SS 1-10-21 Ephesians Recap
Due to COVID and the holidays, we have taken a five-week siesta from meeting. So, let’s go over what we have covered so far about this wonderful letter to the Ephesians+.
- Ephesians was probably intended to be a circular letter.
- The first three chapters are doctrine (teaching of truth).
- The last three chapters are application.
- Chapter one sets up the framework of salvation:
- The framework-1:3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10
- The purpose- 1:13-14
- The prayer- 17-18, 19-21, 22-23
- Chapter two, verses 1-10 tell us who we were and who we are now:
- Dead in sin- 2:1-3
- Alive with Christ- 2:4-7
- Grace and God’s masterpiece- 2:8-10
- Chapter two, verses 11-22 tell us God’s overall plan for mankind:
- Bringing Jews and Gentiles together through the cross-2:14-16, 17-18
- Members and stones- 2:19-22
- Chapter three embraces the mystery AND the gospel—and here’s where we will park today.
Read Ephesians 3:1-6. What is this mystery? We get a better feel for it in 2:14-17. Read it. The two reconciled to God through the cross…WOW! Paul was a sharer of this truth. Read 3:7-9. Now, the question is, what is this gospel?
- Read Luke 9:6. What gospel? Read Matthew 4:17, Luke 17:20-21 and 19:41-44. Paul preached to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. What do you suppose he was meant?
- Read Ephesians 10-12. Who approaches God with freedom and confidence? WE DO!
Because of mystery and gospel, Paul prays this wonderful prayer for the church. It would be a great one to put on a card and read it every week.
Around the tables:
- Why do we read the verses out loud?
- Why is it important that we know this material?
- Do you think that in the near future that someone may ask you to give an account for the faith you have?
- What good might the prayer in chapter 3 do us were we to ever be detained for our faith?
In the Master's Hands 