Week of January 27, 2008 - Lesson 4

Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10
Lesson 4 - Death to Life

Discussion Questions

1. Describe in your own words the nature of the spiritually dead? What is the primary influence in their lives? What are their main goals? What is the result of their choices?
2. Contrast that with a spiritually alive person – how do you think a spiritually alive person learns what to desire and how to obtain it? See Paul’s prayers in Col 1:9-14 and Phil 1:9-11 for more insight.
3. Why did God save us? Meditate on the reason given in verse 7 of this passage and share what insight God gives you.
4. How do people today try to remove guilt, other than accepting God’s grace? Where does this lead them?
5. What does it mean to be God’s workmanship? How can we encourage each other to grow in our awareness of what it means (practically) to be God’s workmanship?

Additional Study Aids:

I came across two study aids that may help you dig deeper into this week's passage.

• http://www.blueletterbible.org/ - Good reference tool for deeper study
• http://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/ - You can download a free audio New Testament here, including the book of Ephesians

Week of January 20th, 2008 - Lesson Three

Complete Lesson 3 for this Week
Eph 1:15-23

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you show those around you that you are thankful for them?
2. What is the purpose of having wisdom & revelation?
3. What kind of help is available to all Christians basd on this passage?
4. How does the knowledge of God's authority & control make you secure?
5. Since God's power is available to you, what do you need to take hold of this week?

Week of January 13th 2008 - Lesson Two

Reading Assignment - Ephesians 1:3-14

Complete Lesson 2

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Paul started off his letter with this passage?
2. Paul repeated three times God's purpose in bestowing these blessings (v.5-6, 12, 14). What result does Paul teach God expects in our lives?
3. How do you praise God apart from singing songs in a Sunday service? What are some different ways we can have an attitude of praise throughout the week?
4. Which spiritual blessing mentioned in the passage is most personal to you? What application do you think the Lord wants you to make in your life this week.
5. Select a verse of the week and be prepared to discuss why it is important to you.

Week of January 6th 2008 - Lesson One

Reading Assignment - Read through the Letter of Ephesians several times
Complete Lesson 1 - Focus on the following questions:

1. What do you think Paul's reason was for writing the letter to the Ephesians? What does the content suggest he was trying to accomplish?
2. Try to state the main message of Paul's letter in 1 or 2 sentences?
3. What historical background information that you have learned is particularly helpful in better understanding Paul's message?
4. What questions do you have about what you read or what doesn't make sense?
5. Select a verse that spoke to you in particular from your reading.

Ephesians Bible Study - Starting up

We will officially start our study of Ephesians next week on Tuesday the 8th and Friday the 11th. If you have not already picked up the Study Guide, please grab one from church this Sunday. You can also order one from http://www.amazon.com/Ephesians-Lifechange-Nav-Press/dp/0891090541/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199239831&sr=8-1.

Hope to see you next week!