7. Paul wrote the book in prison about 60-62 A.D. to encourage
believers to walk as fruitful followers of Christ in the midst of
persecution [1].
We see strings of emphasis and superlatives in this book such
as “exceedingly, abundantly, above all, filled with all the
fullness of God…”, etc. God is pushing limits and
empowering us to do so.
8. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be
enlightened in order that you may know the hope to
which he has called you, the riches of his glorious
inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his
incomparably great power for us who
believe. Eph 1: 18,19
What are the eyes of our heart? How can they be
enlightened?
9. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles
are heirs together with Israel, members together of
one body, and sharers together in the promise in
Christ Jesus. 3:6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egkRSJtNwjU
10. Read Eph 5:21-33
How can the family enjoy this harmony (ch 5) in a
world where families are breaking up?
What are some challenges you face in following
biblical guidelines. Share practical examples of how
to overcome them
Does the church look like a picture of harmony
today? How does it come together?
12. But from the big picture
perspective, there are
the “remnant” – those
few functional “living
stones” in the churches
that work across the
globe to form the true
“body of Christ” – who
are moving forward to
achieve His big
purpose.
13. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding
abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power
that works in us.. Eph 3:20 Jubilee bible
What are the superlatives do we have in this verse?
What is this super power dependent on?
14. Some conditions to
leverage God’s “power
that works in us” (Eph
3:20)?
Stand steadfastly
Speak fearlessly
Pray unceasingly
15. 13
Therefore put on the full armor of God,so that
when the day of evil comes, you may be able to
stand your ground, and after you have done
everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with
the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the
breastplate of righteousness in place…Ch 6
16. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole
armour of God, that ye may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done
all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt
about with truth, and having on the
breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the
preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all
the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and
the sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God: 6
17.
18. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak,
words may be given me so that I will
fearlessly make known the mystery of the
gospel.6:19
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we
will grow to become in every respect the
mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
– ch 4
19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns,
and songs from the Spirit. Ch 5
19. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all
kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be
alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s
people. 6:18
21. What are the most difficult areas to take our
stand – in church? In our work/ neighbourhood?
Seeing the relationship guidelines in ch 5, share
examples of how you could “speak the truth in
love” even when you were very upset. How does
“perfect love cast out fear” (1 John 4:18)? Why is
it so important?
How can we speak to each other in psalms? In
what way does it strengthen relationships
What are some habits we need to develop in
order to enable us to pray at all times?
The Epistles of the Bible are all found in the New Testament. They include 21 of the New Testament’s 27 books, extending from Romans to Jude. Thirteen of these Epistles were written by the apostle Paul: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Within this group of Pauline Epistles is a subgroup labeled the Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon) so-called because they were written during Paul’s two-year house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30–31). The Pastoral Epistles (1 and 2 Timothy and Titus) were written to church leaders and include many teachings regarding practices within the early church.Following these writings are eight General Epistles (sometimes called Catholic Epistles, since they were written to a “universal” audience) that include Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Jude. The author of Hebrews is unknown (though many have historically attributed it to Paul or one of Paul’s associates). James was one of the earliest New Testament writings and was written by James, the half-brother of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:7). The apostle Peter wrote 1 and 2 Peter. The apostle John (the same author of the Gospel of John and Revelation) wrote 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. The short Epistle of Jude was written by Jude, another half-brother of Jesus (Jude 1:1).All of the known authors of the Epistles are either an apostle (Paul, Peter, John) or a family member of Jesus (James, Jude). Each of these individuals had a unique calling from the Lord Jesus that included writing letters to others. These letters, inspired by the Holy Spirit, are preserved as part of the New Testament’s writings today.Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-an-epistle.html#ixzz3eBIfeAM6
In chapters 1-3, the joyful truth that every believer has been chosen by God before the foundation of the world. Followed by the unity of believers. Topped up by “Salvation by Grace”.
In chapters 4-5, he exhorts “walk in a manner worthy of the calling”. He explains the concept of a biblical marriage.
In chapter 6, he instructs on how to prepare for spiritual battle in the “full armor of God” (6:11)
[1]
“Perfect Love casts out fear”
Speaking in psalms – cheerful, positive, joyful talk, praising God, rejoicing, full of hope, in love.