Ephesians 1:19-23

Good morning! I came across the following article recently and it really caused me to stop and evaluate my priorities…

• Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?



• What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?



• What if we flipped through it several times a day?



• What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?



• What if we used it to receive messages from the Text?



• What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?



• What if we gave it to kids as gifts?



• What if we used it when we traveled?



• What if we used it in case of emergency?

• Where are our priorities?



• How much value do we place on the Word of God?

These are some good things to ponder as we look into the Word this week and see the power of God and His absolute control of the universe! Before you start your time with God today, take a moment to pray to your God. After you pray, take time to read through the passage slowly, taking notes on what God is teaching you through His Word, and answer the questions.

As you read this week's passage, look for these words or phrases: power, raised, above all, subjection, head, and church.

Passage for the week: Ephesians 1:19-23 (NASB)

19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might
20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,
21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church,
23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

DIGGING DEEPER

Monday:

List all of the characteristics of God that you find in this passage (what God is like, His attributes).






List all of the promises of God that you can find in this passage.





Read Ephesians 1:15-23 to get the full context of this passage. How does Paul emphasize the tremendous power available “for us who believe” (1:19? According to verse 20, where does this power come from and when/where was it most clearly displayed?




How has this great power been active in your life? In other words, explain how you have personally experienced the power of God.





Wednesday:

Read Philippians 2:9-11, Revelation 4:9-11, and Ephesians 1:21-23. How do these verses impact you when you think about Christ being above all and in control of all?



Paul mentions Christ as head of all things, which includes the church (v.22). How is the church, the body of believers, so important to God’s plans for the universe?



Verse 23 tells us that the church is the fullness of Christ’s body who “fills all in all.” What does this statement mean?





What role does the church play in your life and how important is it?

Friday:

In Ephesians 1:3-14, Paul spends a great deal of time praising God and Jesus Christ. In 1:15-23, Paul’s prayer is dominated by intercession for his fellow believers. Explain the significance of why our intercession for others should first flow out of praise to our God.

Take a few moments and pray Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians back to God for someone you love (family member, friend, co-worker, etc.).

CHEW ON THIS:

Paul continues to pray in these verses that the readers should understand the nature and strength of the power of God already at work in them. If we only look to what we see God doing in our own lives now, it is possible that we may easily underestimate God’s power. This power Paul speaks of is the same power that God revealed in Christ’s resurrection from the dead. This is a picture of what God will accomplish in us by that same awesome power (see 1 Cor. 15:45–49; Phil. 3:21)!

Paul also assures us of God’s power in us, for he finishes by saying that Jesus has been given all power by God to the church, which He fills (22–23). This means that the full authority and power that is in Jesus is at work in the church! This should give us great encouragement, once again reminding us that we have the power of God at our disposal! These verses also prove that Christ is in the place of ultimate authority over matters on earth. There are no other powers or rulers, in the world or in the heavens, whether good or evil, that can compare to Him!

As far as the church is concerned, Paul calls the church Christ’s body (23a). In 1 Corinthians, the church as Christ’s ‘body’ includes its own ears, eyes and head (1 Cor. 12:16–21)—it is a whole body belonging to Jesus and closely united with Him. Verse 22 describes Jesus as the head or ruler, which proves that He is in complete control of the church (see Col. 1:18). In conclusion, Paul prays that his readers will understand that the power at work in the church is not only the presence of that same power which raised Christ from dead, but also that raised us from spiritual death to spiritual life. Paul also reminds us that God is at work and is in full control of everything. Why not pray this prayer of praise and power for your fellow believers like Paul? We have every reason to believe Him and trust His Word!

For His Name,

Pastor Stephen

Ephesians 1:15-18

If you’re anything like me, the morning comes all too suddenly! My alarm clock blares. I hit snooze. Minutes later, I press it again. Then, finally I’m up and awake. I have a lot to do, and I rush to get ready. I debate between spending time with God and doing all the things that are “so important.” I have a decision to make. Will I spend time worshipping the God who created me to worship and treasure Him above all else? Let’s face it. We are in a struggle and if we are not careful, the most needful thing in our lives can become the most neglected thing. Let’s be people who are consumed with worshipping our God!

Before you start your time with God today, take a moment to pray to your God. After you pray, take time to read through the passage slowly, taking notes on what God is teaching you through His Word, and answer the questions.

As you read this week's passage, look for these words or phrases: prayers, spirit of wisdom, enlightened, hope, and inheritance.


Passage for the week: Ephesians 1:15-18 (NASB)


15 For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints,
16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers;
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

DIGGING DEEPER

Monday:


List all of the characteristics of God that you find in this passage (what God is like, His attributes).




List all of the promises of God that you can find in this passage.




When you pray for fellow Christians, how do you usually pray for them? Give some specific examples.




Wednesday:

In verses 15-16, Paul says, “For this reason…I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” What are reasons why Paul is so thankful in his prayers for the Ephesian believers? Why do believe these things we so important to him?


Where is Paul’s focus as he prays? In other words, what is he praying for the Ephesians? Are these the things that you are praying for your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, or do you just focus on physical needs? Explain.


Why do you think Paul’s prayer focuses on wisdom, revelation, and knowledge? Explain why these things are so significant and vital to our Christian walk.


Friday:

Compare and contrast Paul’s prayer in this passage with the prayers you normally pray to God. How are they different? What areas of your prayer life need to change in light of this?


CHEW ON THIS:

Paul’s regular prayer for his readers is for spiritual illumination (17), to know God more deeply, and to understand the nature of the Christian hope (18) and the nature of God’s power already at work in Christians (19a). In verse 16, Paul looks back to 1:14, and through it to the whole of 1:3–14. Paul gives thanks for the readers of Roman Asia because of their faith and love. He briefly gives thanks too for what he has heard of their faith and love, indicating that he sees these as fruits of God’s grace. In verses 17-18, we see the content of Paul’s prayer. Paul prays that God would give them spirit of wisdom and revelation. These are two things that we desperately need in our spiritual walk! We need God’s perspective in wisdom and His revelation of truth. Note the purpose of the request is not for special information, but deeper perception and knowledge of God himself (as he is revealed in Christ). This even takes us back to our recent study in James 1:5 – “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”


The prayer in verse 18 is equally a prayer for spiritual understanding: the heart here signifies the mind, will and emotions. The heart is also the center of perception and decision. Our hearts do not need to be merely instructed in theological concepts, but we need the work of the Spirit applying these truths about God so that it our hearts are changed and we are living the God-centered (not self-centered) life. Paul also prays that his readers might be able to know and understand the eternal hope that lies ahead of them in a full sense. If you and I would dwell on the truth that God intends to make us (along with all believers) into a wonderful inheritance for Himself, then that knowledge will transform the way we perceive our existence. It is my prayer that you and I would come to understand this great hope that is wrapped up in our salvation. Rejoice in the hope that is yours in Christ!

For His Name,

Pastor Stephen

Ephesians 1:13-14

Before you start your time with God today, take a moment to pray to your God. Remember that this is an awesome privilege – you and I get to talk to the Creator God of the universe whose love for you endures forever (Ps. 118:1)! After you pray, take time to read through the passage slowly, taking notes on what God is teaching you through His Word, and answer the questions.

As you read this week's passage, look for these words or phrases: gospel, salvation, sealed, Holy Spirit of promise, pledge, and redemption.


Passage for the week: Ephesians 1:13-14 (NASB)

13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,
14 Who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

DIGGING DEEPER

Monday:

Read Ephesians 1:1-12 again. List all of the characteristics of God that you find in this passage (what God is like, His attributes).






List all of the promises of God that you can find in Ephesians 1:1-12.







Who is the “Him” referring to in verse 13?




Wednesday:

What is the message of truth in verse 13?




Who is the One who has sealed your salvation? What does that mean?




Explain how verse 13 can be a source of encouragement to you when you are doubting your salvation.




Friday:


What is the inheritance that God has given us?


Who is God’s special possession?



CHEW ON THIS:

Those who are in Christ, having believed the gospel, have been marked out as God’s people. (See e.g Ezk. 9:4–6 and Rev. 7:1–8 for the idea of God putting his identifying mark on his people.) The seal used to mark them was nothing less than the promised gift of the Spirit. Through this gift of the Spirit, we receive wisdom and illumination to understand the implications of the gospel (1:17–20; cf. 3:5); inner strengthening in the gospel (3:16; cf. 6:17); access to, and the indwelling presence of, God and of Christ (2:18, 22; 3:16–17); inspiration to godly living and thankful worship (4:30; 5:18–20) and help in prayer (6:18). All of these activities are what marks believers as God’s people and are indispensable to our Christian walk. The seal of the Spirit is not some second blessing—the having believed (13b) means ‘when you believed’, (i.e. ‘once you had put your trust in the gospel’). In other passages of Scripture, the Spirit with whom God marks us with his stamp of ownership is also called the ‘pledge’, ‘guarantee’, even ‘first installment’ of our inheritance (cf. Rom. 8:23; 2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5). But the blessings we receive now are just a foreshadowing: according to Paul we still await our inheritance in the final and total redemption of the world by God at the end of time. Ephesians 4:30 re-emphasizes this, reminding us that we are sealed with the Spirit ‘for the day of redemption’ to come. Then God’s purpose, begun in Christ, will be brought to consummation; and seeing it from beginning to end will be reason enough for us to praise Him! This gives us great comfort in knowing that once we put our faith in Christ, He puts His stamp of ownership on us and we are secure in our relationship with Him!

For His Name,

Pastor Stephen

Ephesians 1:7-12

Good morning! If you are like me, you may already feel overwhelmed with all of the things you have to accomplish this week. The unfortunate thing is that the first thing to go in the midst of our busy lives is our time with God. Most of us would not skip class, miss a sports practice, or forget to spend time with family and friends. So, why does our time with God get so easily crowded out of our lives? I can only speak for myself, here, but I believe that it is because we do not hunger and long to be with God. We do not see the time slot as valuable enough or precious enough. I pray that God will give each one of us an unquenchable desire to spend time with God in His Word so that even if life is busy, our “God and I time” is still the most vital part of our day.

This week we get to see Christ's redemption for us, the mystery of His will, and the comfort of knowing that He is control! Before you start your time with God today, take a moment to pray to your God. I encourage you to continue following the plan of Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication as you spend time on your knees, worshiping the Lord. After you pray, take time to read through the passage slowly, taking notes on what God is teaching you through His Word, and answer the questions.


As you read this week's passage, look for these words or phrases: redemption, grace, mystery of His will, fullness of the times, after the counsel of His will.

Passage for the week: Ephesians 1:7-12 (NASB)

7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace
8 Which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight
9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him
10 With a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him,
11 Also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,
12 To the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.

DIGGING DEEPER

Monday:

What is redemption and who does it come from? How do we get redemption and forgiveness from our sins according to verse 7?



What does the blood of Christ accomplish for you?




How does the Apostle Paul describe the grace of God in verses 7 and 8?



Wednesday:

What is the mystery of God’s will? According to verse 10, what person is Paul referring to when he talks about the mystery of God’s will?


So we can better understand verse 10, let’s take a look at the New Living Translation: “And this is the plan: At the right time He [God] will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.” What does it mean when Paul says that God will bring everything under Christ’s authority?




Read Philippians 2:9-11. These verses tell us more about what is happening in Ephesians 1:10 and the importance of Christ’s authority. According to these verses, who is going to bow the knee when Christ’s name is spoken? Who will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord? How should this truth change the way we live since Christ has authority over everything and everybody?




Friday:

What is the inheritance that God has given us?


Do you really believe that God is in complete control and works ALL things according to His plan? How should this truth comfort you and change the way you live?


CHEW ON THIS:

The words “redemption through His blood” related to paying the required ransom to God for the release of a person from bondage. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross paid that price for every person – buying them from the slave market of sin and giving them true freedom in Christ! This is all accomplished by the riches of His grace - and it never runs out! It the end of this world’s history, God will gather all the believers in the millennial kingdom. After that, God will gather all things to Himself and the new heaven and new earth will be created. This new universe will be totally unified under Christ. We know that Christ will have complete authority over everything and everybody! It is also interesting to point out that Christ is the source of our salvation, and that this was something that was decided beforehand by Christ Himself. Within this plan, God works all things according to the counsel of His own will. This means that everything works according to God’s plan and that He is in control. And, as we are used by God to carry out His plan, it is all to be done to the praise of His glory.

I hope that these verses will be an encouragement to you as you consider your salvation and what you have in Christ. I also pray that we will be spurred on by these verses to live to the praise of His glory and not for ourselves!

For His Name,

Pastor Stephen

Ephesians 1:1-6

We are set to get into the book of Ephesians by looking at the first six verses this week. I encourage you to follow the prayer plan of Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. After you pray, take time to read through the passage slowly, taking notes on what God is teaching you through His Word, and answer the questions.


Let’s dig into the Word and see what God has to teach us!

As you read this week's passage, look for these words or phrases: grace, peace, spiritual blessing, chose, holy and blameless, predestined, and praise.

Passage for the week: Ephesians 1:1-6 (NASB)

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4 Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love,
5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
6 To the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

DIGGING DEEPER

Monday:

In verse 1, who does Paul say that he is writing to (try to recall what you read last week in Acts 19)? What is significant about these people (hint: see the last 5 words of this verse)?






How does Paul greet these believers in verse 2? What is grace and peace? Explain your answer.






Explain how comforting it would be to know that grace and peace come from God the Father and Jesus Christ. How does God's grace and peace help you in your life?



Wednesday:

What are the spiritual blessings that Paul is referring to in verse 3? What has God blessed you with personally? What are some practical ways that you can praise God for these things on a regular basis?


What are the heavenly places in Christ referring to in verse 3?


According to verse 4, what is the end result of God saving us? In other words, what kind of Christian does He want you to be?


Friday:

How did God adopt us into His family according to verse 5?


According to verse 6, how should we be living our lives?


CHEW ON THIS:

These verses are a HUGE source of encouragement for us as believers! These verses tell us about how much the Lord has done for us and how He has given us so many wonderful blessings. We can also find assurance in the salvation God has given us since He Himself secured our adoption into His family. But it does not stop there. The Apostle Paul tells us that we have been chosen by God to be holy and blameless, to the praise of His grace. And, all of this has taken place as a result of the “kind intention of His will.” We have so much to be grateful for in the blessings God has given us and for His gracious salvation that He has so freely given us. We were not seeking Him, but He sought us and made us His children by the power of His grace! Spend some time reflecting on that grace today and embrace the life of righteousness that God has planned for you.


For His Name,

Pastor Stephen

Introduction to Ephesians - Acts 19:1-41 and Revelation 2:1-7

Greetings to everyone! Welcome to the Ephesians edition of “Chew On It.” We began this study back in June, but I think it would be good to re-start our journey, so we can all get back on the same page together.

I truly hope that it will be an encouragement to your daily walk with God. Some of you might be new to this, so let me explain. The “Chew On It” series is a way for us (teens and parents alike) to walk through a book of the Bible together as a Youth Group Family. As Christians, we need to see God’s Word as a necessary part of our life, not just an add-on to our busy day. It must be something we hunger for, instead of merely an item on our spiritual checklist.

So, my challenge to you and myself is to take a journey through the book of Ephesians together. My desire in all of this is to get us to go beyond just reading Scripture by spending quality time meditating on the Word and then seeking to apply it to our lives in obedience to Christ. In other words, I want you “chew on it” and think about what the Scriptures are really saying.

Here is how it’s going to work for this semester. I will be e-mailing all of you on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with the Scripture reading for the week, some questions to answer, and some thoughts to chew on (on Friday) that will be designed to help us dig into the Scriptures. I encourage you to begin each time in prayer, asking God to open your eyes and mind to what He has to teach you through His Word and to supply you with the courage and grace to live out the truth. Please feel free to e-mail me and let me know what you are learning or any questions you might have so we can encourage one other in this study. I truly hope that you will come to treasure the Word of God and learn to find your ultimate joy in Him.

As we study the Word this week, think of it as your daily dose of fuel that will keep you going throughout the day. Ask God to give you a hunger for His Word and a desire to spend time with Him. Before you start your time with God today, take a moment to pray to your God. I encourage you to follow the plan we have been doing in our prayer focus times as a youth group - Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. After you pray, take time to read through the passage slowly, taking notes on what God is teaching you through His Word, and answer the questions.


Passage for the week: Acts 19:1-41 and Revelation 2:1-7

Before we get into the book of Ephesians, I believe it would be beneficial for us to take a look at the church and city of Ephesus itself. Take note of the challenges that Paul faced in the city and what he faced as he went into this as a missionary. We will take time to read through Rev. 2:1-7 on Wednesday and Friday.

NOTE: If you would like to listen to the book of Ephesians, I found a website that will allow you to download the whole book for free! Check it out at http://www.listenersbible.com/free_downloads/download_now .

DIGGING DEEPER

Monday:

What was Paul’s greatest challenge in going to Ephesus?



What it a difficult place to preach the gospel in? Would you want to go there on a mission trip during that time with Paul? Why or why not?




What kind of miracles did the Lord do through Paul? How did the people respond?



Wednesday:

Read Revelation 2:1-7. What happened at the church at Ephesus?



What was Christ’s evaluation of them? Explain whether it was positive, negative, or both.



If your life was under the same examination as the church of Ephesus, what would we discover about your walk with God? Would it be any different? Explain your answer.




Friday:

What was the thing that Christ had to say against this church?



What does it mean to leave your first love? How do you know if you have left your first love – are there any signs that will show up in your life?



How can we get back to loving Christ as we should according to verse 5?




CHEW ON THIS:

Ephesus was the fourth largest city in the Roman Empire and was the home to the goddess Artemis, also referred to as Diana. The temple of Diana was one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and it stood on a hill in full view of the city. It was a place of immorality, sorcery, and devil-worship. Can you imagine coming into this city on a mission trip, like the Apostle Paul? I think it is safe to say that most of us would have been terrified! But the gospel of Christ can break through anything. God was able to do amazing things in that city for His glory to show those people who the true God really was. However, after the Apostle Paul left and the church was established, people began to drift in their spiritual walk. We see this in Revelation 2:1-7. They were doing a lot of good things, but they had neglected to do the main thing – love God! This should have been their first love, but they drifted away from it. This is so easy for us to do as well if we are not careful and intentional in our walk with God. Pray to God right now and ask Him to help you to live your life in light of who He is and to love Him with all of your heart!


I hope that by reading Acts 19 and Revelation 2 that you are now more acquainted with the people that Paul is writing to in the book of Ephesians. This will help us to understand why Paul wrote this letter and how we can apply it to our lives. It will also help us understand why the book of Ephesians deals with spiritual warfare and our secure position in Christ. We will begin next week by looking into Ephesians 1. Have a great weekend!

For His Name,

Pastor Stephen

Chew On It continues...

Well, I have decided to continue our "Chew On It" times in Ephesians once September begins. Since the summer began, it has been hard to keep it going with people on vacation, going on mission trips, etc. However, I hope and pray that you have still made getting into the Word your top priority! This week, I would like for each of you to post a comment on our "Chew On It" Wall on Facebook. Just take a few moments to share with us one thing God taught you this summer that has changed your life. I know that this will be a HUGE encouragement to all of us as we head into the fall semester of school.

I also thought it would be good to give you all something to chew on as we head into this week. God has been teaching me about the compassion that Christ had for the lost and it has revolutionized my thinking. I hope that this will encourage you!

VERSES ON CHRIST'S COMPASSION:

Matthew 9:36-37 “He felt great pity (compassion) for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn't know where to go for help. They were like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few."

OTHER PASSAGES TO CONSIDER:

Matthew 20:30-34

Mark 1:40-42

Mark 6:34

Luke 7:12-15

COMPASSION..........DO YOU HAVE IT???

This is a topic that crosses my mind often. How in the world would the God of the universe care about me? What have I done to ever merit anything from Him but wrath, pain, torment, and judgment? Why would He even take notice of me in a pleasant or kind way? Why … above all this… would He ever do anything to me that would give me love and eternity in heaven to the point that it costs a great sacrifice? WOW … what an amazing thought. As we look at this familiar passage, the core issue is evident. Christ cared … REALLY cared about others. It was evidenced not only by the fact that He came and submitted to the will of the Father, but even more so as we see example after example of moments when the heart of Christ seems to break as he ponders the helpless and lost condition of those He created and loves.The thing that has stopped me in my tracks is the way in which I can care … REALLY care about those I love and know, but that I have so little love and compassion for everyone else. Do you know what I’m talking about? Perhaps this is truly at the root of why there are so few sharing the gospel … and even fewer desiring to go to other countries to do the same.Even though we are supposed to care, most of us don’t. When was the last time that our emotions were even the slightest bit stirred as I drove to a destination and passed HUNDREDS of people who may not know or understand the Gospel and most of whom are clearly destined for eternal torment and separation from God. How COMPASSIONATE are we for the lost souls all around us?I pray that we will put serious thought into this. I pray that we will strive to see God and others in a TRUE and BIBLICAL way that will force us to be moved with compassion. This is a burning desire and goal in my life. I pray that you will be convicted on this same issue and strive to see that it is changed. “Lord, cause us to be people that are moved with compassion for the things that MOVE You!”

I guess this brings a few questions to mind, especially in light of our mission trips for the summer:

1. Does the need of the lost have any impact on your life with any consistency, or is it simply a passing thought occasionally?

2. How will you impact the lost for Christ this month? Ask God to give you the courage to seize the opportunities He gives you to be a light in the darkness of this world!

3. What will you do to develop a greater burden for and outreach to those who need Christ and those for whom Christ cares?

4. As far as missions is concerned, what is God calling you to do? How are you fulfilling the Great Commission?

God has given us this privilege and responsibility of carrying the Light of Gospel and sharing His Word with others. May He find us serving Him joyfully and faithfully!

My desire is that you would...

Love Christ PASSIONATELY

Know Christ DEEPLY and

Enjoy Christ FULLY!!!

For His Name,

Pastor Stephen