Living for Jesus by making, maturing and mobilising disciples for His Glory Ephesians Study Booklet
From the pastor Welcome to our first study booklet for 2012. I am praying and planning for another year of growth in knowledge of Jesus for us all as we study God s Word together. This year we will be focused on reaching out to those who don t yet know Jesus. We have a few key projects planned to this end which are the commencement of a new morning service; the Free Community Parenting Seminar and the Outdoor Carols. You will also notice a feature of this study booklet is that each member of the Growth Groups will be encouraged to share their testimony as a way of being equipped to share Jesus with others. I am praying that this year we will be able to baptise more than just a few people but many people as a result of them turning to Christ. We will start the year by studying the letter of Ephesians. This year there will be a Relationships Series as well as a series on the Sermon on the Mount. A regular feature of Lakeshore Life is our Vision Series. We have seen some of our Special Projects from our Vision Series become a reality. This includes Ryan Holmes starting a Ministry Training Apprenticeship and planning getting underway for the Free Community Parenting Seminar. Please continue to pray for these Projects so we see the Gospel advanced on the Sunshine Coast. I trust you will again grow in your faith in Jesus and His purposes in your life as we study Ephesians together. Promoting the Gospel by John Dickson is a book I would recommend you read as we commence the year of outreach. It will help you understand the why, how and what of promoting the Gospel of Jesus. L-T Hopper. About this study booklet The studies in this booklet link into the sermon series at church. The dates of the talks are listed on the front cover and each study is to follow the talk of the same title. This approach enables group time to be spent digging deeper into the Bible and also to discuss issues or questions raised by the talk. This also, importantly, enables the Growth Group to have a strong focus on application, sharing, accountability and prayer. We aim to provide a copy of this study booklet to every regular attendee at Lakeshore whether you ve been with us for only a few weeks or for several years. We would love everyone to be involved in one of our Growth Groups and do the studies in that context. But if you are presently unable to join a group you can still work through the studies each week following the sermons. 2
Introduction to Ephesians Ephesians is a letter written by Paul from prison in Rome (Acts 28) in A.D 62. The letter is written to the Christians at Ephesus. You can read about the Gospel going to Ephesus in Acts 19. John Stott says: The letter focuses on what God did through the historical work of Jesus Christ and does through his Spirit today, in order to build his new society in the midst of the old. His analysis: The new life which God has given us in Christ (1:3-2:10) The new society which God has created through Christ (2:11-3:21) The new standards which God expects of his new society, especially unity and purity (4:1-5:21) The new relationships into which God has brought us harmony in the hone and hostility to the devil (5:21-6:24) The title of our series is New Life New Living which is meant to capture the theme of the book. May we all be strengthened in our knowledge of the New Life we have in Christ so that it is expressed in New Living. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Ephesians 1:1-2; Acts 19 Ephesians 1:3-10 Ephesians 1:11-14 Ephesians 1:15-23 Ephesians 2:1-10 Ephesians 2:11-22 Ephesians 3:1-13 Ephesians 3:14-21 New Life Introduced New Abundant Life New Life Secured New Life Prayer New Life from Death New Family New Life Revealed New Life in Love 3
1 New Life Introduced One of the best ways to share your faith in Jesus with others is to tell your own story, and it s a great help if you have thought about how you will tell it before hand. Every week during these studies one member of the group will be asked to prepare their testimony (using the guide in the back of this booklet) and tell it to the group. Who s going to prepare their s for next week? What s the most important letter you ever received? Why was it so important? Ephesians 1:1-2 Ephesians is God s Word to us through Paul and so we should pay attention and listen to what it says. Study One - 1. Ephesians 1:1-2 Read Acts 19 1. List what we learn about the beginnings and background of Ephesians. Read Ephesians 1:1-2 2. What is the importance of saying an apostle of Christ Jesus? 3. What is the importance of saying by the will of God? 4. What is the distinction Paul is making in addressing the readers as saints and the faithful? How does this compare with his opening of his other letters? 5. Who is the letter to? What is the implication if in Ephesus was not originally part of the letter? Grace and peace may be a standard greeting in a letter but in Ephesians these two words are important. 6. What is the relationship of grace and peace? 7. How central is Jesus even in this first few verses of Ephesians? To learn more about grace and peace in Eph, Look up grace in the rest of Ephesians. 1:2,6,7; 2:5,7,8; 3:2,7,8; 4:7,29; 6:24 Look up peace in the rest of Ephesians. 1:2; 2:14,15,17; 4:3; 6:15,23 4
8. If Paul has the authority of Jesus Christ what does this mean for how we should read this letter? 9. What can you do this week to make reading Ephesians a priority? 10. What can you do differently this week to make Jesus dominate your mind like he does Paul s? Write down prayer points, 1. For each other in your growth group, 2. For friends and family you are sharing your life and the gospel with, and 3. For the life of church as a whole. Growth Group Members. Family and Friends. Church Life Read the key verse. How would you put into your own words what we learn here about God? Pray together that God would help us to grow in our trust in Him. For Sunday s bible talk and next week s study read... Ephesians 1:3-10 Friday Feb 10 -- Lakeshore Youth Ice Skating Excursion. Sunday 12th Feb -- Information & Prayer Meeting for New Service 5
2 New Abundant Life One member of the group who has prepared their testimony during the week tells their story to the rest of the group. Whose turn is it going to be next week? Do you think you have an abundant life? Ephesians 1:3 In God s mercy we have every spiritual blessing through Jesus Christ. Study Two Ephesians 1:3-10 1. List all the things God has done for us. 2. What role does Jesus play in the giving of these blessings? 3. When did the work of God begin? 4. When will the work of God end? 5. What is the goal of God s plan? See 1:10 6. What is election? Why do you think it is often hard to accept? Heavenly realms occurs five times in Ephesians. Look up each reference and think about what it means. 1:3,20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12 6
7. If we have every spiritual blessing that we can have, why do often feel discontent? 8. How should we think about ourselves in light of this passage? 9. What difference will knowing the truth of this passage make to your week this week? Write down prayer points, 1. For each other in your growth group, 2. For friends and family you are sharing your life and the gospel with, and 3. For the life of church as a whole. Growth Group Members. Family and Friends. Church Life Read the key verse. How would you put into your own words what we learn here about God? Pray together that God would help us to grow in our trust in Him. For Sunday s bible talk and next week s study read... Ephesians 1:11-14 Tuesday Feb 21 -- New Beginnings Seniors Morning Tea 7
3 New Life Secured One member of the group who has prepared their testimony during the week tells their story to the rest of the group. Whose turn is it going to be next week? What do we put our security in? 1. What does it mean to be predestined? Ephesians 1:13 Study Three Ephesians 1:11-14 Through God s election we have a secure relationship with Him, guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. 2. What does it mean that God works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will? 3. What does it mean to live for the praise of his glory? 4. What is the role of hearing and believing in salvation? 5. What do we learn about the work of the Holy Spirit in these verses? Look up the other references where predestined occurs; Look up the other references where predestined occurs and see if it means the same as it does in Ephesians. Romans 8:29,30 8
6. Why is hard to believe that God s works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will? 7. What can you change in your life this week to ensure you live more for the praise of His glory? 8. How do the doctrine of election and the work of the Holy Spirit give us assurance of salvation? Write down prayer points, 1. For each other in your growth group, 2. For friends and family you are sharing your life and the gospel with, and 3. For the life of church as a whole. Growth Group Members. Family and Friends. Church Life Read the key verse. How would you put into your own words what we learn here about God? Pray together that God would help us to grow in our trust in Him. For Sunday s bible talk and next week s study read... Ephesians 1:15-23 Tuesday Feb 21 -- New Beginnings Seniors Morning Tea Friday Mar 2 -- Lakeshore Youth Combined Night 9
4 New Life Prayer One member of the group who has prepared their testimony during the week tells their story to the rest of the group. Whose turn is it going to be next week? What does it mean to grow as a Christian? Ephesians 1:17 Study Four Ephesians 1:15-23 1. What would you say is the main point of Paul s prayer? In Christ we are to continue to grow in knowledge of God the Father and in the hope we have in Christ. 2. What prompts Paul to pray? 3. How do you see the Father, Son and Spirit working in this passage? 4. What does Paul want them to know? 5. According to verse 17 what is needed? Paul s Prayers Compare Paul s prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23 with his other prayers. Ephesians 3:14-21; Romans 15:14-33; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9-14; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-12; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 10
6. How does the content of your prayers for people compare to Paul s? 7. How will what Paul prays change the way you pray? 8. How will what Paul s prays change what your goals are for your life? Write down prayer points, 1. For each other in your growth group, 2. For friends and family you are sharing your life and the gospel with, and 3. For the life of church as a whole. Growth Group Members. Family and Friends. Church Life Read the key verse. How would you put into your own words what we learn here about God? Pray together that God would help us to grow in our trust in Him. For Sunday s bible talk and next week s study read... Ephesians 2:1-10 Friday Mar 2 -- Lakeshore Youth Combined Night 11
5 New Life from Death One member of the group who has prepared their testimony during the week tells their story to the rest of the group. Whose turn is it going to be next week? What would people say was the problem with the world? What would they say is the solution? Ephesians 2:4 We were dead in sin but God raised those in Christ and exalted them with Christ. Study Five Ephesians 2:1-10 1. How does Paul describe the Ephesians before they came to Christ? 2. What were they captive to? 3. How does Paul describe the Ephesians after they came to Christ? 4. What does it mean to be seated with Christ? 5. How has the change from death to life happened? 6. What should be the response to this? Romans 3 How does Paul describe the Romans before they came to Christ in Romans 3? 12
7. What are reasons Paul gives for why God saves? 8. If salvation is a gift how should this shape our attitude to our salvation? 9. How will you pursue the good works God has created you to do this week? Write down prayer points, 1. For each other in your growth group, 2. For friends and family you are sharing your life and the gospel with, and 3. For the life of church as a whole. Growth Group Members. Family and Friends. Church Life Read the key verse. How would you put into your own words what we learn here about God? Pray together that God would help us to grow in our trust in Him. For Sunday s bible talk and next week s study read... Ephesians 2:11-22 Sunday Mar 25 -- Kids Alive United! 13
6 New Family One member of the group who has prepared their testimony during the week tells their story to the rest of the group. Whose turn is it going to be next week? Why do think peace will never be achieved in the world? Ephesians 2:13 Jesus brings peace between God and man and man and man and so forming a new humanity. Study Six Ephesians 2:11-22 1. What were the Ephesians formerly? 2. What does it mean that the Gentiles were excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise? 3. How does Paul describe what the Ephesians are now? 4. What has brought about the change? Israel and the Gentiles Read Psalm 184:14; Isaiah 49:1; Isaiah 57:19. What do we learn about Israel and the Gentiles from these passages? 14
5. What does this passage say is the answer to world peace? 6. What do we use to create barriers between each other? 7. How should verses 21-22 affect the way we relate to each other? Write down prayer points, 1. For each other in your growth group, 2. For friends and family you are sharing your life and the gospel with, and 3. For the life of church as a whole. Growth Group Members. Family and Friends. Church Life Read the key verse. How would you put into your own words what we learn here about God? Pray together that God would help us to grow in our trust in Him. For Sunday s bible talk and next week s study read... Ephesians 3:1-13 Friday Mar 23 -- Lakeshore Youth Family Party Saturday Mar 24 -- Church Working Bee Sunday Mar 25 -- Kids Alive United! 15
7 New Life Revealed One member of the group who has prepared their testimony during the week tells their story to the rest of the group. Whose turn is it going to be next week? How do people think you can find God? Ephesians 3:2-3 Study Seven Ephesians 3:1-13 By God s grace the truth of the Gospel of Jesus was made known to Paul who made it known to others. Mysteries here in Ephesians according to John Stott are truths which, although beyond human discovery, have been revealed by God and so now belong openly to the whole church. 1. What has by God s grace been made known to Paul? 2. What is the content of the mystery Paul is talking about? 3. How was it revealed? 4. What was Paul s role in the mystery being made known to others? 5. What role does the church play in the plans of God? The Church What do we learn about the church from Ephesians 5? 16
6. If church is central to the plans of God, what should our attitude to the church be? 7. What causes us to have a low view of the church? 8. How can you make your life reflect that church is central to your life? Write down prayer points, 1. For each other in your growth group, 2. For friends and family you are sharing your life and the gospel with, and 3. For the life of church as a whole. Growth Group Members. Family and Friends. Church Life Read the key verse. How would you put into your own words what we learn here about God? Pray together that God would help us to grow in our trust in Him. For Sunday s bible talk and next week s study read... Ephesians 3:14-21 Friday Mar 23 -- Lakeshore Youth Family Party Saturday Mar 24 -- Church Working Bee Sunday Mar 25 -- Kids Alive United! 17
8 New Life in Love Everyone in the group has had a chance to prepare their own testimony and practice telling it at least once. Has anyone had a chance to tell all or part of their story to anyone else outside the group during the last 8 weeks? What do people s prayers show about what they think is important? 1. Why does Paul pray? Ephesians 3:20-21 Study Eight Ephesians 3:14-21 The new family God has created will know his love & power & is confident of an answer because God is a God of love & power. 2. What does Paul pray for? 3. What does it mean to be rooted and established in love? 4. What do we learn about the role of the three persons of the Trinity in prayer? 5. Why does pray so confidently? See verses 20-21 Pauls Prayer Compare this prayer with Paul s prayer in 1:15-23. 18
6. Why is it important to pray according to God s will? 7. How can we pray according to God s will? 8. What will you pray for other Christians this week? Write down prayer points, 1. For each other in your growth group, 2. For friends and family you are sharing your life and the gospel with, and 3. For the life of church as a whole. Growth Group Members. Family and Friends. Church Life Read the key verse. How would you put into your own words what we learn here about God? Pray together that God would help us to grow in our trust in Him. For Sunday s bible talk and next week s study read... Easter Outreach: 4 talks about Jesus April 1, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and April 15 Sunday 15th April -- Commissioning Service for New Service at 9am Church Sunday 22nd April -- New Service 1st Service 19
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Your Testimony A testimony is an honest and accurate account of God working in your life to bring you to Jesus. Everybody who has become a Christian has a unique, interesting and powerful testimony. Things to keep in mind. 1. It is personal, not preachy. You are opening your heart to reveal how God has dealt with you. Be wary of making generalisations from your specific circumstances. 2. It is short. About four to five minutes should be enough to cover the facts. Approximately 750-1000 spoken words. 3. It keeps Jesus central. It is Jesus who has done the work in our lives so he deserves the attention. 4. It uses the Bible. Bible verses that show how God has worked in your life give a sharper explanation to your story. Preparing a Testimony 1. Before a. What was my life like before I received Jesus? - Give one or two incidents that give genuine insight into your values, the direction of your life, thoughts about God and the lifestyle you lived. - Be careful not to glory in your past sins. b. When did you first become aware of God working in your life? - What did he do? - Detail the way God worked I your life until the time you become a Christian. 2. How a. How did you come to understand the gospel? - Share what Jesus did for you at the cross? - Share the significance of His rising. b. How did I receive Jesus? - Explain how you realised your position and need. - Explain how God opened your heart and life to Him. - Include a verse that explains what happened 3. After a. What changed after you received Jesus? - Attitudes and desires and values - Actions and habits - Relationships b. What are my goals and ambitions now? - Share how God is leading you - Share what key things you have learned in following Him - Share what the direction of your life is now and what you want it to be 21
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