For those who missed this week’s study and those who are just joining us but have yet to be given a book (I expect more this week), here is the assignment for next week’s discussion:
Day 1 – Ephesians 2:1-3
- What does this passage tell us about humanity?
- What is the spiritual state of every person apart from Christ?
- What future lies ahead for those apart from Christ?
Is this how you think of your non-Christian friends and family? What difference would it make if you did?
Day 2 – Ephesians 2:4-10
- What has God done in the life of every Christian?
- What motivated God to do this?
- What part did we play in this transformation?
- What has God recreated us in Christ?
Reflect upon the great love of God and the immeasurable riches of his grace shown in Christ Jesus.
Day 3 – Ephesians 3:14-21
- For what things did Paul pray?
- What is the scale of Christ’s love for you?
- What do you think it might mean to be “filled with all the fullness of God”? (See also 1:23; 2:22; 4:10, 13; 5:18)
How often do you contemplate the sheer scale of Christ’s love for you? How is this love a compelling motive for holiness?
Day 4 – Ephesians 4:17-24
- In Ephesians 4:1, Christians are called to walk in a manner worthy of their calling. This passage tells Christians how they are not to walk. What are the differences between these two ways of walking? (Briefly compare 4:1-3.)
- How does this new way of walking take place?
Are there aspects of your thinking or behavior that belong to your corrupt former way of life? How might you go about putting off these old ways and putting on the new Christ-like self?
Day 5 – Ephesians 4:25-5:2
- What does this passage tell us about the importance of our words?
- What does this passage tell us about the importance of our actions?
- What does this passage tell us about the importance of our attitudes?
“Walk in love, as Christ loved us” (5:2) How did Christ love us? How should he be the model for our behavior?
Those are the passages, questions and thoughts to ponder for this week. I trust that our study is helpful to you. I know it is to me. Next week will introduce a pattern of study called “COMA”…Context, Observation, Meaning and Application.
Another helpful pattern, especially when studying one-to-one through a book of the Bible is: 1) What strikes you? 2) What questions are raised? and 3) How does this apply to something I’m dealing with right now?
Regardless of how you frame your study, the point is to study with focus and purpose. Come to the Word of God with expectation that the One Author points to the One Person, Jesus…always a good answer. May we continue to grow in Him.
See you Sunday, Lord willin’.
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