Lesson 10: Ephesians Chapters 1-6
Please read each chapter of Ephesians this week, noting
whatever stands out to you, for our final discussion in this
amazing book, Tuesday, May 16.
Each chapter takes 4 minutes more or less to read, so it
should be no problem to complete the entire book in less than
half an hour, with God's help, of course!
Lesso
Lesson 9: Ephesians 6:10-24
1. How do you feel about spiritual warfare? Does it psych you up or freak
you out?
2. Take a look at Ephesians 6:10–12. How do these verses confirm what J.D.
was saying?
3. When you read about “the devil’s schemes,” and about “the powers of
this dark world,” and about “spiritual forces of evil,” how do you feel?
4. According to verses 11 and 13, what should we do to prepare?
5. In verse 14, what are the first two pieces of armor mentioned?
6. Why would the belt of truth come first?
7. Why is the breastplate associated with righteousness?
8. What additional item do we find in verse 15? What should we be ready
to do? What is the “gospel of peace” doing in this battle-ready scene?
9. What do we find in verse 16? How does faith “extinguish” the devil’s
flaming arrows?
10. The remaining two pieces of equipment are found in verse 17. What are
they?
11. Why would the helmet be connected to salvation?
12. The sword of the Spirit is identified as the word of God. Why?
LIVE IT OUT
Prayer: Pray specifically for your own resistance to forces of evil, and for
others who are under attack.
“Footwear”: This passage talked about being ready—lacing up the shoes—to
go and spread the “gospel of peace.” Do you know someone who needs to
hear the message that God wants to make peace with them? How will you
make yourself ready to go and share it?
“Belt of Truth”: Wrap the truth of Scripture around you. One suggestion: set
aside time in the next six weeks to go back through the book of Ephesians,
studying, learning more, meditating on it, praying through it. You could work
on one chapter a week.
Art Project: Find a doll or figurine and create pieces of armor for it based on
this passage.
Caring: Connect with a local veterans group or charity. Get to know some
people who have fought. Consider the spiritual damage they might have
suffered. Pray for their healing.
........................................................................................................................................
Lesson 8: Ephesians 5:22-6:9
1. What does the last phrase in 6:9 tell us about God? No favoritism
between whom?
2. Do you think it’s reasonable to apply these verses to the way you work?
3. In what ways could parents be “exasperating” or “provoking” their
children?
4. Do you think it’s significant that this is addressed to fathers and not
parents in general?
5. According to verses 1–3, why should children obey parents?
6. Does obedience always lead to a longer life? What is this “promise”
really saying?
7. In Ephesians 5:31–33, what is the “profound mystery” Paul mentions?
How are those two relationships similar? How is Christ “one” with the
church?
8. According to verse 25, how should husbands love their wives, in
everyday life?
9. According to verses 22–24, what does it mean to be the “head” of a
“body”? In what way is Christ the head of the body? And how is a
husband the head of his wife?
10. How does the church submit to Christ? And how does that provide a
model for wives with their husbands?
LIVE IT OUT
Prayer: Take extra time this week to pray specially for the people in the three
relationships Paul mentioned: your spouse, your children, and your employer
or employees. Let love fill your prayers.
Brainstorm: If you’re married, try this. Think of seven practical ways you could
show love to your spouse—being sacrificial, supportive, and respectful. Better
yet, work together to come up with seven ways each.
Interview: If you have kids, schedule some one-on-one time to ask them how
their lives are going. This can be a great way to get beyond the “exasperation”
of rules and expectations.
Evaluation: You’ve probably gone through evaluations at work. Do a self-
evaluation based on how well you’re serving the Lord. How are you doing with
the qualities he loves? If you’re a boss, consider how fairly you treat your
workers.
Submission: The verse before this section of Scripture has the blanket
statement, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (5:21). In the
coming week find three ways you can humbly put someone else first, instead
of fighting for your own rights.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lesson 7: Ephesians 5:8-21
1. Why do you think J.D. made the point that life is war? Do you agree?
Why or why not?
2. Why do you think Paul says we are light in verses 8–14? Has our identity
changed from darkness to light? What does it mean to “live as children of
light” (v. 8)?
3. Verse 9 also talks about the “fruit of the light.” What does it mean for
light to have fruit?
4. How should we “make the most” of the “opportunity” Paul is talking
about in verse 16?
5. How can we avoid the “unwise” or “foolish” things Paul is talking
about?
6. In verse 17, how can we “understand what the Lord’s will is”?
7. Why would Paul compare God’s Spirit with wine in verse 18? What’s the
connection?
8. Why does Paul suddenly get musical in verse 19? What do songs have
to do with waking up and redeeming the time?
9. In verse 19, what effect do we have on each other when we address one
another in songs?
10. Does gathering together in worship help us “find out what pleases the
Lord”? How?
LIVE IT OUT
Alert Prayer: Ask God to wake you up to the opportunities of each day. Then
find a time during the day when you “walk and talk with God”—ten minutes
of specifically tuning into His voice as you go through your normal activities.
Time Budget: How did you use your time last week? You had 168 hours--
what did you do with them? Map it out, as best you remember. Then evaluate.
How could you adjust your schedule to reflect your priorities? Set a new
schedule/budget for this week.
Coping Check: When you’re stressed, where do you turn? To alcohol or
something less damaging but just as wasteful? Can you begin to train
yourself to seek the Lord’s strength in those times? For now, have Psalms 23,
42, and 103 at the ready, and then find other ways to connect with the Spirit
in those critical moments.
Praise: Find some creative, lavish way to thank God. Write a song. Do a dance.
Make a video. Create a rock garden. Fill your heart with praise and then offer
it, as the Spirit leads.
Worship Together: Throw yourself fully into the church worship service.
Prepare well. Participate enthusiastically. Review it afterward, perhaps talking
with family or friends.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lesson 6: Ephesians 4:17-5:7
1. What’s similar about different religions? What sets ours apart? How are
we different?
2. In Ephesians 4:17–19 how does Paul describe the Gentile way of life?
3. Take a look at verses 20–22. What “way of life” have we learned from
Christ?
Look for the words “old” and “new” in these verses. What do you find?
4. In verse 24, who puts off the old self? Who puts on the new self?
5. In verses 17–24, how does this “way of Christ” compare for those who
don’t know God?
6. What four area of behavior do you see in verses 25–29?
7. How does being “one body” affect the way we should treat each other?
8. What do we learn about falsehood, anger, stealing, unwholesome
language?
9. What do you think it means to “grieve” the Holy Spirit?
10. What does it mean to be “sealed for the day of redemption”?
LIVE IT OUT
Confession: This passage mentions various behaviors we should examine in
ourselves. Where have we strayed from the way of Jesus, especially in the
areas of truth-telling, angry outbursts, stealing, and destructive language?
But don’t just feel guilty about these things— confess them and carry a new
commitment to live God’s way.
Communication Review: Take some time to evaluate your patterns of
communication: at home, in the church, and at work. Are you telling the
whole truth, or just avoiding technical lies? Are you building others up?
Consider healthier habits you could work on.
Anger Cleanse: Every night before bed, get rid of your anger. Apologize,
confess, make peace with those who may be the cause of your anger, and
commit to sorting things out in the morning, if need be. You won’t solve
every problem, but it can mean stronger relationships and better sleep.
Peacemaking: The biblical discussion of stealing raises an interesting idea.
How much are you taking and how much are you giving? We’re not talking
about theft, but about love. Is your work all about gathering resources for
yourself? Or are you “doing something useful with your hands” in order to
“share with those in need”?
Accountability: Invite a trusted Christian friend to check up on you as you
find new ways to put on the “new self” and learn the way of Christ.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lesson 5: Ephesians 3:14-4:16
1. Did anything strike you or shine a new light on the biblical material in
this video?
2. How can we “live a life worthy of our calling”? How would this display a
mature faith?
3. Take another look at verses 4–6. Why do you think Paul emphasizes
“oneness” so much?
4. How does a conversation about the gifts of the Spirit promote unity?
5. According to 4:7–13, Who gives spiritual gifts? Who gets them? What is
their purpose?
6. Personal questions to help you identify your gifts:
What is something you do that you seem to be pretty good at?
When did you first notice that you had that ability? Have you gotten
better at it?
What is something you’re really passionate about? When did you
recognize that passion?
Has the passion grown stronger, or changed in some way?
Has someone thanked you for something you did or mentioned that you
were helpful to them? What were they talking about? When did this
happen? Has it happened often?
Is there a way you could do that type of action on a regular basis, or more
intentionally?
How can you use your gifts for the purposes mentioned in 4:12–13?
Anything stand out that you would like to share?
LIVE IT OUT
Prayer: Talk with God about the gifts He has given you. Ask Him to confirm
your thinking, or to adjust it as necessary. Ask Him for opportunities to use
your gifts in His service. In these prayers, spend more time listening than
talking.
Conversation: Talk with other close friends about your gifts. Ask them to
confirm the abilities you think God has given you, and they may even suggest
ways to use them. You need some cheerleaders around for support, but also
talk with someone who can challenge you—“speaking the truth in love” (
(Ephesians 4:15).
Volunteer: Look for a new way to use the abilities God has given you.
Volunteer for an appropriate ministry in the church.
Peacemaking: Unity is a strong emphasis in this part of Ephesians. Even
though we have different strengths, we have a common Lord. Take some time
to think through your relationships—especially those with other believers. Are
there any broken, tense, competitive, or difficult relationships? How could
you promote a Christ-centered unity with these people?
Calligraphy: Write out the prayer of Ephesians 3:14–21 and post it where you
will see it often. (But ask permission before spray-painting it on a church
wall.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lesson 4: Ephesians 2:11-3:13
1. Who is Paul addressing in Ephesians 2:11–13?
2. Why does he specifically address the Gentiles in 11–13?
3. Do we have any divisions in our society that are anything like the
division between Jews and Gentiles?
4. Do you agree or disagree with J.D. about there being only one category
of people—sinners? How would you describe the human tendency to
divide ourselves into groups?
5. What is Jesus called in Ephesians 2:14? In what way is that true?
6. What do verses 14–18, say that Jesus has done, or is doing?
7. What specifically has He “put to death” (v. 16), and how did He do it?
8. How do you feel about our new humanity? Does J.D.’s explanation make
sense to you? Do you agree?
9. What is the architecture of the new temple in 2:19–22? What is it made
of? What is it built on?
10. When Paul says, “You are no longer foreigners,” or “You too are being
built together,” whom is he talking to?
LIVE IT OUT
Prayer: Ask God to show you how you can reach out to someone on the other
side of a social “wall.” Begin praying specifically for individuals in your life
who might not share your culture, circumstances, or beliefs.
Invite: All too often we assume that people know they can come to any
church service they like. Maybe they don’t know this. And maybe they’re
waiting for an invitation.
Listen: Have a conversation with someone of another religion, or no religion
at all. Ask them what they think about God, or faith, or forgiveness, or death,
or morality. And listen. Do not use this as a trick to tell them what you think.
If they ask, be ready. And feel free to ask follow-up questions, but the main
point here is to listen to them.
Draw: Re-read Ephesians 2:14–18 from a visual perspective. How would you
draw the picture described in the verses? Be as literal or symbolic as you like,
as you sketch out this powerful text.
_________________________________________________________________
Lesson 3: Ephesians 2:1-10
1. Do you know people who hold to the ideas J.D. mentioned? How are
they propagated?
2. Verse 1, “You were dead in transgressions and sins.” What does that
mean to you?
3. What’s “wrath”? Why would we be “deserving of wrath”?
4. There’s a distinction in verses 1–3 between “us” and “them.” What’s the
difference?
5. What changed when we moved from death to life? What do verses 4–5
tell us? What are things God has done for us?
6. What is mercy? Is that different from grace?
7. According to verses 8–10, what has happened in the past, what’s going
on now, and what can we expect to happen in the future?
8. Why is the timing of each thing Paul described in 8–10 important? Why
do we need to know that our good works come after our salvation and not
before it?
9. How does that make you feel—that your new life through Jesus is God’s
divine creation?
LIVE IT OUT
Prayer: Take some serious time to go through the truth of Ephesians 2
with God. If you’ve been trying to pay your own way—trying to be good
enough for God—talk with Him about it. Trust in His goodness rather than
your own. Thank Him for His grace. Commit yourself to be that
masterpiece He created you to be.
Memorize: Ephesians 2:8–10 is an essential expression of the Christian
faith. Learn it.
Make some art: God is the Creator, and He made us to be creative, too.
What kind of poiema could you create to reflect your relationship with
God? It doesn’t have to be just art—even caring for God’s creation (how
you mow your lawn) or working with your resources (the way you do your
job) reflects the creator-nature God gave to each of us. The possibilities to
glorify Him are endless.
Analyze: In your life, you’ve probably encountered and studied a great
poem at some point in time—even if only in grade school English class. If
you’re God’s divine creation, then maybe you can analyze yourself in the
same way. What strengths has God given you? What resources? How have
your past struggles prepared you to do good works in the future? How do
you help others make the most of their abilities?
Share the truth: If you know someone who’s trying hard to earn God’s
grace, what can you say—in a gentle, loving way—to present the truth of
Ephesians 2 to him or her?
_________________________________________________________________
Lesson 2: Ephesians 1:15-23
1. J.D. summarized Paul’s prayer in four parts. What four things did Paul
want the Ephesians to see?
2. What specific actions have happened, or are happening—just in
Ephesians 1:15–16?
3. How does viewing Paul’s prayer as a story change the way you might
use prayer-as-story?
4. What does Paul mean in Ephesians 1:17? How do we “know God”?
5. How does God’s Spirit make us know God?
6. How would you define “the hope to which He has called you”?
7. What’s the best thing you can do for someone else to help them have
this kind of hope?
8. Are there times when you feel that you aren’t loved by God?
9. How can verse 18 change your mind about hope?
10. In verses 19–20, we find the next main point of Paul’s prayer. What is
it?
11. How does Paul describe God’s power?
12. Think of that part of your life that needs a touch of God’s power. Your
attitude? Your health? Your struggle with temptation? Your relationships?
How could God use His resurrection power to transform that?
13. Is there one phrase that stands out for you in verses 20-23? What does
that mean to you?
LIVE IT OUT
Prayer: At least four days in the coming week, pray for other Christians
you know, using Paul’s prayer as a model.
Encouragement: Do you know someone who is losing hope? What could you
say to them, inspired by this passage, to open their eyes to God’s love and
power? Find a way to say that this week.
Resolve: Is there a struggle in your life where you need to rely on God’s
power? Temptation? Attitude? A thorny relationship? Is there some difficult
thing you need to do—saying “no,” saying “yes,” or saying “sorry”? Review
Paul’s prayer, ask for God’s guidance, and act in God’s power.
Memorize: Commit verses Ephesians 1:17–23 to memory (so you can use it as a
model for your own prayers forever). Alternatively, write out 5-7 “bullet points”
from the prayer and memorize those. Check yourself by reading through the
whole prayer each day. (And you might just find that you’ve learned the
whole thing anyway.)
Gather: Talk with a few friends about getting together this week for a prayer
time, based on this passage, in which you specifically pray for the spiritual
vitality of your church or your community.
Lesson 9: Ephesians 6:10-24
1. How do you feel about spiritual warfare? Does it psych you up or freak
you out?
2. Take a look at Ephesians 6:10–12. How do these verses confirm what J.D.
was saying?
3. When you read about “the devil’s schemes,” and about “the powers of
this dark world,” and about “spiritual forces of evil,” how do you feel?
4. According to verses 11 and 13, what should we do to prepare?
5. In verse 14, what are the first two pieces of armor mentioned?
6. Why would the belt of truth come first?
7. Why is the breastplate associated with righteousness?
8. What additional item do we find in verse 15? What should we be ready
to do? What is the “gospel of peace” doing in this battle-ready scene?
9. What do we find in verse 16? How does faith “extinguish” the devil’s
flaming arrows?
10. The remaining two pieces of equipment are found in verse 17. What are
they?
11. Why would the helmet be connected to salvation?
12. The sword of the Spirit is identified as the word of God. Why?
LIVE IT OUT
Prayer: Pray specifically for your own resistance to forces of evil, and for
others who are under attack.
“Footwear”: This passage talked about being ready—lacing up the shoes—to
go and spread the “gospel of peace.” Do you know someone who needs to
hear the message that God wants to make peace with them? How will you
make yourself ready to go and share it?
“Belt of Truth”: Wrap the truth of Scripture around you. One suggestion: set
aside time in the next six weeks to go back through the book of Ephesians,
studying, learning more, meditating on it, praying through it. You could work
on one chapter a week.
Art Project: Find a doll or figurine and create pieces of armor for it based on
this passage.
Caring: Connect with a local veterans group or charity. Get to know some
people who have fought. Consider the spiritual damage they might have
suffered. Pray for their healing.
........................................................................................................................................
Lesson 8: Ephesians 5:22-6:9
1. What does the last phrase in 6:9 tell us about God? No favoritism
between whom?
2. Do you think it’s reasonable to apply these verses to the way you work?
3. In what ways could parents be “exasperating” or “provoking” their
children?
4. Do you think it’s significant that this is addressed to fathers and not
parents in general?
5. According to verses 1–3, why should children obey parents?
6. Does obedience always lead to a longer life? What is this “promise”
really saying?
7. In Ephesians 5:31–33, what is the “profound mystery” Paul mentions?
How are those two relationships similar? How is Christ “one” with the
church?
8. According to verse 25, how should husbands love their wives, in
everyday life?
9. According to verses 22–24, what does it mean to be the “head” of a
“body”? In what way is Christ the head of the body? And how is a
husband the head of his wife?
10. How does the church submit to Christ? And how does that provide a
model for wives with their husbands?
LIVE IT OUT
Prayer: Take extra time this week to pray specially for the people in the three
relationships Paul mentioned: your spouse, your children, and your employer
or employees. Let love fill your prayers.
Brainstorm: If you’re married, try this. Think of seven practical ways you could
show love to your spouse—being sacrificial, supportive, and respectful. Better
yet, work together to come up with seven ways each.
Interview: If you have kids, schedule some one-on-one time to ask them how
their lives are going. This can be a great way to get beyond the “exasperation”
of rules and expectations.
Evaluation: You’ve probably gone through evaluations at work. Do a self-
evaluation based on how well you’re serving the Lord. How are you doing with
the qualities he loves? If you’re a boss, consider how fairly you treat your
workers.
Submission: The verse before this section of Scripture has the blanket
statement, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (5:21). In the
coming week find three ways you can humbly put someone else first, instead
of fighting for your own rights.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lesson 7: Ephesians 5:8-21
1. Why do you think J.D. made the point that life is war? Do you agree?
Why or why not?
2. Why do you think Paul says we are light in verses 8–14? Has our identity
changed from darkness to light? What does it mean to “live as children of
light” (v. 8)?
3. Verse 9 also talks about the “fruit of the light.” What does it mean for
light to have fruit?
4. How should we “make the most” of the “opportunity” Paul is talking
about in verse 16?
5. How can we avoid the “unwise” or “foolish” things Paul is talking
about?
6. In verse 17, how can we “understand what the Lord’s will is”?
7. Why would Paul compare God’s Spirit with wine in verse 18? What’s the
connection?
8. Why does Paul suddenly get musical in verse 19? What do songs have
to do with waking up and redeeming the time?
9. In verse 19, what effect do we have on each other when we address one
another in songs?
10. Does gathering together in worship help us “find out what pleases the
Lord”? How?
LIVE IT OUT
Alert Prayer: Ask God to wake you up to the opportunities of each day. Then
find a time during the day when you “walk and talk with God”—ten minutes
of specifically tuning into His voice as you go through your normal activities.
Time Budget: How did you use your time last week? You had 168 hours--
what did you do with them? Map it out, as best you remember. Then evaluate.
How could you adjust your schedule to reflect your priorities? Set a new
schedule/budget for this week.
Coping Check: When you’re stressed, where do you turn? To alcohol or
something less damaging but just as wasteful? Can you begin to train
yourself to seek the Lord’s strength in those times? For now, have Psalms 23,
42, and 103 at the ready, and then find other ways to connect with the Spirit
in those critical moments.
Praise: Find some creative, lavish way to thank God. Write a song. Do a dance.
Make a video. Create a rock garden. Fill your heart with praise and then offer
it, as the Spirit leads.
Worship Together: Throw yourself fully into the church worship service.
Prepare well. Participate enthusiastically. Review it afterward, perhaps talking
with family or friends.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lesson 6: Ephesians 4:17-5:7
1. What’s similar about different religions? What sets ours apart? How are
we different?
2. In Ephesians 4:17–19 how does Paul describe the Gentile way of life?
3. Take a look at verses 20–22. What “way of life” have we learned from
Christ?
Look for the words “old” and “new” in these verses. What do you find?
4. In verse 24, who puts off the old self? Who puts on the new self?
5. In verses 17–24, how does this “way of Christ” compare for those who
don’t know God?
6. What four area of behavior do you see in verses 25–29?
7. How does being “one body” affect the way we should treat each other?
8. What do we learn about falsehood, anger, stealing, unwholesome
language?
9. What do you think it means to “grieve” the Holy Spirit?
10. What does it mean to be “sealed for the day of redemption”?
LIVE IT OUT
Confession: This passage mentions various behaviors we should examine in
ourselves. Where have we strayed from the way of Jesus, especially in the
areas of truth-telling, angry outbursts, stealing, and destructive language?
But don’t just feel guilty about these things— confess them and carry a new
commitment to live God’s way.
Communication Review: Take some time to evaluate your patterns of
communication: at home, in the church, and at work. Are you telling the
whole truth, or just avoiding technical lies? Are you building others up?
Consider healthier habits you could work on.
Anger Cleanse: Every night before bed, get rid of your anger. Apologize,
confess, make peace with those who may be the cause of your anger, and
commit to sorting things out in the morning, if need be. You won’t solve
every problem, but it can mean stronger relationships and better sleep.
Peacemaking: The biblical discussion of stealing raises an interesting idea.
How much are you taking and how much are you giving? We’re not talking
about theft, but about love. Is your work all about gathering resources for
yourself? Or are you “doing something useful with your hands” in order to
“share with those in need”?
Accountability: Invite a trusted Christian friend to check up on you as you
find new ways to put on the “new self” and learn the way of Christ.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lesson 5: Ephesians 3:14-4:16
1. Did anything strike you or shine a new light on the biblical material in
this video?
2. How can we “live a life worthy of our calling”? How would this display a
mature faith?
3. Take another look at verses 4–6. Why do you think Paul emphasizes
“oneness” so much?
4. How does a conversation about the gifts of the Spirit promote unity?
5. According to 4:7–13, Who gives spiritual gifts? Who gets them? What is
their purpose?
6. Personal questions to help you identify your gifts:
What is something you do that you seem to be pretty good at?
When did you first notice that you had that ability? Have you gotten
better at it?
What is something you’re really passionate about? When did you
recognize that passion?
Has the passion grown stronger, or changed in some way?
Has someone thanked you for something you did or mentioned that you
were helpful to them? What were they talking about? When did this
happen? Has it happened often?
Is there a way you could do that type of action on a regular basis, or more
intentionally?
How can you use your gifts for the purposes mentioned in 4:12–13?
Anything stand out that you would like to share?
LIVE IT OUT
Prayer: Talk with God about the gifts He has given you. Ask Him to confirm
your thinking, or to adjust it as necessary. Ask Him for opportunities to use
your gifts in His service. In these prayers, spend more time listening than
talking.
Conversation: Talk with other close friends about your gifts. Ask them to
confirm the abilities you think God has given you, and they may even suggest
ways to use them. You need some cheerleaders around for support, but also
talk with someone who can challenge you—“speaking the truth in love” (
(Ephesians 4:15).
Volunteer: Look for a new way to use the abilities God has given you.
Volunteer for an appropriate ministry in the church.
Peacemaking: Unity is a strong emphasis in this part of Ephesians. Even
though we have different strengths, we have a common Lord. Take some time
to think through your relationships—especially those with other believers. Are
there any broken, tense, competitive, or difficult relationships? How could
you promote a Christ-centered unity with these people?
Calligraphy: Write out the prayer of Ephesians 3:14–21 and post it where you
will see it often. (But ask permission before spray-painting it on a church
wall.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lesson 4: Ephesians 2:11-3:13
1. Who is Paul addressing in Ephesians 2:11–13?
2. Why does he specifically address the Gentiles in 11–13?
3. Do we have any divisions in our society that are anything like the
division between Jews and Gentiles?
4. Do you agree or disagree with J.D. about there being only one category
of people—sinners? How would you describe the human tendency to
divide ourselves into groups?
5. What is Jesus called in Ephesians 2:14? In what way is that true?
6. What do verses 14–18, say that Jesus has done, or is doing?
7. What specifically has He “put to death” (v. 16), and how did He do it?
8. How do you feel about our new humanity? Does J.D.’s explanation make
sense to you? Do you agree?
9. What is the architecture of the new temple in 2:19–22? What is it made
of? What is it built on?
10. When Paul says, “You are no longer foreigners,” or “You too are being
built together,” whom is he talking to?
LIVE IT OUT
Prayer: Ask God to show you how you can reach out to someone on the other
side of a social “wall.” Begin praying specifically for individuals in your life
who might not share your culture, circumstances, or beliefs.
Invite: All too often we assume that people know they can come to any
church service they like. Maybe they don’t know this. And maybe they’re
waiting for an invitation.
Listen: Have a conversation with someone of another religion, or no religion
at all. Ask them what they think about God, or faith, or forgiveness, or death,
or morality. And listen. Do not use this as a trick to tell them what you think.
If they ask, be ready. And feel free to ask follow-up questions, but the main
point here is to listen to them.
Draw: Re-read Ephesians 2:14–18 from a visual perspective. How would you
draw the picture described in the verses? Be as literal or symbolic as you like,
as you sketch out this powerful text.
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Lesson 3: Ephesians 2:1-10
1. Do you know people who hold to the ideas J.D. mentioned? How are
they propagated?
2. Verse 1, “You were dead in transgressions and sins.” What does that
mean to you?
3. What’s “wrath”? Why would we be “deserving of wrath”?
4. There’s a distinction in verses 1–3 between “us” and “them.” What’s the
difference?
5. What changed when we moved from death to life? What do verses 4–5
tell us? What are things God has done for us?
6. What is mercy? Is that different from grace?
7. According to verses 8–10, what has happened in the past, what’s going
on now, and what can we expect to happen in the future?
8. Why is the timing of each thing Paul described in 8–10 important? Why
do we need to know that our good works come after our salvation and not
before it?
9. How does that make you feel—that your new life through Jesus is God’s
divine creation?
LIVE IT OUT
Prayer: Take some serious time to go through the truth of Ephesians 2
with God. If you’ve been trying to pay your own way—trying to be good
enough for God—talk with Him about it. Trust in His goodness rather than
your own. Thank Him for His grace. Commit yourself to be that
masterpiece He created you to be.
Memorize: Ephesians 2:8–10 is an essential expression of the Christian
faith. Learn it.
Make some art: God is the Creator, and He made us to be creative, too.
What kind of poiema could you create to reflect your relationship with
God? It doesn’t have to be just art—even caring for God’s creation (how
you mow your lawn) or working with your resources (the way you do your
job) reflects the creator-nature God gave to each of us. The possibilities to
glorify Him are endless.
Analyze: In your life, you’ve probably encountered and studied a great
poem at some point in time—even if only in grade school English class. If
you’re God’s divine creation, then maybe you can analyze yourself in the
same way. What strengths has God given you? What resources? How have
your past struggles prepared you to do good works in the future? How do
you help others make the most of their abilities?
Share the truth: If you know someone who’s trying hard to earn God’s
grace, what can you say—in a gentle, loving way—to present the truth of
Ephesians 2 to him or her?
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Lesson 2: Ephesians 1:15-23
1. J.D. summarized Paul’s prayer in four parts. What four things did Paul
want the Ephesians to see?
2. What specific actions have happened, or are happening—just in
Ephesians 1:15–16?
3. How does viewing Paul’s prayer as a story change the way you might
use prayer-as-story?
4. What does Paul mean in Ephesians 1:17? How do we “know God”?
5. How does God’s Spirit make us know God?
6. How would you define “the hope to which He has called you”?
7. What’s the best thing you can do for someone else to help them have
this kind of hope?
8. Are there times when you feel that you aren’t loved by God?
9. How can verse 18 change your mind about hope?
10. In verses 19–20, we find the next main point of Paul’s prayer. What is
it?
11. How does Paul describe God’s power?
12. Think of that part of your life that needs a touch of God’s power. Your
attitude? Your health? Your struggle with temptation? Your relationships?
How could God use His resurrection power to transform that?
13. Is there one phrase that stands out for you in verses 20-23? What does
that mean to you?
LIVE IT OUT
Prayer: At least four days in the coming week, pray for other Christians
you know, using Paul’s prayer as a model.
Encouragement: Do you know someone who is losing hope? What could you
say to them, inspired by this passage, to open their eyes to God’s love and
power? Find a way to say that this week.
Resolve: Is there a struggle in your life where you need to rely on God’s
power? Temptation? Attitude? A thorny relationship? Is there some difficult
thing you need to do—saying “no,” saying “yes,” or saying “sorry”? Review
Paul’s prayer, ask for God’s guidance, and act in God’s power.
Memorize: Commit verses Ephesians 1:17–23 to memory (so you can use it as a
model for your own prayers forever). Alternatively, write out 5-7 “bullet points”
from the prayer and memorize those. Check yourself by reading through the
whole prayer each day. (And you might just find that you’ve learned the
whole thing anyway.)
Gather: Talk with a few friends about getting together this week for a prayer
time, based on this passage, in which you specifically pray for the spiritual
vitality of your church or your community.
Lesson 1: Ephesians 1:1-14
1. What were the last three things J.D. mentioned—three things we can
take away from this text?
2. According to Ephesians 1:3–10, what has God done, what is He doing,
what will He do?
3. According to 1:3-10, what do we “have”? What blessings has He blessed
us with?
4. What does adoption mean when God is doing it?
5. How would you define grace?
6. What “riches” has God lavished on us?
7. What’s mysterious about God’s will?
8. According verse 10, what is the mystery?
9. According to Ephesians 1:11–14, who are we?
10. What does our identity as Christians mean to you? How can we bring
Him praise?
11. If you began to see bringing Him praise as your purpose in life, how
would that change things?
12. How are you doing with bringing Him praise?
LIVE IT OUT
Prayer: At least four days in the coming week, thank God that He has
included you in His great plan.
Encouragement: If you know a fellow Christian who is going through tough
times, offer a word of hope. God has plans for us.
Conversation: Talk with somebody who isn’t a Christian (as far as you know).
Ask them about their beliefs. If they ask about yours, be ready to tell them
God’s story.
Journaling: Write out the text of Ephesians 1:1–14, a few verses at a time,
jotting down your questions and reactions.
Worship: If you exist “for the praise of His glory,” then throw yourself into
worship. Take time on your own to sing and dance and pray and shout, but
also join with the church or youth group in a gathering of praise.
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