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Eph

esia

nsLEADER’SGUIDE

In-depth Small GroupBible Studies

more thanwe ask

or imagine

Kenneth A. Baker

EPHESIANS

more thanwe ask

or imagine

EPHESIANS

Kenneth A. Baker

Eph

esia

nsLEADER’SGUIDE


Grand Rapids, Michigan

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations in this publication are from theHOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, © 1973, 1978, 1984,International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

Cover photo: Jupiter Images

Word Alive: In-depth Small Group Bible Studies

Ephesians: More Than We Ask or Imagine (Leader’s Guide), © 2006 (RevisedEdition) by Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, GrandRapids, MI 49560. All rights reserved. With the exception of brief excerpts forreview purposes, no part of this book may be reproduced in any mannerwhatsoever without written permission from the publisher. Printed in theUnited States of America on recycled paper.

Note: This study material is revised from the Revelation Series format in which itwas first published in 1996.

We welcome your comments. Call us at 1-800-333-8300 or e-mail us [email protected].


ISBN 1-59255-286-2

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Contents

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Lesson 1: From Eternity, for All Things, Forever . . . . . . . . . . 9Lesson 2: Sealed with the Spirit to Hope in Christ. . . . . . . . 17Lesson 3: A New Creation—by Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Lesson 4: Hostility Erased . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Lesson 5: Called to Serve and Grow—

More Than We Imagine!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Lesson 6: Unity Toward Maturity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Lesson 7: Children of Darkness, Children of Light . . . . . . . 58Lesson 8: Marriage, Families, and Workers in Christ . . . . . . 66Lesson 9: Under Attack, Standing Firm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

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Introduction

This Word Alive leader’s guide provides background informationand discussion suggestions for the in-depth small group adultBible study Ephesians: More Than We Ask or Imagine. Kenneth A.Baker, author of this leader’s guide, is a Christian Reformedpastor in Kalamazoo, Michigan; he also serves as associatetheological editor for Faith Alive Christian Resources. DaleCooper, author of the accompanying study guide, is chaplainat Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Each member of your group, including each leader, shouldhave a study guide to use during this Bible study.

Using This Leader’s GuideThis leader’s guide is intended to be only what its title conveys:a guide. It is not meant to be followed like a cookbook, stepby step. It offers suggestions rather than prescriptions. As adiscussion leader, you should adapt all materials and proce-dures in this leader’s guide to suit the needs and abilities ofyour group members.

For each lesson in the accompanying study guide, thisleader’s guide adds background and supplementary materialthat you, as leader, can share as you see fit to enhance yourgroup’s discussion of the lesson. This guide also includesanswers to the General Discussion questions posed in the studyguide. These answers are meant to provide you with a beginningpoint for discussion, if you find that useful. No claim is madefor completeness, however, or for having the “last word.”

You’ll also notice a brief lesson plan for small group use(explained below) in both the study guide and this leader’sguide. We hope you find this feature useful as you and yourgroup explore this in-depth Bible study together.

Use what you can in this leader’s guide, but feel free toadapt, substitute, and revise. Pose your own questions and seekanswers based on your study and on the insights of groupmembers. Your ultimate goal is not simply to cover the lesson

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material but to lead the group into an encounter with theliving Word of God.

Small Group StudyEach of the following lessons contains a basic lesson plan thatyou can use or adapt to suit your own small group’s style andneeds. You’ll find the lesson plan under Small Group SessionIdeas at the end of each lesson’s material in both the studyguide and this leader’s guide.

Small groups tend to use various kinds of formats in theirmeetings. Some groups meet for a couple of hours every week;others meet for an hour every two or three weeks. Some studythe Bible for an hour and then divide into groups of two orthree for an additional hour of confidential prayer-and-sharetime; others study the Bible for a half to three-quarters of anhour and then spend about fifteen minutes in sharing andprayer. The formats may vary from one small group strategy tothe next, but each one will usually include most of the elementsfound in the basic plan suggested in this study series. Sowhatever format you’re used to, we hope you’ll find most ofthe elements in the lesson plan adaptable to your group and toits particular style and needs. Feel free to add, omit, reorganize,or change any of the elements you find in this basic plan.

The lesson plan includes the essential elements of a smallgroup study, so if you’re new to the small group approach andyou’d like to try it, this will give you a taste of what small groupstudy is like. Many groups that have tried the small groupapproach find it extremely rewarding, mainly because theelements of sharing one’s feelings and giving one’s personalinput can become trust-building, friendship-building, andconfidence-building when coupled with group confidentialityand integrity. Within the body of Christ and with directionprovided by the Word of God, small group study can result infellowship and spiritual growth, to God’s glory. While beinginwardly focused in the areas of sharing and developingpersonal expression, the small group approach, if it’s healthy,also focuses on looking and reaching outward for the benefit ofothers. Both the inward and the outward focuses are essentialin the church and in the individual Christian life.

Here’s a brief overview of the basic plan you’ll find underSmall Group Session Ideas in each lesson:

• The lesson plan is divided into several timed sections to helpyou keep pace for your group’s meeting time. The suggestedtimes for each section total about 60-75 minutes. Some

E P H E S I A N S : M O R E T H A N W E A S K O R I M A G I N E

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groups will use 75 minutes or more; others will use 60minutes or even less. Use whatever time your group needsor is most comfortable with. Never feel pressured to workthrough all of the discussion questions if you don’t haveenough time. Pick and choose the ones you and your groupthink are appropriate or most applicable.

• For the Opening of your session we suggest a brief time forbeginning with prayer and with sharing your past week’sexperiences, especially with regard to any personal andspiritual goals you’ve set. You may also wish to includesinging or a devotional-type reading during this time. Thenwe invite you to focus on main points of the lesson to keepin mind as you move into Bible study.

• The Growing section of your session includes some briefsuggestions on reading the Scripture passage and the studyguide notes, if your group likes to read before getting intodiscussion. Group members should be aware that it’s importantto at least read through the Scripture and study guide notes beforemeeting together. They may also wish to prepare answers todiscussion questions before meeting. Also included are sug-gestions for using some of the General Discussion questionsalong with process questions that are designed specificallyfor small group use. These questions generally guide yourthinking process from what you think to what you might do inJesus’ name in view of the topic for a particular session.

• The next section is Goalsetting, in which you commit to apersonal spiritual goal as a result of the Bible study you havejust completed.

• The Closing section of your session includes a time for sharingprayer concerns and praises before you join with the groupin a concluding prayer.

• Several sessions also include group project ideas that someor all of your group members may wish to try. The projectsare for study or hands-on work or both, and their purpose isfor outreach or for teaching that can enhance the group’soutward focus.

Using the Study GuideEach person in your group should have a study guide to use athome and during meetings. The material for each lesson in thestudy guide includes the Scripture passage to be studied,thought-provoking notes and commentary on the Scripture,

I N T R O D U C T I O N

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and several discussion questions that will help your groupapply the Scripture to their daily living.

Some groups like to read the Scripture passage and the lessonnotes during their meeting—and that can be helpful for makingthe material fresh in everyone’s mind while doing the sessiontogether. Because of the volume of material in each lesson,however, we suggest that group members spend twenty minutesor so familiarizing themselves with the lesson material aheadof time so that when everyone meets together, any readingwill serve as review and the group can move efficiently intodiscussion time.

Your Role as LeaderBeing a leader of adults can be a serious, humbling business.While you’re preparing for a lesson, the doubts may comethick and fast: “How did I get talked into this? I’m no Biblescholar . . . no teacher. . . . How do I dare instruct my friendsfrom church in the Word of God?” If that happens, bereminded that leading a group is more than methodology,more than a grab bag of skills. Leading a group study is a callingfor which God’s Spirit will equip you.

And leading a group is not the same as teaching. A teacheris somewhat of an “authority” on his or her subject; a leader isless so. A teacher may be somewhat separated from the class; aleader is part of the group. A teacher carefully works towardspecific objectives, often centered on mastery of content; agroup leader works more with process and people than withobjectives, seeking to encourage each person to participate andgrow. Together, leader and group seek to understand and obeythe Word of God. Together they share their questions andinsights. Together they pray for one another and strengthenone another.

When you meet with your group, Christ will be there byyour side, through his Word and Spirit, gathering his people.This is what makes your role possible . . . and profitable.

Our prayers go with you as you lead others.

—Faith Alive Christian Resources


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1

EPHESIANS 1:1-10

From Eternity, for AllThings, ForeverAuthor and Readers?Anyone wading into the waters of Ephesians soon discoversmany questions about the author and destination of this letter.Some scholars argue that the author could not have been Paul.The style, vocabulary, and ideas, they say, are far different fromthose of Paul’s other letters. Further, the skeptics say, Ephesianslacks specific historical references and includes no personalgreetings. These factors have led many to suggest that Ephesianswas written by a committed follower of Paul sometime afterthe apostle’s death and that this person assumed Paul’s nameto lend authority to his writing.

Others are inclined to give Paul more credit for being able toadapt his style and vocabulary. They suggest that the letter wasintended not for one particular community but for circulationto many communities in the region of Ephesus. As forthoughts and ideas, everything in Ephesians is consistent withPaul’s other writings. The difference is only in the maturity anddevelopment of Paul’s thought. In fact, Ephesians has drawnaccolades for being “the crown of St. Paul’s writings” (ArmitageRobinson) and “the greatest and maturest of all Paul’s writings”(John Mackay).

While scholars continue the debate, we do well to acceptand read the letter as it has come to us. Not only does theauthor identify himself as Paul in the opening address, but allother references that he makes to himself and his situation inthe rest of the letter are consistent with what we know ofPaul—his strong sense of calling, his imprisonment, his passionfor a unified church of Jews and Gentiles, his high view of the

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church, his concern for moral purity, and especially his con-viction that the future has begun with the coming of Christ.

With regard to the letter’s first readers and their situation,many scholars have noted that Ephesians is more general thanPaul’s other letters. Paul does not name specific people orproblems among the community of this letter’s intended read-ers. Even so, we can draw some reasonable conclusions aboutthese readers. Just as a first-time visitor to your church canlearn many things about your congregation on the basis of thesermon content and prayers, so also we can learn importantthings about the original readers of Ephesians on the basis ofthis letter. For example, we can assume from Ephesians 5:21-6:4 that these early Christians needed to grow in the area offamily and marriage relationships. We can also assume fromthe prayer in Ephesians 1:17-23 that these were Christians whostill had much room for growth in their faith and knowledge.

Beginning with a DoxologyFollowing the opening words of address (1:1-2), Paul adopts anunusual approach. He moves immediately to a lengthy dox-ology, or eulogy (1:3-14; beginning with the Greek wordeulogetos, meaning “Praise to” or “Blessed be”). The only otherbiblical letter in which Paul uses this approach is 2 Corinthians.Otherwise he usually moves from words of address to words ofthanksgiving as he opens a letter. Beginning with a doxology mayalso strike many of us as unusual for another reason: many of usare conditioned to expect the singing of a doxology at or near theend of a worship service.

Though Paul appears to be swept away with joy and praiseas he describes the great things God has done (as noted in thestudy guide), the apostle is ever mindful of his purpose in writing.While the approach is unusual for Paul and perhaps surprisingto us, it fits beautifully with his desire to motivate his readers.Paul wants to bolster their sense of identity as God’s peopleredeemed in Christ. Notice also the content of this blessing. Astheologian John Stott puts it, Paul “begins by blessing God forblessing us with every conceivable blessing” in or through theSon by the presence of the Holy Spirit.

What a great way to renew the confidence and self-image ofdiscouraged, weary Christians! Just as many of us experiencewhen we join in to sing the “Hallelujah Chorus,” we can’t helpbeing stirred to awe and praise!


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GENERAL DISCUSSIONNote: Before you begin your group discussion, you (and the restof your group) may find it worthwhile to get a sense of howmuch your group members already know about Ephesians,since it’s a well-known book of many major Christian teachings.A simple exercise such as asking if anyone can name two orthree themes or important teachings in this letter of Paul willhelp give you an idea of how much your group membersalready know. An exercise like this may even work as an ice-breaker if some or all of the group members don’t know eachother well. Use the group’s feedback to gauge their readiness todig into the following discussion questions.

1. No sooner has Paul given his readers the loaded greeting “Graceand peace to you . . .” than he launches into soaring praise to “theGod and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Why? What has Paulgot to sing about? What effect might such an opening have on hisreaders?

A brief review of the study guide’s comments on “graceand peace” (in the section “An Apostle . . . to the Saints”)will be helpful in starting off your discussion. From thereyou’ll want to make the connection between the richmeaning in these terms and how they can inspire thebeliever to praise flowing from deep within one’s being,praise that glorifies God for creating us and redeeming us inJesus Christ. The preceding section “Beginning with aDoxology” will also help in discussing the praise Paul offersand how it aims to build up the Ephesian Christians toremind them of who they are “in Christ.”

Most group members will know what a doxology is,though your church may use different language to describesuch a song of praise. To help everyone focus on the wonderof praising God, consider reading or singing together one ofyour church’s favorite praise songs. Discuss together whysongs like these lift up the spirits of Christian worshipers.True praise is never an end in itself but reminds us of thewonderful things the one great and almighty God has donefor us. Praise points us to God, the source of all “grace andpeace.”

2. What does it mean to be “blessed . . . in the heavenly realms withevery spiritual blessing” (Eph. 1:3)? Make a list of the spiritualblessings you have, and share one or two of your answers withyour group.

L E S S O N 1 : F R O M E T E R N I T Y

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It’s important to find out how group members under-stand the language of Ephesians 1:3. Some may wonderwhat Paul means by “the heavenly realms.” Some may alsofind it an overstatement to speak of being “blessed” with“every spiritual blessing.” See the “Additional Notes” onEphesians 1:3 in the study guide for some help in thisdiscussion.

You may want to use a board or newsprint to list people’sexamples of spiritual blessings. First give group members afew minutes to make their own personal lists; then askeveryone to share items for you to jot down. Next inviteeveryone to search through Ephesians 1:3-14 to add Paul’sown contributions. (For those who may not have their ownBibles, verses 11-14 are printed with the lesson 2 material inthe study guide.)

3. When it comes to being certain about your salvation, is Ephesians1:4-6 reassuring to you? Explain. Do you have any problem withthe teaching of these verses? Explain.

This question may present a challenge, but any study ofEphesians should take care to deal with the difficult issue ofelection (predestination). For starters, you may find it helpfulto review together the opening story in the study guideabout the elderly Christian asking how she can be assured ofher salvation. While this story does not satisfy the unassuredperson’s line of questioning, it can be useful to get us thinkingabout election and why it can be such a troublesome topic.

Invariably Paul’s teaching about election in these versesleads us to ponder in awe the grace of God and the “spiritualblessing” it brings (Eph. 1:3). Paul doesn’t introduce thesubject of election to confuse us. He mentions it to bringcomfort, to encourage, and to reassure. Paul wants us tomarvel at God’s amazing grace. Be sure to emphasizeespecially that it is “in love” that God has “predestined us”(1:4-5). God chose us not in view of a perfect and obedienthumanity but, rather, in view of a fallen and hopelesshumanity in need of salvation. “In love,” through his“glorious grace,” God chose to save and adopt us throughJesus Christ.

Some group members may want to discuss God’s sover-eignty and human responsibility. Or some may raise questionsabout the timing of God’s electing choice. Avoid wanderingfar from Paul’s focus of praise and thanks to God, however.You might steer your discussion toward grace by pointing toEphesians 2:8 and asking if anyone has problems with the


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teaching of that verse. I have yet to find a church memberwho objects to that text. Point out that it is just another wayof expressing the same teaching we find in 1:4-6. Salvationis by grace alone: God chose us before we chose God!

As for our assurance of salvation—assurance is indeedpossible, but only through the guaranteed working of God’sHoly Spirit (1:13-14). Even the most devout Christians willhave doubts about their salvation at times, but by grace theHoly Spirit bolsters their assurance again and again—and asa result they often grow stronger and more mature in faith(James 1:2-4). Thankfully our salvation depends on Godalone—not on anything we can do in pursuit of godly living,nor on any strength or assurance of faith we might have.You could point out additionally that the act of redemption,mentioned by Paul in Ephesians 1:7 and explained in thestudy guide, is accomplished not by the individual whoneeds to be redeemed but only by another who is able topay the redemption price. We are saved only because Christin grace willingly redeemed us through his shed blood. AsPaul says again and again, our creation and salvation arewholly by God and for the glory of God.

4. Suppose someone curious about Christianity asked you, “What isGod doing in the world, anyway?” How would you answer?Compare your answer with Ephesians 1:10. What evidence doyou see that God is making progress in bringing “all things . . .together under . . . Christ”?

Some Christians have a rather narrow understanding ofGod’s mission in the world, as if to say, “It is God’s businessto save souls and rescue us from this awful world.” Theperspective of Ephesians 1:10 is much broader and moreinspiring! What God is doing has implications for all ofhuman society and even all of creation. It’s important toemphasize this because we live in a world that tries tosqueeze the church and Christianity into a little box. Faithis often considered a personal, private affair, even amongsome groups of Christians. So your group members will dowell to talk together about the bold vision of Ephesians 1:10.

Everyone should be able to point to such institutions asthe Christian church, Christian households, Christianschools, Christian labor associations, Christian parachurchorganizations, and so on, as areas in which we can see Godbringing things together under the headship of Christ.Together you may also wish to look at Romans 8:20-23,which speaks of the creation being “liberated from its


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bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom ofthe children of God.”

5. Why is God’s revelation called a “mystery” (Eph. 1:9)? (See alsoCol. 1:25-29.) To whom has God made this “mystery” known?What are the implications of this revelation for the church? Whatrelevance does this revelation have in our North American culturetoday?

The point of this question is first to clarify the meaning of“mystery” as defined in the “Additional Notes” on 1:9-10 inthe study guide. Group members should understand thatthis “mystery” is not some divine secret that only a fewenlightened folks can unravel. It has to do with God’s workof salvation in Jesus Christ, God’s intention to bringeverything together under Christ. More important, themystery is no longer hidden. God has revealed it to hispeople in the saving work of Christ. This means the churchof Christ holds the key to the unfolding of God’s work inthis world. What an awesome privilege and responsibility—to share the good news of God’s coming kingdom!

Invite group members to think and talk about thefragmentation and disintegration of North American cul-ture—its brokenness, racism, crime, despair, and so on. Itshouldn’t be hard to see why God’s program of salvation isrelevant to a society like ours. Jesus died to redeem us andour world, to make shalom possible for us again. And he hasassigned us, his church, “the task of testifying to the gospelof God’s grace” (Acts 20:24), as noted in the study guide.Challenge group members to give examples of how they cantestify to the gospel today—right where they are, in theirwalk and in their talk. By the Spirit’s leading, they’ll be sureto come up with some creative, inspiring examples.

SMALL GROUP SESSION IDEAS

Opening (10-15 minutes)Pray/Worship—Open your first session of this study with aprayer for God’s wisdom and guidance as you look to theScriptures to grow in faith. Thank God for bringing your grouptogether for this Bible study, and since part of this session’sfocus is on praise, consider singing together an opening praisesong to the Lord, such as “Father, I Adore You,” “Praise to theLord, the Almighty,” or “To God Be the Glory.” (As leader, besure to provide songbooks, if necessary.)


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Share—If your group is used to meeting together, you’ll want totake some time to catch up on how things have been goingsince you last met. If some or all of you haven’t been part ofthis group before, take time to introduce yourselves andperhaps each share something about yourself that you’d likethe others to know. For starters, you may want to note theexpectations you have as you begin this study of Ephesians.

Focus—The focus question in each session aims to help youconcentrate on a central truth in the lesson material and howit affects you. Ask yourself the following question as you beginthis session: What does God’s grace in Christ mean to me?

Growing (35-40 minutes)Read (Optional)—You may want to read Ephesians 1:1-10together (as well as the study guide notes) before moving intoa discussion time.

Note: Depending on your group’s familiarity with Ephesians,you may also wish to try a brief introductory exercise, asdescribed at the beginning of the General Discussion section inthe preceding leader’s notes.

Discuss—While working through the General Discussionquestions for this lesson, you may wish to include some of thefollowing process questions as they fit in with your discussion.Bear in mind that your group may not be able to cover all ofthe questions, depending on how much time you have. Be sureto mention also that group members should not feel they haveto answer a question if they would rather not.

• What have you learned about “grace and peace” in this lesson?

• What can you do to help God bring about more peace andblessing in your personal life? In your small group? In yourcommunity? In this world?

• What institutions or organizations are you involved in thatgive evidence of the Lord’s work in this world? What kindsof service do these organizations offer?


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Goalsetting (5 minutes)Try to work on the following goal in the coming week:

• Here’s what I want to do to help God bring about morepeace and blessing in this world:

Closing (10-15 minutes)Preparing for Prayer—This is a time for sharing praise items andconcerns that you’d like others to bring before God in prayerfor you, both now and in the coming week. You may also wantto ask for prayers for God’s help in meeting the goal you’ve setduring this session.

Prayer—Close your meeting with prayer, asking the Lord tohelp you live lives of praise and service for his glory. Invitegroup members to join in with their prayer concerns andpraises. Then ask for God’s blessing and guidance in thecoming weeks as you study Ephesians together, seeking tolearn and grow in faith. Before parting, you may also wish tosing a familiar praise song such as “King of Kings and Lord ofLords” or “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow.”


more thanwe ask

or imagine

Dale Cooper

EPHESIANS

Eph

esia

nsSTUDYGUIDE


more thanwe ask

or imagine

EPHESIANS

Dale Cooper

Eph

esia

nsSTUDYGUIDE


Grand Rapids, Michigan

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations in this publication are from theHOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, © 1973, 1978, 1984,International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

Cover photo: Jupiter Images

Word Alive: In-depth Small Group Bible Studies

Ephesians: More Than We Ask or Imagine (Study Guide), © 2006 (Revised Edition)by Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI49560. All rights reserved. With the exception of brief excerpts for reviewpurposes, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoeverwithout written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States ofAmerica on recycled paper.

Note: This study material is revised from the Revelation Series format in which itwas first published in 1996. “Additional Notes” sections in this study guide werewritten by Kenneth A. Baker, author of the leader’s guide for this study.

We welcome your comments. Call us at 1-800-333-8300 or e-mail us [email protected].


ISBN 1-59255-284-6

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Contents

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Lesson 1: From Eternity, for All Things, Forever . . . . . . . . . . 7Lesson 2: Sealed with the Spirit to Hope in Christ. . . . . . . . 15Lesson 3: A New Creation—by Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Lesson 4: Hostility Erased . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Lesson 5: Called to Serve and Grow—

More Than We Imagine!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Lesson 6: Unity Toward Maturity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Lesson 7: Children of Darkness, Children of Light . . . . . . . 63Lesson 8: Marriage, Families, and Workers in Christ . . . . . . 73Lesson 9: Under Attack, Standing Firm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

5

Introduction

From halfway across the Roman Empire, the apostle Paul writesto his beleaguered Christian friends in Ephesus, urging them“to keep the unity of the Spirit” so that they can “live a life oflove” in Christ (Eph. 4:3; 5:2). Though Paul himself is inprison, he encourages these believers with praise upon praiseabout who God is and what this great God has done for them.

With immeasurable love God has chosen these believersfrom eternity in Christ to be his adopted children (1:4-5). AndChrist, who now sits at the right hand of God “far above allrule and authority” (1:21), has redeemed them “through hisblood” (1:7)—both Jews and Gentiles—making them “God’speople and members of God’s household” (2:19). In this waybelievers begin to enjoy “the riches of [God’s] glorious inher-itance” even now (1:18). What’s more, God strengthens hischildren continually “with power through his Spirit” so thatChrist may live in their hearts “through faith” (3:16-17). Andby that power they can “grasp” and experience the vast love ofthis God, “who is able to do immeasurably more than all weask or imagine” (3:18-20).

In God’s “incomparably great power” (1:19) in Christ, allbelievers can “live a life worthy of the calling [they] havereceived” (4:1): to be the church, the body of Christ (1:22-23),making salvation known throughout the universe (3:10).Together we who believe can unite in the Spirit, using the giftsGod gives us to build each other up toward maturity (4:3, 12-13, 16) and to submit to one another in love, following Christ’sexample (5:1-2, 21). In the power of the Holy Spirit we caneven fend off the attacks of the devil (6:11). Equipped with“the armor of God” and praying “in the Spirit on all occa-sions,” we can “stand firm” (6:11, 14, 18)—“to the praise of[God’s] glory” (1:14).

—Paul Faber, for Faith Alive Christian Resources

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Dale Cooper, author of this study guide, is chaplain at CalvinCollege, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Kenneth A. Baker, author ofthe accompanying leader’s guide, is a Christian Reformed pastorin Kalamazoo, Michigan; he also serves as associate theologicaleditor for Faith Alive Christian Resources.


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1EPHESIANS 1:1-10

From Eternity, for AllThings, ForeverEphesians 1:1-10

1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by thewill of God,

To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful inChrist Jesus:

2Grace and peace to you from God ourFather and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3Praise be to the God and Father of ourLord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us inthe heavenly realms with every spiritualblessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in himbefore the creation of the world to be holyand blameless in his sight. In love 5hepredestined us to be adopted as his sons

through Jesus Christ, in accordance withhis pleasure and will—6to the praise of hisglorious grace, which he has freely given usin the One he loves. 7In him we haveredemption through his blood, the forgive-ness of sins, in accordance with the riches ofGod’s grace 8that he lavished on us with allwisdom and understanding. 9And hemade known to us the mystery of his willaccording to his good pleasure, which hepurposed in Christ, 10to be put into effectwhen the times will have reached theirfulfillment—to bring all things in heavenand on earth together under one head,even Christ.

Coolrefreshment forparched headsand hearts.

“Can I Really Be Sure Jesus Loves Me?”Pope Gregory I, who served as a spiritual leader to Christiansthroughout the Western world from A.D. 590-604, received aletter one day from an elderly, faithful Christian woman. Shewas troubled about her sins and wondered if she could be surethat Jesus loved her.

The woman asked the church leader, simply and directly,“Can I know, beyond doubt, that Jesus is my Savior and that hewill love me forever?” The pope’s response: “Yes, for sure.”Then she wrote another letter, asking, “How?” The response:“You must believe that he is your Savior from your sins, andyou must do good and righteous things to show that you lovehim.” In a third letter the woman asked, “What kinds ofthings? And how many?” The pope replied, “You can do a

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whole variety of things to show Jesus your love. You can pray,give to the poor, show mercy, worship, be kind . . . lots of things.And how many? Well, you can always do more, of course. . . .” Inher final letter the woman asked again, “Holy Father, if I can—and must—always do more, then can I really be sure Jesus lovesme?” The pope’s answer: “You can be almost sure.”

These searching questions and uncertain answers from1,400 years ago place us squarely in the midst of vexing issuesthat affect us still today. And that gives us a fine place to beginour study of Ephesians, because this letter of Paul, soakedrichly in spiritual insight and direction, addresses doubtsand uncertainty we can have at any age and in any era.

Every chapter of Ephesians is cool refreshment for parchedheads and hearts, nourishment for hungering souls. Continuallyin this letter Paul talks of “the riches of God’s grace” (Eph. 1:7)provided for us “in Christ.” Paul encourages his readers—including us—to receive these riches so that “we will in allthings grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ” (4:15)and “be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (3:19).

In for a TreatEphesians is chock-full of key words marking the contours ofthe gospel message. Paul refers to “glory” four times; “grace”eleven times; “fullness,” “fills,” and “filled” six times; and—the font of all these riches—“in Christ” fourteen times.Studying these chapters, savoring these immense truths, we’rein for a treat. My prayer—and, I trust, yours too—is that God’sSpirit will use what we do together to bring each of us closer to“unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God . . .attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (4:13).In the first several lessons (on Eph. 1-3) we’ll focus with Paul onwhat God has done for us in Christ; then we’ll examine Paul’sinstructions on what these teachings mean for living theChristian life together as God’s people.

“An Apostle . . . to the Saints”Few things in life are more exciting—and few positions moreprivileged and honored—than to be the first to announce animportant piece of good news.

God is actively pursuing a grand, vital work in this broken,tired world. The divine rescue effort from trouble, sorrow, discord,and death is as wide and deep and high and long as the reachof the entire universe. What’s more, this work is infinitely morepervasive than the sin that damages good things in God’s

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creation. God’s goal is no less than that of bringing “all thingsin heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ”(1:10). And Paul, by the will of this very God, has the privilegeof announcing this good news. Paul is an “apostle,” a personsent on a mission.

When Paul wrote this letter of Ephesians, he was in prison inRome (3:1; 4:1; 6:20)—probably around A.D. 60—waiting toappear before Caesar for being a missionary for Christ (see Acts21:27-26:32; 28:11-31). But by no means did Paul considerhimself a victim of unfortunate circumstances. As we can seefrom his buoyant mood and confident outlook, Paul knew thatin a way far deeper and more penetrating than what appearedon the surface of events, God was at work at the very heart ofhistory, and Paul, as herald, was participating in God’s missionto the world.

Paul begins his letter by wishing his readers “grace andpeace” amid the troubling circumstances they faced as newbelievers in Christ. Though it was a common enough greetingin those days, “grace and peace” for Paul was no meaninglessformality. “Grace” (charis), one of the richest words in the NewTestament, identifies closely with “joy” (chara). Grace is “thespring and source of joy,” and Paul uses it as shorthand todenote all the riches supplied by God in Christ. “Peace,” a wordrecalling the deeply profound Hebrew sense of shalom,reminds Paul’s readers of the delightful “singing together” ofall creation, as God originally intended it. Where God’s creationflourishes in justice and righteousness, shalom is at work. Bywishing his readers “grace and peace,” Paul shows that helongs for his friends to enjoy the very best in life, the deep,lasting joy and peace that are possible only through God inChrist. As “saints,” after all, these friends—like Paul—are holypeople set apart by God to become more and more like Jesus.

Chosen in Christ for God’s GloryIn verse 3 Paul begins a torrent of words that runs on for elevenverses—all in one sentence in the original Greek text. But onlygrammarians protest. Paul is being swept away with deliriousjoy as he tries to describe all the wonders God has done for hispeople through Jesus Christ.

Paul stretches back before time and into eternity to say that,yes, even before time began, God was thinking about his people,loving them, and planning their deliverance and new life inChrist. Of course, what Paul is teaching here extends farbeyond our own capacities to embrace. But to him two facts are


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clear: (1) his own sad, sinful past is proof that we are all dead inour sins; and (2) our salvation is not hastily thought up as somestopgap measure to counteract human sin. From eternity itselfGod has chosen and loved us. The initiative for our salvationtherefore lies with God alone—and our appropriate response tothis amazing mystery is awe.

Why did God take pains to accomplish this choosing andsaving work on our behalf? God did this for one final purpose:that we, with all the rest of creation, might glorify God andsing of his grace (1:6, 12). Sun, moon, and stars; turtles,tarantulas, and tulips—“all creatures great and small”—join tosing their Maker’s praise (see Ps. 19). Even Jesus, God’s Son,came to earth to bring back glory to his Father in heaven (John17:4). Someone once said that to be human is to be one pointin the universe where God’s goodness receives an echo ofgratitude for all the Lord has done. (See also Ps. 8:1-2; Isa. 43:7,19-21; 62:7; Jer. 13:11.)

Redemption by His BloodNot wishing to interrupt what he’s thinking and saying, Paulcontinues by stating that God’s work of choosing and saving usincurred unbelievable costs. God redeemed our lives throughthe suffering and death of his very own Son (Eph. 1:7).

Both Jewish and Gentile readers would have caught thesignificance of Paul’s claim here, for redemption has historicalparallels in both the Old Testament and in the ancient paganworld. The Jews had their Old Testament “kinsman redeemer,”one who recovered a poverty-stricken relative’s property rightsby paying that person’s debt (see Ruth 3-4). And in ancientpagan warfare, high-ranking officials who were taken captivecould be bought back and freed by their fellow citizens for aransom—a redemption—paid to the victors.

As sinners, says Paul, we are not free; we are enslaved to oursinful nature. But Christ has redeemed us; he has paid the pricerequired by God “to fulfill all righteousness” for our sake (Matt.3:15). In this way Christ has opened the way for us to be recon-ciled with God (2 Cor. 5:17-21; Col. 1:19-20).

When Jesus came and redeemed his people, a new era began.What excited Paul and ignited his passion was this compellingvision: God’s great salvation brings “all things in heaven and onearth” (1:10)—not less than everything God has made—together in Jesus Christ. Adam’s sin separated us from com-munity with God in paradise; Christ’s redemption recoveredthat blessed relationship for us. Jesus, our Savior, is the Lord


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and pivot point of history. When Paul thought about whatGod through Christ had done for him—indeed, for the entirecosmos—he knew that only one response was fitting: “I considermy life worth nothing to me, if only I may . . . complete thetask the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to thegospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24).

Additional Notes1:1—As in most of his letters, Paul begins by identifying himself

as a “sent one” (“apostle”) of God. It’s always important forhis readers, then and now, to remember that Paul speaksand writes by divine necessity, not by personal choice. Thushis words come with the authority of God.

It is well documented in commentaries and NewTestament footnotes that the words “in Ephesus” are notfound in some of the earliest and most reliable manuscripts.This helps to explain the letter’s minimal personal greetingsand apparent design for a general audience—not to mentionthat Paul does not refer to his earlier two years of service inEphesus (see Acts 19:10). Most scholars have concluded thatthe letter was intended for circulation to a number ofchurches in the region of Ephesus.

1:3—This verse contains three significant expressions. (1)“Every spiritual blessing” refers to every salvation blessingnow available to believers through the work of the HolySpirit. Included are the benefits spelled out in the openingdoxology: election to holiness, adoption into God’s family,redemption, forgiveness, and so on. (2) “In the heavenlyrealms,” an expression unique to this book of the Bible,appears five times in this letter. This expression refers to theheavenly throne, where Christ is exalted. Every spiritualblessing comes from the one God who reigns from thisthrone. (3) “In Christ,” is a key phrase indicating thatspiritual blessings are enjoyed only by those who are unitedwith Christ through faith.

1:9-10—When Paul speaks of “the mystery of [God’s] will,” thisis not a mystery in the sense of a secret teaching known onlyto a few insiders. For Paul this refers to the counsel of God inworking out salvation in human history. While the fullmystery of God is too great for our minds to grasp, themystery of God’s design for salvation is now revealedthrough the coming of Christ, his death, resurrection, andexaltation. Now it is clear what God is up to—bringing “all


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things in heaven and on earth together under one head,even Christ.”

GENERAL DISCUSSION1. No sooner has Paul given his readers the loaded greeting

“Grace and peace to you . . .” than he launches into soaringpraise to “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”Why? What has Paul got to sing about? What effect mightsuch an opening have on his readers?

2. What does it mean to be “blessed . . . in the heavenly realmswith every spiritual blessing” (Eph. 1:3)? Make a list of thespiritual blessings you have, and share one or two of youranswers with your group.

3. When it comes to being certain about your salvation, isEphesians 1:4-6 reassuring to you? Explain. Do you haveany problem with the teaching of these verses? Explain.

4. Suppose someone curious about Christianity asked you,“What is God doing in the world, anyway?” How would youanswer? Compare your answer with Ephesians 1:10. Whatevidence do you see that God is making progress in bringing“all things . . . together under . . . Christ”?

5. Why is God’s revelation called a “mystery” (Eph. 1:9)? (Seealso Col. 1:25-29.) To whom has God made this “mystery”known? What are the implications of this revelation for thechurch? What relevance does this revelation have in ourNorth American culture today?


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SMALL GROUP SESSION IDEAS

Opening (10-15 minutes)Pray/Worship—Open your first session of this study with aprayer for God’s wisdom and guidance as you look to theScriptures to grow in faith. Thank God for bringing youtogether for this Bible study, and since part of this session’sfocus is on praise, consider singing together an opening praisesong to the Lord, such as “Father, I Adore You,” “Praise to theLord, the Almighty,” or “To God Be the Glory.”

Share—If your group is used to meeting together, you’ll want totake some time to catch up on how things have been goingsince you last met. If some or all of you haven’t been part ofthis group before, take time to introduce yourselves and perhapseach share something about yourself that you’d like the others toknow. For starters, you may want to note the expectationsyou have as you begin this study of Ephesians.

Focus—The focus question in each session aims to help youconcentrate on a central truth in the lesson material and howit affects you. Ask yourself the following question as you beginthis session: What does God’s grace in Christ mean to me?

Growing (35-40 minutes)Read (Optional)—You may want to read Ephesians 1:1-10together (as well as the study-guide notes) before moving intoa discussion time.

Discuss—While working through the General Discussionquestions for this lesson, you may wish to include some of thefollowing process questions as they fit in with your discussion.

• What have you learned about “grace and peace” in thislesson?

• What can you do to help God bring about more peace andblessing in your personal life? In your small group? In yourcommunity? In this world?

• What institutions or organizations are you involved in thatgive evidence of the Lord’s work in this world? What kindsof service do these organizations offer?


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Goalsetting (5 minutes)Try to work on the following goal in the coming week:

• Here’s what I want to do to help God bring about morepeace and blessing in this world:

Closing (10-15 minutes)

Preparing for Prayer—This is a time for sharing praise items andconcerns that you’d like others to bring before God in prayerfor you, both now and in the coming week. You may also wantto ask for prayers for God’s help in meeting the goal you’ve setduring this session.

Prayer—Close your meeting with prayer, asking the Lord tohelp you live lives of praise and service for his glory. Everyonemay join in with prayer concerns and praises. Then ask forGod’s blessing and guidance in the coming weeks as you studyEphesians together, seeking to learn and grow in faith. Beforeparting, you may also wish to sing together a familiar praisesong like “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” or “Praise God,from Whom All Blessings Flow.”

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