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A Bible Study of Ephesians
A Bible Study of Ephesians
P E R S O N A L ST U DY G U I D E PERSONAL
STUDY GUIDE
EPHESIANS
BOOKLET
A BIBLE STUDY
of
EPHESIANS
Knowing Who You Are in Christ and
Learning How to Live in Him
Romans 12:2 says, Let God transform you into a new person by changing
the way you think. Then you will learn to know Gods will for you, which is
good and pleasing and perfect (NLT). This scripture explains why Im so
passionate about teaching the Word of God: Its literally the key to
experiencing the abundant life Jesus died to give us!
Over the years Ive focused on helping people learn how to practically
apply the truth in the Bible to their lives in areas we all struggle with,
like the mind, mouth, moods and attitudes. But Im so excited to do
something Ive never done beforestudy a specific book of the Bible in
great detail with you. In this study of Ephesians, Ive included material
that will help you walk through each chapter and sometimes, verse by
verse. With this approach, its like were doing a personal Bible study
together.
When we know who we are in Christ and how much He loves us, we will
fall deeper in love with Him. And when we fall deeper in love with Him,
changing our behavior is something we want to do because of His great
love for us.
As you watch and listen to the CDs and DVDs in this Bible study, I
encourage you to use the pages of the study guide as an added benefit
in your personal study time. Answer the questions, take notes and
journal about what God shows you through this study.
My prayer is that this will encourage you to spend more time with God,
both in prayer and by studying His Word. He loves you and wants a
deep, intimate relationship with you. And I can tell you from my own
experience that if you commit to studying the Word of God, youll see
amazing changes in your life too!
5
5
HISTORY
8
EPHESIANS CHAPTER ONE
17
EPHESIANS CHAPTER TWO
25
EPHESIANS CHAPTER THREE
38
EPHESIANS CHAPTER FOUR
46
EPHESIANS CHAPTER FIVE
50
EPHESIANS CHAPTER SIX
6
A BIBLE STUDY
of
EPHESIANS
HISTORY
7
CHAPTERS 1-3
OUR
RELATIONSHIP
WITH GOD
9
EPHESIANS
CHAPTER 1
EPHESIANS 1:1
How much time do you spend seeking the will of God? How
convinced are you that you are in the will of God?
10
verse 2 | Enjoying Gods Grace & Peace
EPHESIANS 1:2
EPHESIANS 1:3
11
We should believe (receive) by faith that God has already supplied
us with everything we need to live a blessed life. In Gods kingdom,
we must always believe before we see lasting change! We have
wisdom, righteousness, peace, power, etc.
EPHESIANS 1:45
12
verse 6 | Gods Acceptance
EPHESIANS 1:6
[So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of His
glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on
us in the Beloved.
13
IN HIM we have wisdom and understanding (intelligence)
in natural and divine things. We are given the grace to understand
things that were hidden from other generations who have desired
to know about the mystery of Christ. Even angels desired to know
what has been revealed to us and they did not.
H.A. Ironside stated that the divine revelation of Christ, and the
things that are to come, should so grip our souls as to lead us to live
here as pilgrims and strangers, knowing this is not our home. We
should look forward at all times to the return of Christ!
14
What are some ways you are enjoying true unity in your life?
They might sit in the harbor for long periods of time, and yet
everyone knew to whom they belonged. They were separated for
that specific lumber company. A small fee had been paid as earnest
money. The Holy Spirit that we have is our earnest deposit of the
good things to come.
15
verse 14 | Gods Guarantee
EPHESIANS 1:14
How often do you think about your inheritance and the day of
the Lords return?
The same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us. (See
Romans 8:11 and Luke 10:19.)
16
Do you know these things or merely know about them?
We are His body, and in that body lives the full measure of Him!
He said, You will do what I have done and greater things shall you
do. (See John 14:12.)
17
The Good Dinosaur movieThe baby dinosaur lost his father and
lived in fear. He was being chased by critters and he wanted his
dad to come back and take care of him. But his dad wanted him to
know that he already had inside of him what he needed to meet
any challenge. There was one statement in the movie toward the
end that I took for myself!
Son (daughter), you have me in you and much morego get that
critter!
18
EPHESIANS
CHAPTER 2
You might say that Ephesians, Chapter 2, reveals the Christians past,
present and future. It speaks of who we were before accepting Christ,
who we are now in Christ, and who we are foreordained to become as
we continue growing spiritually and walking in the good plan of God.
For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh
and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and
destruction of strongholds.
19
Our lives were filled with every kind of misery.
EPHESIANS 2:4
Acts 7:9 Josephs brothers hated him, BUT GOD was with Him.
And the patriarchs [Jacobs sons], boiling with envy and hatred and
anger, sold Joseph into slavery in Egypt; but God was with him.
20
of him, BUT GOD meant it for good. As for you, you thought evil
against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people
should be kept alive, as they are this day.
John 10:10 The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy, BUT JESUS
came that we might have and enjoy life. The thief comes only in order
to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life,
and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
What situation do you have in your life that you need to trust
God to interrupt and work it out for good?
EPHESIANS 2:5-6
21
We have been given the very life of Christ!
How would you say you are living in the reality of who you are
now in Christ? Have you entered into Gods rest?
EPHESIANS 2:7
He did this to clearly show that His grace has no limits! God will go
to any extreme to redeem His children.
EPHESIANS 2:8-9
22
Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Laws demands],
lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone
can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to
himself.]
Are you still trying to earn and deserve what God has given
freely? Explain.
EPHESIANS 2:10
1. God created us. Satan, sin and the world damaged us, but
God recreated us and made us new!
2. W
e are partners with God. He has provided a good life for
us and we are told to choose to live in it.
23
Are you making choices that allow you to live the good life?
Are there any choices you need to make right now that will
help you do more good works and live a better life?
EPHESIANS 2:11-12
24
(Think about what a terrible condition we were in, and many
are still in.)
25
Matthew 18:20 Where two or three are gathered, there I am in the
midst of them. For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn
together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I Am in the
midst of them.
You are special, set apart for Gods use! All believers in Christ are
your family!
26
EPHESIANS
CHAPTER 3
1 Peter 4:1 So, since Christ suffered in the flesh for us, for you, arm
yourselves with the same thought and purpose [patiently to suffer
rather than fail to please God].
27
verse 6 | Fellow Heirs
EPHESIANS 3:6
[It is this:] that the Gentiles are now to be fellow heirs [with the
Jews], members of the same body and joint partakers [sharing]
in the same divine promise in Christ through [their acceptance
of] the glad tidings (the Gospel).
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The Gentiles becoming fellow heirs with the Jews was a cultural
shock to Jew and Gentilemore than we can even imagine!
The Jews had worked hard and followed the rules for centuries, and
now the Gentiles who had never done that were to be given the
same benefits as the Jews.
Example: The oldest child in a family often feels this way about the
baby who has it easier than the oldest child ever did! They
frequently say, He gets everything handed to him, but I had to
work for everything I got!
John 1:17 The law came through Moses, but grace and truth came
through Jesus! For while the Law was given through Moses, grace
(unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came
through Jesus Christ.
Why give the law? Why not just start with grace?
28
NOTE: The law had to be given so man could discover that he could never
keep it! He needed God and His help.
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES
Romans 5:20 But then Law came in, [only] to expand and increase
the trespass [making it more apparent and exciting opposition]. But
where sin increased and abounded, grace (Gods unmerited favor)
has surpassed it and increased the more and superabounded.
After Adam and Eve sinned, God waited to find someone to work
through in order to return things to His original plan. He planned
to get His man back and restore His authority.
See Luke 4:6 The devil told Jesus that power had been turned over
to him, but he was unaware that Jesus was prepared to take it back!
29
1 John 3:8 The reason Jesus came was to destroy the works of the
devil!! [But] he who commits sin [who practices evildoing] is of the
devil [takes his character from the evil one], for the devil has sinned
(violated the divine law) from the beginning. The reason the Son of God
was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve)
the works the devil [has done].
30
Ultimately, Abraham and Sarah had Isaac, Isaac had Jacob,
and Jacob had Joseph who through a seemingly very unfair
circumstance, ended up in Egypt. Severe famine was in the land,
but God had Joseph (His man) uniquely positioned where the food
was to make sure His people were taken care of.
His brothers hated him, and pretended he had been killed and sold
him to slave traders.
Eventually the king had a disturbing dream and was told of Joseph,
who had ability to interpret dreams.
When his brothers who had abused him came to Egypt for help,
they had no idea they would be asking Joseph for help.
31
Joseph foretold before his death that the Israelites would be
delivered from Egypt, and gave a commandment that they should
carry his bones with them.
Moses enters the scene some 400 years after Joseph. He was
destined by God to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
When it was Gods time for the Jews to be delivered, Moses was
in the right place at the right time, and God had already prepared
his heart.
John 1:17 The law came through Moses, but grace and truth
came through Jesus Christ! For while the Law was given through
Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and
truth came through Jesus Christ.
Describe a time when God had you in the right place at the
right time?
32
Do you believe that God has a plan for your protection and
deliverance, even though you dont know what it is? Explain.
Do you fully realize that all of your gifts, talents and abilities
are gifts from God and should in no way make you feel
superior to anyone else?
33
verse 12 | Approaching God
EPHESIANS 3:12
verse 13 | Press On
EPHESIANS 3:13
When things get difficult in life, keep these things in mind and it
will encourage you and enable you to press on boldly!
34
verse 14-19 | Pauls Prayer
1. P
aul prayed, May you be strengthened with mighty power
in the inner man, by the Holy Spirit indwelling your
innermost being and personality!
Wow! A spirit-filled personality!
How are your prayers like Pauls? Should you perhaps pray
more for your inward life and less for your outer
(circumstances)?
35
verse 20-21 | Greater Things
EPHESIANS 3:20-21
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power
that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and]
do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or
think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts,
hopes, or dreams]
NOW, (after we know the love of God and the strength of God that
is ours)
God intends to do greater things than you could imagine through you
not just for you, but through you.
Think big, hope aggressively, ask for the impossible, and let your
imagination run wild with the things that are possible with God!
36
RECAP
One of the keys to experiencing Gods great plan for our life
is knowing who we are in Christ and how much He loves us.
Studying these first three chapters of Ephesians has shown
us what that truth looks like and how to put it into action in
our own life.
37
CHAPTERS 4-6
OUR
BEHAVIOR
AS BELIEVERS
IN CHRIST
39
EPHESIANS
CHAPTER 4
EPHESIANS 4:1
I therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to
walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have
been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to
Gods service.
And as He saw one single leafy fig tree above the roadside, He went to
it but He found nothing but leaves on it [seeing that in the fig tree the
fruit appears at the same time as the leaves]. And He said to it, Never
again shall fruit grow on you! And the fig tree withered up at once.
40
What fruit of the spirit is evident in your life that backs up
your claim to be a Christian (Christ follower)?
EPHESIANS 4:2
HUMILITY
Matthew 11:29 The reason Jesus came was to destroy the works
of the devil! Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle
(meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and
ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
Philippians 2:5 Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble]
mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example
in humility:].
41
He willingly laid aside His divinity and took on humanity. He made
Himself a servant. He washed His disciples feet!
Luke 21:19 By your steadfastness and patient endurance you shall win
the true life of your souls.
*Being patient with the timing of God in our lives is the foundation
for being patient with all other things.
Very often bad behavior in our daily lives has roots in a deeper
problem! When I am content in my soul, I tend to be more content
with life in general.
James 1:4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full
play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and
fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.
42
verse 3-6 | Unity & Oneness
43
is now a conquered foe. He has been led captive at the chariot wheels
of Christ, and our Lord has now ascended as Man and taken His
place upon the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, and there from
His exalted seat in glory He gives these gifts to His church for its
edification and blessing. 1
Apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher are given for the
perfecting of the saints that they might do the work of the
ministry, growing into maturity and perfection of character.
EPHESIANS 4:15-16
Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking
truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up
in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even]
Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various
parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and
ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power
adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions],
grows to full maturity, building itself up in love.
EPHESIANS 4:17
So this I say and solemnly testify in [the name of] the Lord [as in
His presence], that you must no longer live as the heathen (the
Gentiles) do in their perverseness [in the folly, vanity, and empti-
ness of their souls and the futility] of their minds.
44
verse 22-24 | Change
EPHESIANS 4:26-27
When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exas-
peration, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down.
Anger is an open door for the devil! Dont give him the opportunity
to invade your life.
45
verse 28-29 | Our Behavior
EPHESIANS 4:28-29
Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious,
making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be
able to give to those in need.
EPHESIANS 4:30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or
sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as
Gods own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliver-
ance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin).
EPHESIANS 4:31-32
46
NOTE: If we know who we are in Christ and understand that God views us as
righteous and that His love is not based on our behavior, then we will
welcome chastisement in our lives and we will love hearing and studying
scriptures that confront our behavior.
But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and
mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and
distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is
evil and contrary either to divine or human law.
47
EPHESIANS
CHAPTER 5
Because of the great work Christ has done in our behalf, we should
be imitators of Him.
Dont compromise!
Walk in love.
1 John 3:14-18 Love is not mere theory or words, but deeds and
actions.
In what ways could you improve how you treat people? How
do you treat people the way you would like to be treated?
48
Paul warns against:
You are light, and light is seen in every form of kindly goodness,
purity of heart and truth.
Colossians 1:10 That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves)
in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to
please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily
growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller,
deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition].
49
When the Lord is pleased, we feel pleasure also because He lives in
us; and when He is grieved, we feel grieved!
Dont be vague!
What are some ways you wake up and seize each day? Are you
vague or decisive? Do you waste time or are you making the
most of it?
Dont get drunk! If you stay filled with the Holy Spirit and
maintain a happy heart, you will be happy without that.
50
verse 21-23 | Husbands & Wives
That does not mean women should be controlled and ruled by their
husbands. However, it does mean that for the sake of order and peace
when the two dont agree, the wife should adapt to her husband.
What are some ways you feel you have submitted to authority
when it was difficult for you?
51
EPHESIANS
CHAPTER 6
What is the reverse side of this? If we do not honor our father and
mother, it will not be well with us, and our lives could be shortened
as a result.
I think we then must do the best we can, and do it for the Lord.
EPHESIANS 6:2
52
EPHESIANS 6:7
EPHESIANS 6:8
Knowing that for whatever good anyone does, he will receive his
reward from the Lord, whether he is slave or free.
53
beautiful subjection and loyalty in her home. Christian children
who really delight in obedience to their parents, parents who
love their children and seek to bring them up in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord. 2
EPHESIANS 6:10
54
God supplies us with armor to protect us, but we must put it on.
We are fighting a real enemy. We dont see him or his army with
our natural eye, but we do see and feel the results of their attack.
We are protected from our enemies by putting on the armor that
God gives us.
Judges 6:34 But the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon with Himself
and took possession of him, and he blew a trumpet, and [the clan of]
Abiezer was gathered to him.
55
What are some things you do to regularly study Gods Word?
Knowing who you are in Christ and understanding how God views
you is vital to spiritual warfare!
EPHESIANS 1:17-19
1. Know God.
2. Know what your inheritance is and the hope He has
called you to.
56
THE SHOES OF PEACE
And Gods peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured
of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and
being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace]
which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard
over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 3:10-11 For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days
[goodwhether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and
his lips from guile (treachery, deceit).
Let him turn away from wickedness and shun it, and let him do right.
Let him search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears,
agitating passions, and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly. [Do not
merely desire peaceful relations with God, with your fellowmen, and
with yourself, but pursue, go after them!]
KEEP GROWING!
57
THE SHIELD OF FAITH
Habakkuk 2:4 Look at the proud; his soul is not straight or right
within him, but the [rigidly] just and the [uncompromisingly]
righteous man shall live by his faith and in his faithfulness.
Take a minute and think about what you are thinking about.
In what way(s) could you think more like God?
58
[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings
and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true]
knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away
captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)
Psalm 27:13 [What, what would have become of me] had I not
believed that I would see the Lords goodness in the land of the living!
Hebrews 4:12 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of
power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is
sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line
of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and
marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and
analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.
Revelation 1:16 In His right hand He held seven stars, and from His
mouth there came forth a sharp two-edged sword, and His face was
like the sun shining in full power at midday.
59
Revelation 19:15 From His mouth goes forth a sharp sword with
which He can smite (afflict, strike) the nations; and He will shepherd
and control them with a staff (scepter, rod) of iron. He will tread the
winepress of the fierceness of the wrath and indignation of God the
All-Ruler (the Almighty, the Omnipotent).
James 4:2 You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your
desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to
murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and
anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment,
and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not
have, because you do not ask.
John 14:13-14 And I will do [I Myself will grant] whatever you ask
in My Name [as presenting all that I Am], so that the Father may be
glorified and extolled in (through) the Son.
[Yes] I will grant [I Myself will do for you] whatever you shall ask in
My Name [as presenting all that I Am].
John 15:7 If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words
remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you
will, and it shall be done for you.
John 16:24 Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My
Name [as presenting all that I Am]; but now ask and keep on asking
and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full
and complete.
60
How committed are you to prayer?
If you dont like your answer, today is the right day to make a
change!
RECAP
The truth is, you cant really change your behavior until
you know who you are in Christ. And we cant change
ourselves, but we can ask God to change us. Its only by Gods
grace and help that we are able to become who He says we
can be in Him.
59
For the word of God is alive
and powerful. It is sharper than
the sharpest two-edged sword,
cutting between soul and spirit,
between joint and marrow. It exposes
our innermost thoughts and desires.
HEBREWS 4:12 ( N LT )