GOD’S SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN CHRIST

Ephesians 1:1-23

Key Verse 1:3

PRAISE FOR GOD’S SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS (1-14)

1. Read verses 1-2. How did Paul describe himself? What difference does it make to see one’s life and work from God’s point of view? What was Paul’s condition at the time of this writing? (3:1, 4:1, 6:20, Phil.1:15, 2 Tim.1:8) What does it mean to be a saint?

2. “In Christ” is repeated more than 10 times in verses 1-14. What does it mean to be “in Christ”? (John 15:5) Read verses 3-8. What does it mean to be blessed “in the heavenly realms” (3,20; 2:6)? What are the spiritual blessings mentioned here? When and why did he choose us? For what did he predestine us? How does this show his love?

3. How has he lavished on us his grace? How costly is his grace? (To him and to us) What does “redemption” suggest about our former state?

4. Read verses 9-10. What is the mystery? (3:6; Ro 16:25-26) What is God’s great purpose and plan? (1Co 15:24-28)

5. Read verses 11-14. What is God’s larger purpose in choosing us and predestining us? What does “for the praise of his glory” mean? (12b,14b) Who is included in Christ? What is the Holy Spirit’s work? What is our inheritance?

PRAYER FOR WISDOM AND REVELATION (15-23)

6. Read verses 15-17.  What were Paul’s thanksgiving topics for the saints in Ephesus? (15-16)What are his prayer topics for them? (17) How can we know God better?

7. Read verses 18-23. What does it mean to have “the eyes of your heart enlightened“? (18) How might this help us to know deeply our hope in Christ (1 Cor. 15:20-23), our inheritance through Christ (Rom. 8:15-17), and God’s power through Christ (Rom. 8:11)? (18-19)What is the relationship between Christ and the Church? (20-23)