The first four letters of the New Testament — Romans, First and Second Corinthians, and Galatians — are the development of the phrase, “Christ in you,” teaching us what the indwelling life of Christ is intended to do. But beginning with the letter to the church at Ephesus, we are to learn and understand what it means for us to be “in Christ” and to share the body life of the Lord Jesus Christ — “you in Christ.” Here is the great theme of this letter — the believer in Christ, or the nature of the Church. – Ray C. Stedman
Study Resources: Ephesians
01 Ephesians 1:1-2 Who is Paul?
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on January 08, 2014. To begin our study, we’ll answer the questions: “who is Paul”, “where was Ephesus” and “what was Paul’s relationship to the church at Ephesus?” Additionally, we’ll look at the significance of Paul’s greeting.
02 Ephesians 1:3-14 Every Spiritual Blessing
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on January 15, 2014. After the initial greeting, Paul launches into the body of his letter with covering our spiritual blessings that the blessings results from God’s grace and the work of Jesus Christ.
03 Ephesians 1:15-23 The Hope of Our Calling
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on February 05, 2014. Having explained the rich blessings we have in Christ, Paul prays that we would fully comprehend who we are in Christ.
04 Ephesians 2:1-10 Saved By Grace
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on February 12, 2014, Continuing the theme from chapter 1, Paul vividly contrasts what we are by nature and what we can become by grace.
05 Ephesians 2:11-22 Reconciled through Christ
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on February 19, 2014. Paul continues contrasting who we are by nature with what we can become by grace. His main point is: Remember that at one time you were alienated, but now in Christ you have been brought near, so then you are no longer strangers but fellow citizens.
06 Ephesians 3:1-13 Who is on the end of your chain?
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on February 26, 2014. In chapter 3 Paul turns the spotlight on himself. As he writes Ephesians, Paul is chained to a Roman guard. He encourages his readers not to lose heart at his tribulations because they are part of the larger story of God redeeming a people for himself. Who is on the other end of your chain?
07 Ephesians 3:14-21 Prayer for Unity
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on March 12, 2014. Paul concludes the first half of the book with a prayer for unity, spiritual maturity and a full understanding of the love of Christ.
08 Ephesians 4:1-16 Equipping the Saints
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on March 19, 2014. In the second half of the letter, Paul moves from exposition to exhortation. Having said that God is about redeeming a people for himself and that we are the one united new family, it raises the question, how is the church suppose to function? Paul focuses on unity (4:1-6), role (4:7-10) and growth (4:11-16).
09 Ephesians 4:17-32 Laying Aside the Old Life
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on April 09, 2014. Paul argues that the gospel changes our perspective of life. We are no longer to live like unbelievers because our understanding has changed. Before we didn’t know the truth. Now we know the truth.
10 Ephesians 5:1-21 Watch how you walk
Teacher: Libby Taggart on April 16, 2014. Paul contrasts the new life believers with their old life, urging his readers to walk in love, to walk in light and to walk in wisdom.
11 Ephesians 5:21-32 The Mirror of Marriage
Teacher: Libby Taggart on April 23, 2014. Paul encourages husbands to love their own wives as their own bodies and wives to respect their own husbands, explaining how the marriage relationship mirrors the relationship of Christ and the church.
12 Ephesians 6:1-9 The Gospel in Daily Life
Teacher: Libby Taggart on April 30, 2014. Paul gives advice to Christians who live and work under authority and those holding authority on how to live out that calling.
13 Ephesians 6:10-24 Into Battle
Teacher: Libby Taggart on May 07, 2014. Paul closes his letter with an exhortation to stand firm in the faith and put on the full armor of God.
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