down the specific responsibility for the husband and the wife from verse 33 in Ephesians 5.

A German theologian and pastor said these words when he performed his niece’s wedding: “Love will not sustain your marriage; but your marriage will sustain your love.” After reading God’s plan for women and men in marriage, what do you think he meant?


Page 3 8. Read Ephesians 6:1-4. Again we see submission from one individual being partnered with

love from the other. Explain the child/parent responsibilities in these verses.

9. Read Ephesians 6:5-9. We can find the definition of godly submission in verse six. What is it? Does submission negate equality? Why or why not?

10. Read Ephesians 6:10-20. Let’s look closely at the armor of God that His followers must wear. Why must we wear it?

How would each piece of God’s armor specifically give us strength against forces of evil? Belt of truth - Breastplate of righteousness - Shoes of the gospel of peace - Shield of faith - Helmet of salvation - Sword of the spirit - What is another important tool against the devil’s schemes in verse 18? Look over all the supplies that God has given us to live victorious lives for Him. Which piece of armor do you need to polish up and reinforce in your life?

11. Read Paul’s final words to the Ephesians in 6:21-24. What is always on Paul’s heart?


women in the word ephesians 1:1–23 · 2018-05-19 · women in the word ephesians 1:1–23 october...

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